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Reflections of the Class of 2007 as College Freshmen

Patricia Capuano - Brown University | Caroline Robertson - Washington College | Amee Amin - Emory University | Relections From the Class of 2006

Patricia Capuano - Brown University

In September, I made the extremely short commute up to Providence and became a college student. Simply stated, Brown is my favorite place on Earth. I say this because of the people, the community, the opportunities, and the chance coming together of all aspects of the college. I would not enjoy Brown if the people were different, or if the culture were not the same; it is the combination of everything that makes the school so amazing to me. Brown is a great place for me, personally, since the environment suits my personality. I know that it is not the right place for everyone, but I truly believe that there is one right place for everyone, and this is mine.

At Brown, there are no core courses, so I can make my college experience, academically at least, whatever I would like it to be. Of course, once you declare a major (by junior year), there are certain requirements that you must complete, but those classes are approximately twelve out of the thirty credits you must earn in order to graduate. There is also a "shopping period," so you are able to visit a class within the first two weeks or so of each semester and decide if it is what you expected. This approach allows you to shape your schedule and be as happy as possible with your classes. For example, with classes in many sections, you can find the professor or teaching assistant that you like best. I have learned that being happy with your professor or teaching assistant is one of the most important aspects of enjoying my course work. It is something that you might not consider, but when the choice of teacher is right, you have a greater opportunity to excel, which brings up the topic of teaching assistants. In my experience, sometimes I learn more from my teaching assistants than I do from my professors. Since they are closer to my age, and offer another perspective, they are usually very helpful and informative. There should not be a stigma associated with them.

Brown also allows you to take any class that you choose as either satisfactory/no credit or for a grade (A/B/C/no credit). Sometimes, taking a class without grades removes the pressure associated with class performance. You may be interested in a class, but not have many skills in the subject, so you can take the class S/NC and simply enjoy learning the material. In addition, some students actually achieve high averages when there is less pressure, and feel that they get more out of the material. One is advised not to take classes that count towards your major as S/NC, but in my opinion, S/NC is a resource that can be used in order to make sure that you learn as much as possible. If you feel more comfortable taking a class that way, then you should. Finally, you cannot fail. Instead, you simply receive no credit and need to make the credits/class up during another semester.

The diverse personalities at Brown offers students the opportunity to make friends with many different people from interesting backgrounds. It is very easy to find whatever social scene suits your personality, and you can easily form a group of friends whom you love. I have about three different groups of friends that I hang out with depending upon my mood. The same theory applies to parties and activities, an extension of the social scene. It is easy to find what you are looking for at any given time. Since everyone is generally content with their classes and their social scene, the general mood on campus is extremely pleasant, which makes it so much easier to learn and enjoy yourself.

Orientation was fun and very well organized. It kept me occupied, and allowed freshmen and new transfers to get used to campus before classes started. I liked being able to move in, and finish stressing out, before starting classes. I enjoyed the program because many things were happening, and I was able to go to whatever interested me.

Although every place on campus is livable, I ended up with the best freshman dorm on campus, so I cannot complain. My roommate is nice and very fun. What I have learned about roommates is that you do not need to be best friends; you just need to be able to live together. I think living together could actually ruin close friendships if you are not similar. You might be frustrated over petty things that really are not that important, but you still really do like each other. Communication is an integral aspect of living with someone else, because no one can read your mind.

Academics here are challenging, but that is expected. The work is completely appropriate if you are willing to focus. It is important to set your priorities straight because you are not on as strict a schedule as in high school. The advising system took some getting used to in the beginning. I was highly acclimated to the close advising system that was provided by Rocky Hill, which was very helpful to me in prep school. The advising at Brown is adequate, but advisors are not as easily accessible as they are at Rocky Hill. The advising experience at Brown is very different, but I feel that it is for the better, because you learn to fend for yourself. Ultimately, I am going to be on my own after college, and need to figure things out for myself.  There are so many great resources at Brown, but you have to take the initiative to set up appointments and go find the help. However, the professors and advisors are more than willing to help you. In fact, they are often excited that you want to meet with them. Connection with your professors definitely helps to make classes less boring. Your favorite professor may not even have you in class. Professors at Brown love helping students, no matter what they are interested in studying.

I felt prepared for college in most respects. The areas in which I felt unprepared were specific to my experience, though, and would not apply to everyone. Each obstacle was easily eliminated, though sometimes with hard work. My best resource is study groups, and simply sitting down and focusing on working any difficult issues. Sometimes, seeking perspectives from fellow classmates or teaching assistants can be most helpful. Often, rereading material at a slower pace than we cover material in class is all that is necessary. It is mostly a case of knowing my personal pitfalls and being aware of potential problems.

