Almost all of us have been there… freshman year. It is a time of change, expectations, new adventures, hard classes, dorm life, and so much more. It’s a new chapter that both excites and terrifies. It is a world of unknown, but a place to make your own. It is simply freshman year.
According to the US Census Bureau, approximately 19.7 million individuals enrolled in a college or university in 2011; 20 years ago it was only 14.4 million (not that 14.4 million is a small number by any means) . Campbell had 1,077 new students. We caught up with a few to see what they thought so far of college life and Campbell.
One of the biggest adjustments that students have is the classes. College classes offer a much different environment than high school classes.
Meredith Clark, a Business Administration major, said the biggest difference in high school and college were the classes. “We covered everything in math I learned in high school, in the first two days of class here,” Clark said. “Although, I don’t find it intimidating.”
College and classes are also different in that one has more freedom.
KT Underwood, an Athletic Training major, said “I love being able to study what I want.”
College is certainly a time to find one’s niche. You can choose the classes you take, to a certain extent. There are still requirements, of course; however, there is considerably more of freedom in college.
Despite the amount of freedom and exciting classes college has to offer, it can still be hard to transition. Some have difficulties while others embrace it full heartedly.
Sarah Roberson, a Trust and Wealth Pre-law major, said “my favorite thing about college is getting to meet all kinds of people. In high school, it was the same kind of people, but in college it’s not.”
Some freshman were shocked at how easy it was to transition to college life.
“I was surprised that it wasn’t as difficult to get started and to get used to being in college” Underwood said after being asked what was one of the unexpected things about her freshmen year “people make college out to be really difficult and really hard, but I have had an easy time transitioning.”
“College is harder, but not by that much!” Morgan Cotton, a Communication Pre-law major said, making college sound like a breeze.
Even though the transition may not be too hard for many, and college is fun and exciting, there are still things that are missed.
A group of students all exclaimed that they missed nothing from high school; however, Cotton added, “Well nothing except for the home cooked food and family.”
Campbell becomes a home to many, creating a sense of belonging and closeness for freshman. They don’t easily get lost. Clark says that her favorite thing is the Campbell environment and how much the professors care about you.
“Being a freshman at Campbell is a learning experience, and there is so much to take in: from classes, activities, and meeting tons of new friends. It may be a handful, but there are many people available to help you grow. It is also good to know that there are people here to help you grow spiritually as well. It’s like a breath of fresh air,” said Simone Brown, a Biology Pre-Professional major.
Students come to Campbell wanting a certain experience. For Rayvon Walker, a Political Science Major, that is exactly what this school is doing.
“What I expected was to come to a place where I can get the tools I needed to be successful. I wanted to come to place that was centered around Christ. Also, I wanted to come in order to continue to grow and mature. So far, Campbell is meeting my expectations!” Walker said,
Of course, there are so many more aspects of a freshman’s life, and everyone is different. Some are social butterflies and others are consumed with school. Some have a fabulous dorm life and others get roommates from… well that’s another story. The point is, is that being a freshman is only for a year, and is such an exciting time. They are on an adventure and hopefully enjoy the ride. Good luck class of 2017!!
A look at the Class of 2017*
Size: 877
Average GPA: 3.77
Average SAT (3-part): 1562
Average ACT (composite): 22
Female: 56%
Male: 44%
Minorities: 30%
In-state students: 80%
Out-of-state: 18%
International: 2%
*Data only for freshman students.
Written by: Marisa Linton
Interviews by: Hunter Tadlock, Marisa Linton, and Joanna D’Ancona
Pictures by: Emily McIntosh and Joanna D’Ancona
PineBurr Blog 