By Kaitlyn Bonomo
Staff Writer
The College is opening up for the fall semester under circumstances like never before, as this semester is the first with in-person classes for both freshman and sophomores.
"I am really having fun. I'm high on life,” said Paisley Wishart, a sophomore marketing major. “I love just walking around campus, people look so happy and there are so many [people] around. I see all potential friends!”
Though this semester is the first time many of the College’s sophomores have been on campus, they know what to expect academically from two semesters of online classes at the College.
"I walked through campus with my friend to find my classes, so I know where all of the buildings I have to go to are. I'm gonna show up early and sit in front of the class so I can pay attention and succeed,” Wishart said. “Sitting in the front will make sure I'm never going on my phone, which is way easier to get away with on Zoom."
Alyssa Caruso, a sophomore speech pathology major, said she is most excited to meet new people on campus and is looking to make new friends. Although she is maintaining positive spirits for her college experience, Caruso described her move-in to Eickhoff as less than ideal.
“I didn’t really know what to expect since I’ve never been to campus,” she said. “Unfortunately for my roommate and myself, it was a horrible experience. Our dorm was unkempt and filthy. I found almonds in the shower and hair still in the drain.”
Despite her unfortunate rendezvous with the almonds, Caruso said she enjoyed connecting with people during her Welcome Week, “Every event I went to, everyone was so nice and kind.”
Welcome Week is often compared to “TCNJ summer camp,” as students get to know their classmates and peers while making friends through their next four years before starting classes through activities such as karaoke and silent disco.
"Welcome Week was beyond my expectations,” said Vinisha Patel, a freshman biology major. “I made so many new friends and we have so many group chats going at this point, so it’s been a great time!”
Hannah Kates, a freshman health and exercise science major, explained the high demand for many of the Welcome Week activities.
“A lot of the events filled up quickly, leaving many students not being able to participate, but the events I got to take part in were very appealing,” she said. “My favorites included silent disco, the hypnotist and welcome mat painting.”
Under more similar circumstances to sophomore students than ever before, many of the College’s freshmen look to establish themselves on campus and make the best of the next four years.
“I was excited to make new connections and meet new people,” said Lily Collins, a freshman secondary special education and history major. “My expectations were pretty accurate as to how it has been so far. I did not expect the heat in the dorms though.”
Kates shared similar concerns with Collins about the hot conditions in the dorm buildings.
“I knew the freshman dorms did not have air conditioning, but this is a different level of heat,” said Kates. “Thankfully it seems to be cooling off every day, but those first couple of days were, in Olivia Rodrigo's words, brutal.”
Although the hot conditions in the dorm rooms are less than ideal, many students at the College are making the best of it.
Patel explained the positive vibes given off from the campus as everyone is eager to socialize after isolation from the pandemic.
“We have so much energy and the need to make connections since we have all been held up in our home towns,” she said. “It has been amazing to meet people from all different backgrounds.”
In addition to making connections with their classmates, freshmen and sophomores at the College have made connections with their Community Advisors (CAs) and Orientation Leaders (OLs), who are enthusiastic to take the freshman under their thumb.
“They have big personalities and very obvious love for TCNJ,” said Bella Carmona-Ramirez, a freshman undeclared general major.
“They are honestly probably our second, third AND fourth moms,” said Patel, referring to her OL and CAs. “Lots of moms to have, but we all need it! Our CA has been so welcoming, nice and understanding. She's always hyping us up and making sure we are taken care of, which is so great as we are all at least mentally far away from home.”
Collins said her OLs encouraged her to participate in activities — including the tradition of jumping in the Science Complex fountain.
“I did jump in the fountain. Not once, not twice but THREE times,” Patel recalled. “It was a great time, but the fountain was deeper than I expected!”
Michael Gillen, a senior elementary education and English major, looks back on jumping in the fountain his freshman year.
“It was definitely an experience,” he said. I think it’s a really great bonding experience to look back on. Hoping to be jumping in again in May!”
Although freshmen and sophomores had a unique start to their college experience, many are spreading their excitement throughout campus and are adjusting to their new home at the College.
“The campus is beautiful, and to be able to call TCNJ home is something I take pride in,” Kates said.
