As a second semester senior, I have been thinking a lot recently about what I wanted to tell the incoming freshman. I feel like I have a ton of helpful advice I could give, but at the same time, I could just be winging it here. So bear with me. I'm going to try and make a list of things that every freshman at Alderson Broaddus University should know.
1. Know each building.
90 percent of the time you are going to be in the same building pretty much all for years. Major classes stick together, but it might be helpful to know the other buildings too. Its helpful to know that there is a conference room on the fourth floor is Burbick. I'm really trying to tell you this that way when you have the inevitable class in the Meyer's lecture hall you will know where the closest bathroom is.
2. Spread those points out.
You have a set number of points, I will advise you to not use all 350 of them within the first two weeks of class (looking at your football team). And if you use them all at once, you better make friends with other people real quick.
3. Join things.
Your first week is going to be full of organizations trying to get you to join them. My recommendation, go out of your comfort zone and check them out. You see that sorority and think that would be fun? Go to their rush party. What's the worse that could happen, you end up wasting a night? Not a big deal in the long run.
4. Go to class.
Sure we all struggle with going to class. Sometimes it's hard to leave your warm bed when you check the temperature and it says 18 degrees. Trust me though, going to class is a must. In a small school like this, you have to go to class to pass. These teachers know you by name, they will take attendance.
5. SODEXO isn't always horrible.
I know its hard to wrap your head around, but sometimes the food is actually edible. Soups are always pretty good, and the omelets are always delicious. Occasionally you'll get really lucky at lunch and have something like an ice cream bar...oh what a great day. Keep in mind that lunch is always...always better than dinner.
6. Spaghetti Dinner
This is important...make sure you're listening...alright, the last Sunday of every month the catholic church across from the baseball field has a FREE spaghetti dinner. GO! Seriously, the food is wonderful (I recommend getting there early for the cheesecake), and the church congregation that runs it are the sweetest people you will ever meet.
7. Payday is once a month, on the 8th.
Plan and budget accordingly. The end/beginning of the month sucks if you have no money because it's not payday yet. Also, trust me when I say that you can only ask your parents for money so much before you start getting lectures to accompany that $40.
8. Enjoy your major.
Major in something you enjoy. There is nothing worse than sitting in classes you hate. Find a field you enjoy and pursue it. ABU has 33 majors!!
9. Go to other sports .
Football, basketball, and baseball are fun, but with 21 varsity sports there is also a variety of new sports you can enjoy. I know this because in my four years I have been to almost every sport this school offers...almost.
10. Make the grades, but make memories.
Most importantly make the memories while you're here. You only get four years (well sometimes five). They fly by. The campus might seem little, and it might seem boring, but if you get out there and expand your horizons, you will realize how much fun here you can actually have. Spend your four years with people who you love, who love you, and who you won't mind sharing stories of to your kids in 15 years.
