First Impressions

CLOCK PHOTO / JEN TEPPER

Move in day is over, classes have begun, and roughly 800 new faces have begun their tenure here at Plymouth State University.  While some are thriving in this new environment, others are simply trying to find their feet here and adapt to the many changes that college life brings to the table:

“What have you enjoyed doing most during your brief time here? Why did you enjoy it?”

“I enjoyed mostly the freedom of meeting new people. It’s such a series of life changing events that can really shape who you are in the future. It teaches you a certain level of discipline and fun. If you can manage that, I feel like the next four years of my life will be something to really look back on.” - Mike McAloon

“Has making new friends here proved easy or relatively difficult for you? Why?”

“It was difficult making friends on my own. However, when my roommate introduced me to her group of friends I found myself surrounded by people. It was difficult because I was afraid of initiating conversations with new people.” - Cassie Pearson

“Is life on campus different from what you expected?  If so, how?”

“Yes. It’s different in a lot of ways. I’m away from home, so the list of responsibilities has gotten longer. Also, it’s only the second week, so I’m still trying to find my way around. [The biggest change for me] has been the eating hours at the dining hall, because it has changed my eating schedule.” - Marina Barry

“What are you most excited for/concerned about during your college experience?”

“I’m excited to learn more about my major and to meet people with the same similar interests that I have. Right now I’m not concerned about anything! I’m also excited to keep running cross country and to keep competing for PSU!” – Rileigh Goulette

“Are you adjusting well to a college course load or has it proved to be more difficult than you anticipated?”

“I’m adjusting well but I never really studied in high school, so that probably has to change. In fact, I am dying for a study group to attend.” – Maddie Svopa

Even though everyone had their own individual question, all of them seemed to display the same excited nervousness first-year students are known to have. Moreover, everyone seems to be enjoying their stay here so far, and considering that these new students are still getting their feet wet in the college lifestyle, it is pretty impressive that a majority of them seem to be open and willing to broaden their horizons. Will they triumph over the challenge that is college? Or will many of them find that this experience is simply too much for them to handle? In any case though, each one of them seems to be ready and willing to give it the “old college try.” Hopefully their first impressions are positive as everyone on campus is eager to see if these young greenhorns can adapt to Plymouth State University.