As the semester continues, freshmen have used this time to get adjusted to campus. Many have learned the tips and tricks of navigating college life, while others are still learning.
Classes, clubs and campus events all factor into the stressful, but exciting college experience.
Gianna Rodriguez, a freshman ASL English interpreting major from New York, said she enjoys being in a place that is not like her home.
“It’s different, but all my friends travel for college, so we’re all having new experiences,” Rodriguez said. “It feels homey and I was able to assimilate really easily into college life.”
Gianna Catanzarite, a freshman exploratory major, said Kent State is an inclusive space where she can be herself.
“In high school, there’s a big thing about fitting in and being a certain way, but I feel like I’m just being me and that’s good,” Catanzarite said. “Don’t stress about how you are going to fit in, you will find your people.”
Students like Owen Easterling, a freshman accounting major, said he didn’t find the transition into college as easy.
“As soon as a month hit, I had papers due and speeches to write,” Easterling said. “It’s been much easier now that I have gotten adjusted.”
Easterling attributed his adjustment to learning how to manage his time better.
Chloe Seeley, a freshman fashion merchandising major, handles the workload of her classes with time-management skills, such as using a planner and making to-do lists.
“My list is for events I have throughout the day and then my planner, I’ll put what I have to do,” Seeley said. “I definitely think I can handle the workload, but sometimes I do feel overwhelmed because I am involved in a lot of clubs.”
Seeley and other freshmen found joining clubs has helped them meet new people and has provided many unique opportunities to grow within their academics.
“I’m meeting people that I wouldn’t be connecting with if I didn’t join them, and I love interacting with new people,” Rodriguez said.
Easterling is a member of an on-campus entrepreneurship club and has the opportunity to go to a convention in Tampa for an invention the club created.
Seeley also recalled an opportunity for her to be a part of her first fashion show. The experience is one of her favorite memories this semester and is one she will never forget.
“I got to make my own design and walk the runway,” Seeley said. “I was just so happy with what I was doing, and I can’t wait to do this more in the future.”
Professors have also influenced freshmen’s experiences so far.
“I thought they would be a lot more rude and less lenient, but they are all nice, very helpful and understanding,” Catanzarite said. “It was different, but a good difference from what I thought they would be like.”
Easterling said he came into college looking to make a connection with his professors and said he was surprised he was able to do so even in big lecture classes.
With their primarily positive experience during the first half of the semester, these freshmen said they are excited to continue their college years at Kent State.
“I know that things will continue to change, and I’ll find more people, more places to become involved and just feel at home,” Rodriguez said. “The time has gone so fast, but it’s fun, so I’m looking forward to the future and what is to come.”
Adrianna Quinlan is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
