By Lyndsey Gilpin
After traveling three hours from Hazard, Ky. to the University of Louisville, freshman biology major Milicent Fugate found herself quite overwhelmed by the diversity of the city.
She said she was confused by the giggles about her thick accent and the hundreds of girls at sorority recruitment who were so different from anyone she had ever met. But, according to Fugate, she has taken to the situation well and like many other freshmen, has now found herself enjoying college more than she ever thought she could.
Many freshmen at U of L have come from small towns like Fugate. The fact that the school is such a diverse community and there are so many opportunities and organizations that were never available to them before has been a shock to many freshmen.
“In Hazard, everyone knew each other and did pretty much the same things,” said Fugate. “We all went to the movies when we wanted to ‘go out’ and walked around Wal-Mart instead of a mall. It’s such a difference seeing what the students do here.”
However, many other students went to high schools in Louisville and loved the city too much to leave it when it came time for college. Such was the case with Patrick Rademaker, a freshman studio arts major.
“This city is great. I wanted to stay here, but I was worried at first that I would feel the same as in high school,” said Rademaker. “But I almost feel like I’m out of town sometimes. Living away from home is the key.”
Many freshmen live on or near campus and feel it is the most important part of a college experience. Fugate has found living in a dorm has allowed her to meet new people and hear about ways to get involved on campus.
This year’s freshmen class has been touted as the largest and most “academically gifted” in the school’s history. Many freshmen from this class, like Megan Albritton, a freshman undecided major, are finding the transition to college life came easier than expected.
“My high school was challenging, so adjusting to this workload wasn’t difficult. I live in the library some weeks, but I have really good grades so far,” said Albritton.
“It’s hard to balance my social life and academics sometimes, but it can definitely be done if you try hard.”
Several other freshmen said the hardest part about schoolwork is simply the effort. There are fewer grades to count on, so each assignment is more important.
Though academia is the cornerstone of a successful college career, some freshmen have said the social aspects of college may be the most exciting. Balancing parties, organizations and school is an acquired skill, but some freshmen have become a part of Greek life and feel it motivates them even more.
“I’m a Chi Omega and being a part of it has helped me become more involved in the community, make close friends in such a small amount of time and has forced me to become involved on campus,” said Albritton.
Others, like Fugate, have become involved in Freshman LEAD, L-Raisers and other campus groups.
Especially for students who do not live on campus, like Leigh Anne Hendricks, becoming involved is important to feel like a part of the school.
“I live 5 minutes away from campus, but being in a sorority and attending meetings for other things at the school makes all the difference,” said Hendricks, a freshman nursing major. “Otherwise, I’d feel disconnected.”
Whether they’ve managed to, freshmen must adjust somehow to college life, and for students like Fugate, it seems as though the teachers and parents were right all along.
“There’ll always be the people who party all the time and the people who come just to study,” said Fugate. “But it’s how you make it, definitely.”