As far as extracurricular activities are concerned, there are so many from which to choose at Brown. I found that attending the Club and Activities Fair was very helpful. All of the clubs and organizations are set up in one of the gyms. It was a good place to learn about everything that is offered, and simply sign up for activities to try if they interest you. I am currently signed up to receive e-mails from lots of organizations that I actually do not attend yet. One role that I am actively pursuing is working at the radio station, 95.5 WBRU. I am having a lot of fun volunteering often. I have met a lot of great people, and my involvement brings me a lot of pleasure.

Providence is a great city in which to go to college. Everything is very accessible through public transportation, and there are many conveniences close to campus. Almost anything you might need is within walking distance, especially with the proximity of the mall.

As students go through the college search process, I think it is very helpful to screen your options carefully. Visiting each school is the most important thing you can do, and take notes at every information session and tour. Read key resources before visiting, so that you know what questions to ask during your visit. My best advice for students entering their freshman year is to keep in mind that college is a huge transition. You can never be fully prepared for it, and there will be small things that you would not think will change that do change. It is simply important to have an open mind, and remember that it will all work out in the end. In a few months, you are more comfortable than you could ever imagine. There are so many opportunities and resources at colleges that it is very easy to make any necessary adjustments in order for college life to be as fulfilling as possible.

Caroline Robertson - Washington College

I absolutely love Washington College! My classes are challenging (in a good way), yet it is easy to get everything accomplished because I only have two classes a day, leaving plenty of time for homework and other activities. The courses at RHS definitely prepared me for college academics. I feel that the papers that I was required to write, and the expectations set forth, prepared me for rigorous course work in college. Last semester, I took Intro to Sociology, Fundamentals of Visual Design, Basics of Computing and Exploring America for my required CNW course, which was a lot like Mr. Unger's class. This semester, I am taking Psychology, Political Science, Biology and Traveling the World as my CNW course, all of which seem interesting although it is early in the semester. CNW is an acronym for Community, Nation and World, a unique freshman seminar program at WAC. Freshmen choose a different class for each semester from a broad range of topics that include everything from the History of Classic Guitar to Religion in America. Your first semester class is chosen during Orientation, when you get an overview of the program and the offerings.

The campus at Washington College is very friendly. Adjusting to the social aspects of college life can be difficult, at first, as you try to make friends and find your way around campus, but once you have all the buildings down and a nice group of friends, college life is a blast! The first week is usually the most difficult because you start to realize that you aren't at home anymore, and kids are shy and too nervous to make conversation. It was difficult for me because I couldn't go home until Thanksgiving break because of my soccer season. However, participating on a sports team freshman year does help build relationships faster and easier because you are spending all of your time with your teammates. It was also easy for me to make friends outside of the soccer and lacrosse teams because, in my dorm, there are always people in the hallways, and doors are hardly ever closed. I live with a girl from Columbia, Maryland, and she is amazing. We became really close in the first month we were here at school. If I wanted to, I could choose another roommate at any time. As it turns out, most of my friends are not necessarily on the soccer and lacrosse teams. I am dating the goalie from the mens' lacrosse team, so common interests help me enjoy spending time with him and his teammates. The men and women from varying sports teams often mingle together and have combined parties or formals. The soccer season last fall was not very successful; we still have a lot of work to do and high school players to recruit. Hopefully, next year will be a stronger year for the team as a whole. While playing two sports seasons may sound difficult and very time consuming, it is really excellent discipline, and helps to keep me involved in school life and dedicated to my studies. I would definitely advise incoming freshman to play at least one sport at the college level, because doing so keeps you focused on your academics rather than your social life.

I would encourage anyone who is considering Washington College to visit and spend a night, because it is the best way to truly decide whether or not you will like the college. Chestertown is small, quiet and all about Washington College, but I haven't found the need to travel into town yet. Everything that I need is on campus, and there is a shopping center, including a grocery store and pharmacy, within walking distance of my dorm. There is also a movie theatre about five minutes away, and an outlet shopping center about a half hour away; so anything you might be looking for is accessible within the community. I really do love everything about this school: athletics, social life and the academics!

