For many students, the first year of college marks the first time they have lived independently and away from home. In my case, not only was I away from home, but I was also extremely far from it. I grew up on the West Coast and had never left the state, so coming to Swarthmore was a massive leap for me. I was both worried and excited about how different the people and environment would be. Would I be able to connect with people? Could I successfully integrate myself into college life? I felt a nervous excitement building, even as I set foot on campus for move-in day.
Thankfully, freshman orientation was there to save my life.
Right off the bat, our whole class gathered on the lawn near Magill Walk to participate in obligatory ‘get-to-know-me’ activities. We found our birthday twins, learned who had siblings, and who shared our opinions on dessert. While at first many people were slightly reserved, as the activity progressed, they became drawn into its silliness and loosened up, engaging with others. It really broke the tension and commenced an orientation full of new friends and discovery.
From there, we were divided into our orientation groups to have lunch and meet one another. Groups consisted of a random assortment of ten students, and we all had orientation leaders who were sophomores or older, there to facilitate our transition. I really appreciate the concept of orientation groups, and a composition of ten students is perfect. The small size really provided a comfortable atmosphere to introduce yourself and learn more about the school and your peers. Food is also always a source of community, so although our boxed lunches may have been slightly lacking, there was something about chatting over a meal that really brought us together.
Speaking of food, the Dining Center was a central space during orientation. Since it returning students had not returned to campus yet, everyone you saw when you stepped into the dining hall were just as new as you. That first week, I ate with a few kids from my orientation group and some students I had met during the first activity; however, I also made it a game to walk in and ask to sit with random people. This took a lot of courage at first, but I would say by the third time it was easy. No one ever seemed apprehensive about my request; everyone was more than excited. By following this, I got to know many people from various states and with diverse interests. While some of these people were added to my list of individuals with whom I exchange smiles and waves when I walk by, some became my absolute closest friends.
As the orientation went on, there were so many activities and events for students to meet and socially interact. There was also abundant support for first-generation and low-income students. There was a special lunch for us to meet the community, and educational events were held to help us navigate financial aid and utilize resources on Swarthmore’s campus. I think it was extremely helpful that orientation was a whole week as well. Our week was packed with events and activities, meaning by the end, I had spent so much time with my new friends that I felt like we had known each other for so much longer. The ceremony of first collection served to further cement this connection, and I truly began to feel the meaning of the Swarthmore family. When the following Monday rolled around, other students arrived, and classes started, that initial nervous excitement had evolved into just pure excitement.
