The independent voice of the students of Penn State Harrisburg

The Blue & White Journal

The independent voice of the students of Penn State Harrisburg

The Blue & White Journal

The independent voice of the students of Penn State Harrisburg

The Blue & White Journal

A Look at Penn State Harrisburg: College Freshmen Trying to Thrive in Their First Year

The Resilience and Confidence of today’s college students taking on the start of university
Student+working+on+programming+
Marco Alicandri
Student working on programming

    The first semester of college can be very exciting and nerve racking for a lot of new students and freshmen.  Every college campus is filled with the energy of a new class of students making their first jump into higher education. The transition from high school to college can be a very important moment in the lives of lots of young people, and it is important to understand how this transition is being taken on. With that being said,  the resilience, confidence, and determination displayed by this year’s freshman class has been a great spectacle to be a part of. 

Adapting to Independence:

     One of the most significant challenges faced by college freshmen is the newfound independence and freedom that comes with living away from their parents. Most students had to manage their own schedules, navigate new social circles, and handle their responsibilities as a new college student. A lot of students now that dont have that day-to-day life with familiar support systems of family and friends are now able to build connections and meet new people.

     Ryder Sneako , a first-year student majoring in business at Penn State Harrisburg, shared his thoughts about his first semester experience by saying, “It’s definitely a big adjustment. No longer living with your parents and living on your own is definitely a weird feeling. No one is telling me what to do and I have to figure out everything on my own. But it’s also a nice feeling  being able to be more independent and self-reliant is also really cool.” 

Managing Time and School Work efficiently: 

     The classwork demands of college courses can be overwhelming to freshmen which might have a requirement of discipline and time management which may have differed in high school. Having multiple classes, assignments, and exams can definitely be overwhelming, however some students seem to be progressing very well and are able to adapt to the new college environment. 

     Aiden Durante, a computer science major at Penn State Harrisburg, explained, “The workload can be  intense, but I’ve noticed that if you set aside time for studying and doing your course work you can get it done very efficiently.” 

     Universities have recognized the challenges and are creating a lot of different types of support systems to aid freshmen such as time management workshops, study groups, and mentorship programs just to name a few. These support systems for freshman students can and have proven to be very beneficial for a lot of students. 

Embracing Diversity and Building Connections:

     For a lot of universities and campuses , college is like a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and different perspectives. Bridging the gap between those three things can allow people to hopefully form long and friendly relationships with other freshmen around the campus. Making those new connections with a diverse group of people can allow people to foster a sense of community.

     Dean Vichitap, an international relations major at Penn State Harrisburg, emphasized the importance of diversity on campus. “Meeting people from different backgrounds and countries has not only educated me but has shown me all the different perspectives around the world. It’s refreshing to have conversations with people who have different upbringings and experiences. It’s one of my favorite things about being a student here at Penn State Harrisburg.”

The Freshman year Experience and Closing in on the Year

     As the second semester approaches its spring break and eventually the summer break, first-year college students here at Penn State Harrisburg are thinking back on the beginning of their journey. Among the excitement of being away from home, new experiences, and challenges, the freshmen have proven to be very resilient and confident. For many, the transition from high school to college is a significant milestone, marking a new exciting point in life. New experiences are numerous: from learning the campus grounds to developing great time management skills, and also upholding certain academic demands​​.​​These students have faced a lot of challenges and struggles but have prevailed throughout the second semester so far. 

     Despite the initial struggles, the freshman here at Penn State Harrisburg have shown their resilience. Students living in the dorms have made great bonds with roommates and people on their floors. This has created a great and supportive environment essential for making the freshman year of college a great experience. From studying late at night in the common areas, to eating meals together at the busy dining halls, these experiences have made their freshman year a very enjoyable and fun year. 

     Academically, the transition of classes from the first to second semester has been met with confidence. From introductory lectures about a student’s major to decently big workloads the freshmen of Penn State Harrisburg have embraced the academic and personal challenges of college. With the help of professors and academic advisors, they have greatly improved their study skills and have a newfound independence in learning. Extracurricular activities outside of the classrooms have also provided outlets for personal growth and self confidence. Whether joining clubs, participating in intramural sports, or engaging in community service activities, Penn State Harrisburg’s freshmen students have taken full advantage of the opportunities that this campus has to offer.

     As spring break approaches, these freshmen look back on the goals that they have achieved and the challenges they have overcome so far. While there may have been some struggles in the first semester and part of the second, the first year has been filled with fun and exciting times. Their focus and determination has led them onto a good path to success. With the final months of the school year ahead, Penn State Harrisburg’s first-year students can look back and be proud of the year they’ve had so far .

Conclusion:

     As the 2024 school year gets closer to the end, Penn State Harrisburg freshman continue to adapt, learn, and grow. The challenges they face are numerous, but the resilience and confidence displayed by these students are proof of their ability to overcome these obstacles. The transition from high school to college can be a stressful and transformative period, and this year’s class of freshman is showing that they have what it takes to thrive in this new and exciting chapter of our young adult  lives.

