LBC's Freshman Action Team eases college transition

27 freshman have signed up so far.

By Jimmy Hibsch

Published Sept. 10, 2010

The Legion of Black Collegians' Freshman Action Team began recruiting members this week, providing another method of easing the transition from high school to college.

F.A.T., which started last year with about 12 members, is a subdivision of LBC consisting of black freshmen that perform community service projects and participate in mentoring programs, F.A.T. Chairwoman Chloe Alexander said.

"F.A.T. is basically a group of nothing but freshmen that put together events across campus all throughout the year," Alexander said.

This week, LBC began recruiting this year's members by hosting a variety of events, ranging from a "Rep Yo City" night to a community service program with the Boys and Girls Club of Columbia on Saturday. Communications Chairwoman Ashley Edwards said LBC tried to seek out activities freshmen would enjoy as a means of increasing attendance. So far 27 freshmen have signed up, but Alexander said she expects more than 40 to join.

"We have a bunch of social education events with the intention of getting the freshmen out to hear about the team," Edwards said. "When they come in to school they don't know about it. We want them to participate and know the program is out there."

Edwards said she hopes this week's events will also improve relations between freshmen and upperclassmen. Given the relaxed nature of the event, she said she expects this to happen at Friday's Game Night.

"We try to get each freshman to click with an upperclassmen so they can have a mentor," Edwards said. "It eases the transition from not being at home."

Edwards said F.A.T. will produce a book documenting their growth which it will present at the Big 12 Conference on Black Student Government Feb. 24 to Feb. 27 at MU.

Freshman Shonté Reed said she plans to get involved with the organization in order to get affiliated with LBC.

"I figured as being a part of LBC, F.A.T. would be a good start for getting used to the organization and to the people," Reed said.

Alexander was a member of F.A.T. her freshman year and said she can vouch for its effectiveness.

"This campus is so huge, and being in F.A.T. made it a lot smaller," Alexander said. "Knowing the campus more and knowing a lot of upperclassmen who were always there to help me out and show me the path, that's what I got out of F.A.T."

Because of her positive experience with the team, Alexander said she wanted to reciprocate for this year's freshmen.

"I had so much fun with it last year and I was like, 'Why not take on the job?'" Alexander said. "I wanted to show freshmen what it is like at Mizzou. I love Mizzou, and I love to have fun, and that is basically what F.A.T. is. It is the perfect job for me."

Alexander said she plans to hold meetings every Wednesday at 5 p.m., but she has not determined the location as of yet. One of her goals is to increase the group's numbers so she encourages any interested freshman to come to the meeting.

"My biggest goal is for a lot of freshmen to get involved this year," Alexander said. "I want the team to continue to grow year after year. It's really important for freshmen to get involved around campus, and this is the perfect organization for freshmen to do it."