Amee Amin - Emory University

Emory University has become my new home, and I absolutely love my freshman year in Atlanta, GA. I was initially dreading the transition from East Greenwich, RI to Atlanta, but it could not have been easier. As an international student, I moved in a week earlier and I had a chance to settle in and get adjusted to the new environment before the entire undergraduate classes returned. The freshman orientation program at Emory exceeded my expectations in many ways. Despite having such a large freshman class, the organizers were able to provide individual attention to ensure that every freshman was having a smooth transition. We had numerous mentors/advisers for different parts of our freshman experience: academics, extracurricular activities/campus life, social life, any specific athletic interests, cultural groups etc. Whether they were members of the administration, faculty, or even upperclassmen, everyone made the extra effort in welcoming our freshman class.
 
At Emory, I am a pre-med student with an undeclared major so far. I am looking into Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, and hope to declare that as my major by my sophomore year. As far as classes go, I had a typical load with four 4-credit classes and two 1-credit classes. Depending on the department and the level of the class, the level of difficulty certainly varies. However, for my first few classes at Emory, I was certainly well prepared. Rocky Hill School 's Harkness program, along with the frequent class presentations and seminars in which we participated, helped me to create a strong foundation in public speaking, which is a great advantage at college.
 
Regardless of everything happening on a college campus, including a busy social life, athletics, etc., it is still possible to maintain a high GPA and earn good grades as long as you manage your time well. I joined a dance team my freshman semester that competes nationally, so I travel all over the country at least 3-4 times a semester, sometimes quite close to exam week. The same applies to athletes who plan on participating in college level athletics. This is why it is important that you take the time to plan your schedule so that it allows you to be involved in all the extracurriculars in which you want to participate, while maintaining your grades. These activities are definitely a huge time commitment, but with good time management skills it is possible to balance the two. It also helps if you think ahead while scheduling classes to make sure that you have a balanced, manageable schedule. Everyone works differently, so it is important to consider your various options before you map out a cookie-cutter schedule. Emory allowed me to have a schedule that I like and that accomodates all of my dance practices and performances. My professors were very flexible, in that they would lighten my work load during my busiest weeks and usually allow me to reschedule a test or a quiz if I was away for a dance competition. 
 
Freshman year can be the best time in college or the worst, depending on what you make of it. It is a step away from home to an unfamiliar, new environment (no matter how close or far you are from home). It is also an opportunity to meet new people, make new contacts, and enjoy new activities and surroundings, so make the best of it. Don't be intimidated by either the size of your class or the location of your school. Emory University was the last school I visited, the last school to which I applied, the last school from which I had a response, yet it is THE school where I chose to enroll, and I absolutely love it!
 
If you have any other questions regarding Emory University, the pre-med program, arts/dance program or just the college experience in general feel free to contact me anytime at amee.amin@emory.edu

Reflections of the Class of 2006 as College Freshmen

Julia Collins - St. Lawrence University |  Jordan Sack - Brown University |  Bill Shore - Brown University |  Bianca Ursillo - Quinnipiac University

Julia Collins - St. Lawrence University

"My freshman year is going well. I enjoy the professors at SLU. They are very helpful and supportive. The small environment enables students to easily access their professors. College life is very busy. I have been accepted into the position of Community Assistant and oversee a particular dorm floor. I am taking challenging courses, but it is easy to succeed if you keep up with the workload. Currently, I am taking Bio 102, Childhood in Contemporary Culture, Statistics, and Survey of Art. With a pre-vet interest, I plan a double major in Biology and Fine Arts.

St. Lawrence offers some wonderful opportunities, although sometimes you have to dig deep to find them. I have applied for the Tanner Fellowship, which comes with a travel and expense stipend, to intern with the Charles Darwin Foundation in the Galapagos Islands studying sea lions and the effects of tourism on their migration and behavior.

The students who go to SLU are, for the most part, really involved in the community and are interested in making a difference in the world. For some students, their involvement in the community is more important than their grades. St. Lawrence is a great place to attend college if you enjoy a remote setting. The social scene is completely oriented on campus as there is not much to do in Canton. I have made really great friends here who are a lot of fun. There are a ton of parties all of the time, and athletics, especially hockey, play a role in the social scene. If you like to ski, White Face is about 2 ½ hours from campus, so it is hard to get to unless you have a car. There are other smaller ski areas that are closer. We are not too far from Canada, but it is a long drive to Rhode Island. Although I am far from home, I have grown very independent this year.

Please contact me if you are interested in SLU, as I will be happy to answer any questions you have to the best of my ability."

Jordan Sack - Brown University

Brown University has exceeded my expectations in so many ways! I have encountered many people with different ideas, beliefs, and experiences. These interactions have enabled me to learn more about other people and the world around me.