Subtitle: The Resilience and Confidence of today’s college students taking on the start of university

 

     The first semester of college can be very exciting and nerve racking for a lot of new students and freshmen.  Every college campus is filled with the energy of a new class of students making their first jump into higher education. The transition from high school to college can be a very important moment in the lives of lots of young people, and it is important to understand how this transition is being taken on. With that being said,  the resilience, confidence, and determination displayed by this year’s freshman class has been a great spectacle to be a part of. 

Adapting to Independence:

     One of the most significant challenges faced by college freshmen is the newfound independence and freedom that comes with living away from their parents. Most students had to manage their own schedules, navigate new social circles, and handle their responsibilities as a new college student. A lot of students now that dont have that day-to-day life with familiar support systems of family and friends are now able to build connections and meet new people.

     Ryder Sneako , a first-year student majoring in business at Penn State Harrisburg, shared his thoughts about his first semester experience by saying, “It’s definitely a big adjustment. No longer living with your parents and living on your own is definitely a weird feeling. No one is telling me what to do and I have to figure out everything on my own. But it’s also a nice feeling  being able to be more independent and self-reliant is also really cool.” 

Managing Time and School Work efficiently: 

     The classwork demands of college courses can be overwhelming to freshmen which might have a requirement of discipline and time management which may have differed in high school. Having multiple classes, assignments, and exams can definitely be overwhelming, however some students seem to be progressing very well and are able to adapt to the new college environment. 

     Aiden Durante, a computer science major at Penn State Harrisburg, explained, “The workload can be  intense, but I’ve noticed that if you set aside time for studying and doing your course work you can get it done very efficiently.” 

     Universities have recognized the challenges and are creating a lot of different types of support systems to aid freshmen such as time management workshops, study groups, and mentorship programs just to name a few. These support systems for freshman students can and have proven to be very beneficial for a lot of students. 

Embracing Diversity and Building Connections:

     For a lot of universities and campuses , college is like a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and different perspectives. Bridging the gap between those three things can allow people to hopefully form long and friendly relationships with other freshmen around the campus. Making those new connections with a diverse group of people can allow people to foster a sense of community.

     Dean Vichitap, an international relations major at Penn State Harrisburg, emphasized the importance of diversity on campus. “Meeting people from different backgrounds and countries has not only educated me but has shown me all the different perspectives around the world. It’s refreshing to have conversations with people who have different upbringings and experiences. It’s one of my favorite things about being a student here at Penn State Harrisburg.”

The Freshman year Experience and Closing in on the Year

     As the second semester approaches its spring break and eventually the summer break, first-year college students here at Penn State Harrisburg are thinking back on the beginning of their journey. Among the excitement of being away from home, new experiences, and challenges, the freshmen have proven to be very resilient and confident. For many, the transition from high school to college is a significant milestone, marking a new exciting point in life. New experiences are numerous: from learning the campus grounds to developing great time management skills, and also upholding certain academic demands​​.​​These students have faced a lot of challenges and struggles but have prevailed throughout the second semester so far. 

     Despite the initial struggles, the freshman here at Penn State Harrisburg have shown their resilience. Students living in the dorms have made great bonds with roommates and people on their floors. This has created a great and supportive environment essential for making the freshman year of college a great experience. From studying late at night in the common areas, to eating meals together at the busy dining halls, these experiences have made their freshman year a very enjoyable and fun year. 

     Academically, the transition of classes from the first to second semester has been met with confidence. From introductory lectures about a student’s major to decently big workloads the freshmen of Penn State Harrisburg have embraced the academic and personal challenges of college. With the help of professors and academic advisors, they have greatly improved their study skills and have a newfound independence in learning. Extracurricular activities outside of the classrooms have also provided outlets for personal growth and self confidence. Whether joining clubs, participating in intramural sports, or engaging in community service activities, Penn State Harrisburg’s freshmen students have taken full advantage of the opportunities that this campus has to offer.

     As spring break approaches, these freshmen look back on the goals that they have achieved and the challenges they have overcome so far. While there may have been some struggles in the first semester and part of the second, the first year has been filled with fun and exciting times. Their focus and determination has led them onto a good path to success. With the final months of the school year ahead, Penn State Harrisburg’s first-year students can look back and be proud of the year they’ve had so far .

Conclusion:

     As the 2024 school year gets closer to the end, Penn State Harrisburg freshman continue to adapt, learn, and grow. The challenges they face are numerous, but the resilience and confidence displayed by these students are proof of their ability to overcome these obstacles. The transition from high school to college can be a stressful and transformative period, and this year’s class of freshman is showing that they have what it takes to thrive in this new and exciting chapter of our young adult  lives.

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

All The Blue & White Journal Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *