Freshmen unite through FIU’s common reading program

Ashley-Anna Aboreden/Contributing Writer

This summer, FIU’s incoming freshmen had their first college assignment: to complete their freshman reading. This is known as FIU’s Common Reading Program. Rather than an ordinary homework assignment, freshmen reading is intended to unite incoming students, as well as encourage them to push forward as they begin a new chapter in their lives.

Freshmen students attending this year’s Freshmen Convocation, taken by Clarissa Martinez/PantherNOW.

This year, FIU chose Adam Braun’s autobiography, “The Promise of a Pencil.” This book discusses 30 mantras, such as “get out of your comfort zone,” “know that you have a purpose,” and “practice humility over hubris.” Each mantra dives into a deep life lesson and encourages its readers to pursue their dreams and passions. Not only is “The Promise of a Pencil” an inspirational autobiography, it is a powerful book that influences its readers to pursue good and to never give up, creating a positive mindset in freshmen as they enter this new season in their lives.

Incoming freshman and computer science major, Mark Guadalupe, had the opportunity to read “The Promise of a Pencil” this summer.

“I believe that this novel encourages the reader to take on challenges in their life, regardless of any difficulty or obstacle that is presented,” Guadalupe said. “If you have a dream or a vision to accomplish something, you should do whatever it takes to fulfill it. Overall, the novel was very relatable and sparked courage into me to fulfill what fate has set for me.”

Not only did the novel inspire Guadalupe on an intellectual level, it also encouraged him to take a leap of faith and become involved with a club at FIU. This is just one example of how FIU’s Common Reading Program impacts incoming freshmen and allows for them to begin their college life with a greater goal in mind.

Esdras Lopez, a sophomore in biomedical engineering, also had the privilege to participate in the Common Reading Program when he was a freshman.

“Overall, the selection my year was thought-provoking, intense, and inspiring,” Lopez said. “I learned a lot in terms of current events and global awareness, but the most important lesson that I carried throughout freshman year was that of the author’s resolve and persistence to never give up even in the face of the hardest of times.”

This year, to unite and to have an even greater impact, FIU is bringing the author of this year’s Common Reading, Adam Braun, to both the MMC and BBC campus. He will be giving an inspirational lecture to any student interested on Nov. 1 at MMC and Nov. 2 at BBC. This is a great way for FIU students to come together and begin their college experience involved and informed.