Academically, Brown has enabled me to explore my passions, since the Open Curriculum allows me to take classes in different fields of interest. The pace of the classes at Brown is much faster and covers more material in great depth than at Rocky Hill. However, Rocky Hill has helped me develop a solid background for my classes. Despite the pace of my courses, I enjoy my classes very much because they are classes that I selected as opposed to being absolute requirements. This semester, I am taking biology, chemistry, and two history classes. Since I am in the 8-year Medical Program, I am also taking a class at the Medical School. My professors are very flexible and offer many office hours. What is truly great about Brown is that the professors are often available and even allow us to administer our own exams! The professors are also very receptive to questions during class. My advisor, who was also my professor, is supportive and has helped me to decide which classes I should take.

My roommate is fantastic and we get along really well, except for the minor fact that I like to stay up late. I am also involved in several activities on campus, including religious, political, and administrative organizations. There is always something happening every night at Brown, whether it is a famous lecturer, a big party, or group nights. The only challenge is to avoid spending too much time away from work; otherwise one can fall dangerously behind! Fortunately, I was able to adjust to Brown within a couple of weeks and balance my classes, activities, social life, (and sleep). By the second semester, I had become more comfortable with what “the Brown life” is like and established a routine that made things easier.

There are many current, pressing political issues on campus, but the main ones involve criticism over the upcoming online registration system, and the presence of more conservative speakers to diversify the political spectrum in an environment that is particularly liberal.

Brown is located on College Hill (East Side) in Providence. Even though I am from Rhode Island and have been on the East Side in the past, it is a completely different place when you live and work here, as well as hang out with your friends in the college environment. The one major reason I like Brown is that the community at Brown is so vibrant and open; the community is a warm and comfortable place to go to college. Other reasons include the Open Curriculum and really great professors. Again, the biggest challenge is to not to fall too far behind in class work; otherwise, it is impossible to feel prepared for tests. Rocky Hill School has prepared me well, in that it gave me some valuable background material for several of my classes. If there were one piece of advice I would give to juniors and seniors who are on the college search, it would be to not only take a tour of the school you visit, but also spend a full day and night there. See what the classes, people, and environment are like. Is it a good match for you? Tours aren't the whole story. Finding the right environment was critical for me as I began the college search.

Bill Shore - Brown University

Bill Shore responded to our request for a reflection on his freshman college experience at Brown University by stating that he is enjoying college life; “ there are many more people to meet than in prep school.” Bill has “gained a good number of friends and many are graduate students taking similar classes.” In addition to broadening his social life, Brown is meeting his expectations in terms of course work. “Math courses are challenging and interesting.” Bill feels well prepared for his courses in Logic, Macroeconomics, and graduate-level Algebra, Real Function Theory and Manifolds. He says that his professors are easily accessible for both interesting dialogue and support. Bill has become immersed in the Math Department Undergraduate Group, as well as the Economics Undergraduate Group, Investment Club, Advanced Investment Group and the Chess Club. Bill's strategy for balancing his academics with his extracurricular activities works effectively because his academic work is assigned weekly and he works during the weekends to get it done. Bill's message to our future college freshmen seems to be to get involved in your fields of interest in college, and work hard at your academics to keep life in the balance.

Bianca Ursillo - Quinnipiac University

"I really love it at Quinnipiac University. I can't believe how well I adjusted to living here after going to the same small school my whole life. Quinnipiac University is a really good match for me academically, and I feel that RHS has appropriately prepared me for college-level work. I love the variety of classes that are available here—so far Women's Studies and English have been my favorite classes, mostly due to my amazing professors whom I have created strong bonds with already.

Lots of my friends and family members have been shocked to find out how well I get along with my three roommates. Despite living in the same room, we are not as crammed together as students are in some of the disastrous dormitory rooms I've seen at other schools. For the most part, my roommates and I get along really well and enjoy spending time together.

The hardest part of college life right now is balancing all of my extra-curricular activities with my academics. So far, I have joined QU's Praise to Him Ensemble (gospel choir), Peer Educators, Q30 (tv station), the Women's Group, and just recently acted in “The Vagina Monologues.”

Quinnipiac University also has an amazing location. Located in the quaint little town of Hamde , Connecticut, the campus is very close to New Haven and other more lively towns with plenty to do. We are less than two hours from NYC—which is very convenient for theater buffs like my friends and me! We made three trips to the city last semester and saw two Broadway shows and the Rockettes. Several trips have been planned for this semester as well!

My advice to upcoming freshmen is to join as many clubs/organizations as your schedule allows. Nothing beats homesickness like being busy! Plus, you get to meet a lot of new people from other classes as well."