Breeze perspectives : (Almost) everything you wanted to know about being a freshman
We can’t spoil all the surprises of your first year, now can we?
Posted on August 30, 2007
This is my fourth fall at JMU and I want to share with all newly-arrived freshmen a little of what I’ve learned so far and send a few recommendations your way. This is a welcome of sorts from an upperclassman who wasn’t your FROG.
This school has changed since my freshman year when I moved into Eagle, yet I’m still told the elevators are temperamental and it is still hot – really hot. But as a freshman I didn’t spend much time in my dorm, because I was usually asleep some place else on campus. The Carrier Library stacks are a good locale for studying or sleeping but have historically been commandeered by others who decided to engage in…extracurricular activities. Consider yourself warned.
When I was a freshman, Starbucks wasn’t on campus and there was not a 24-hour café like the one opening in the new ISAT library; my options were limited to Java City and the instant gratification offered by the numerous coffee machines on campus. Speaking of coffee, the sooner you learn to drink it, the better shape you’ll be in during finals week.
By the way, the library is in fact open before finals begin, and so are professors’ doors. Go and visit them during office hours. Their knowledge is quite expansive and are usually willing to tell all to those who will listen. Believe it or not, professors were in college once before.
During your four (or more) years, make friends and make memories. I have met my best friends while being at college and throughout our four years, we have created a bond that rivals the “Seinfeld” gang. In fact, one friend is preparing for that life-altering experience known as marriage. His bride to be? A fellow classmate in his freshman year biology class. You never know who you will meet, so be sure to greet everyone with a smile.
Here are a few more ideas. Give a random girl a rose on Valentine’s Day, you’ll probably get a standing ovation and may even receive a pat in the Darts & Pats part of The Breeze. Spend a few afternoons relaxing on the Quad. We all know D-Hall is fantastic, but while you enjoy that second helping of buffalo mash, make a note to visit UREC. The free membership you have while you’re here is worth its weight in gold.
I have been here for eight semesters and after this one, I’ll be leaving to pursue great things (or so I hope). JMU has prepared me to succeed in life and thanks to my experiences, not to mention my friends, I can hold my own in any social or professional situation. Take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. Trust me, in four years, you’ll be glad you did.
Richard Smyth is a senior international affairs major.