Student Spotlight: Oriana Halverson, U.S. Army

Pomona All Women Cohort

What was your educational experience prior to WSP? Would you consider yourself a confident student?

I completed a few online college classes several years ago. I am relatively confident about academics. 

Had you participated in any sort of virtual learning before? If so, how does your WSP experience compare to that?

Yes, online college. But we operated entirely using blackboard/chatrooms and no Zoom calls. It was great being able to talk directly with the Professors face-to-face and develop more of a rapport during the WSP course.

Why were you excited to participate in WSP this summer?

I was pretty nervous about transitioning to a rigorous university after completely forgetting about all things academic for the past seven years. I was really excited to have an opportunity to learn from other veterans who’ve already successfully made this transition, as well as work on many of the skills that would benefit me as I start college.

What have you learned so far that you think will be helpful as you pursue your degree?

I have learned how to analyze and engage with complex texts, prepare for seminars, organize my materials, and take advantage of the resources available on campus and online.

What was your favorite session, and why?

It was probably the final seminar when we discussed the previous readings and tied it all together with our experiences as service members. This seminar is when the information first started to really come together.

Are there any instructors or fellows who have made a difference for you at WSP?

Every single fellow and instructor was great!

Is WSP having any effect on how confident you feel as a student?

I definitely feel that I can better picture myself completing the transition first semester. I also learned much more about all the resources at my disposal that I previously didn’t know existed.