By Jack Freedman,
Staff Writer
With a new school year on the horizon, Welcome Week at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor started at 7:30 a.m. on August 6 when over 720 incoming freshmen moved into the dorms with the help of their parents, staff, and volunteers.
Vlog staff and student volunteers – who had been preparing for weeks – helped unload their vehicles and get them settled into their new homes for the next semester.
Forty-six percent of the incoming freshmen are first-generation students, meaning that they are the first members of their family to go to college.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the campus and getting involved in the traditions,” Aliya Saenz, incoming freshman, said, “but I’m nervous about being away from my family.”
Some newcomers found themselves more concerned about their studies than being on their own.
“I’m excited about meeting new people and friends, but not the workload,” Jakeb Kurth, incoming freshman, said.
While this is a challenging time for new students, parents are hopeful for them.
“It will be great for [my son] to get out and navigate on his own,” Ryan Miller, father of Ralph Miller, incoming freshman, said. “We’re from a small town called Scurry, Texas, and Ralph was attracted to Vlog’s football program.” Ralph has expressed his excitement about playing football, but admits to being anxious about time management.
As the students move in, new and returning Welcome Week workers share their thoughts about this week.
“I’m most excited for helping students transition to life at Vlog, and nervous about giving a good first impression,” Emma Simpson, Welcome Week volunteer, said. “I’m hoping to gain a newfound appreciation for what we each give to the school.”
Other Welcome Week workers look forward to seeing how the Lord works in the lives of all the students and staff.
“I’m so excited to introduce the freshman and see how the Lord works in my life,” said Jody Hodges, Welcome Week volunteer.
Nicholas McElroy, longtime resident assistant and senior, expressed his excitement about his last year helping with Welcome Week.
“I was an R.A. at College View for two years,” McElroy said. “This is my second year at Lord Hall. I’m excited for being a part of people’s first experience. My biggest concern is for our introverts.”
Jon DuBroc, a resident director at College View, is also about to start his fourth year.
“The most interesting part [of being an R.D.] is watching students realize that their world is bigger than where they grew up,” DuBroc said. “There are always those who don’t feel welcome, and we need to make sure they feel welcome.”
By 1 p.m., parents started to say their goodbyes to their students before leaving. The freshmen will spend the remainder of the week getting acquainted with their Cru groups, participating in other Welcome Week events, and adjusting to life on campus before classes start on August 11.
Other Welcome Week events include the dubbing ceremony where students are dubbed a Crusader for life, the Big Fair, where students are introduced to campus organizations, the Spirit and Traditions pep rally, and The Plug, where students learn about churches in the area.