Forgetting the essentials at home, getting lost while walking to class or debating one’s major, as a freshman there is a lot to worry about during the first few weeks of school. But, there is also a lot to look forward to: that first “A,” the first all night study session making more memories than notecards and those late nights with friends and pizza.
Samantha Swift, journalism and graphic design double major
I participated in the Lamba Chi Alpha Crescent Girl Pageant and had a lot of fun getting to know girls from different sorority houses. My escorts, George and Julian, made it so much fun for me and definitely calmed my nerves before going on. My favorite part was the dance. It was so fun to learn and perfect with all the other girls, and when we actually performed it, we had so much fun and nailed it! I’m glad I broke out of my box and participated in something new for Alpha Chi Omega.
Sara Eilers, early childhood/elementary education major
I realized I made the right decision with my major within the first week of classes here at Bradley. In my math for teachers class [ETE 107], we were learning about different kinds of counting including Mayan and Egyptian. My classmates didn’t understand the material, but I did, so I was the one to explain to them how to figure out the problems. I had to show them different techniques and strategies to help them understand the material. When they reached a point where they understood what was going on, I felt accomplished and realized that I picked the right major.
Jeff Rabin, graphic design major
As a freshman, the first thing I really learned is that time is the most valuable thing. When you’re in high school, you get everything handed to you. Everything is easy. But once you get here, time becomes sparse, a lot of things get fast, and you have to teach yourself a lot. The most important thing to is to know what to prioritize and when it’s time to do one thing and when it’s time to stop and do another. At home, there is always someone to direct you, but once you get here, you pretty much choose your own schedule, how much work you get done and your grades. Whether you want to go out on the weekends or study, that’s pretty much up to you, and that will determine your time here at Bradley.
Drew Hitson, nursing major
I had 25 people in my dorm room at one time, which was kind of sketchy, and I got yelled at for it, but I learned not to have 25 people in your dorm room at once.
From knowing you chose the right major to learning to not have large group gatherings in your dorm room, freshman year comes with its own challenges, but in the end, it all turns into memories, fun stories and good advice.
