With the new year starting, excited freshmen anticipate all different kinds of experiences. The new class joining the University of Idaho shared what they are looking forward to most this year. Whether it be uncomfortable or homely, the new year welcomes those who are ready to experience new things.
When asked, overwhelmingly, freshmen are most excited to meet new people. Meryanna Farrin, a freshmanmajoring in English, said she is ready to know more people and is enjoying the Moscow vibes. As the majority of Idaho is rural, it is common for young adults to be eager in finding a more diverse group. The university enrolled over 12,000 students this fall, making it easy for people to find friends.
Forming new friendships, developing new skills and even developing a new personality, can all be outcomes that accompany a new school year. Experiencing new things is what makes college so special.
Along with developing new friends, students can develop new knowledge. Freshmen coming from high school can now focus on topics that they have an interest in. The second most common thing that freshmen are looking forward to is their classes. Rianne Huelett, a psychology major and Nelly Shaper, a freshman going into political science, both stated that their classes are the things they look forward to the most.
An ability to focus on a specific major or topic is another example of what makes college so desirable. Despite these students pursuing quite different fields, the autonomy college brings makes them similar. This freedomthat freshmen inhabit can bring them closer together and create a welcoming and positive experience for everyone.
Despite the positivity that can radiate through campus in a new year, some students are already struggling. For example, Nessa Morales, a first-year medical science major, explains that she is already ready for the year to end. “College is hard, and being in STEM kind of makes it harder” Morales shares. “I just look forward to seeing how I overcome obstacles.” Morales’ insight shows the scary side of the new year.
College is more intense and focused than secondary schooling. Many students tend to focus on all the good and put aside their academics. Those like Morales understand the already increasing workload introduced to them. Luckily, since the beginning of the year is so fresh, Morales still has a good attitude about it. The zeal that freshmen like Morales exhibits can inspire upperclassmen and professors alike.
This good mood that freshmen have shown can hopefully predict what the rest of the year will be like. Overall, most freshmen have the ability to take their hardships in stride. Being able to get an inside look at the new students’ ambitions may give hope to others who may be struggling. Many freshmen reading this article right now may have nothing they are excited about. However, these examples of people going through hardship and making it out can be the difference between loving college and despising it. Between the examples of these individuals and the ones around campus, excitement is contagious for the new year.
Tilly Magness can be reached at [email protected]