Posted October 9, 2013 by
Tags: Spiritual Life Student Activities My Wheaton
First Month at Wheaton
Being a freshman at any college is an exciting step in your life, but there are also many questions to be answered. Am I going to like my roommate? Are the other students going to be nice? Will I like my classes? For the freshman arriving on campus, these questions are likely the same. However, only a month into the first semester and the feel has completely changed.
For Hannah Hacker `17, when thinking of her first month at Wheaton the words, “Supportive, alive, and challenging” came to mind. As one freshman student said, “the campus atmosphere is friendly, tight-knit, and faith-based.” It doesn’t get much better than that! Wheaton is unlike any other school when it comes to welcoming in the new class of students.
My first week at Wheaton was a roller coaster ride for me. I was both unsure about being in a new place, but also excited to meet new people and find out what it’s like to be a part of the Wheaton community. The stereotypical idea of freshmen in our culture is that they are the young, naïve students, looked down upon in high schools and colleges. It was not until I had arrived at Wheaton that I would have ever imagined hearing the chant, “We love freshman!” as I walked through campus. The moment I heard all the upper class students yelling it repeatedly was the instant I knew that Wheaton was different from all other schools. These students were not only welcoming the new class, they were excited to have this new group of students on campus. Now as a sophomore, I have the opportunity to be a part of this welcoming cheer echoing throughout the first all-school communion.
Besides getting into the groove of classes the freshman have been jumping right into numerous activities that include, eating in downtown Wheaton, going to Chicago, studying with friends at the Stupe, our campus grill, as well as Bro-Sis activities with their dorm floors. In past years Wheaton has created an exceptional orientation week that has become popular among the incoming students. Multiple freshman students noted that they loved the freshman night of worship during this welcome week. It is such an indescribable feeling having the opportunity to worship for the first time with other students. Knowing that the people in your class share the same faith as you is a reassuring feeling, especially in a new life setting. The best part is that this feeling continues throughout your time at Wheaton. During all school chapel, all school communion, and class worship nights you have the chance to worship side by side with your peers. I know that I will be thankful for this opportunity for the rest of my life.
Check out these highlights from Orientation!