Shepherd University welcomes new students

Incoming Shepherd University freshmen moved into the dorms Thursday and are spending a few days getting acquainted with their surroundings – and each other – before the fall semester starts Monday. The first day of school can be intimidating for any student, and with the added pressures of adjusting to college life, freshmen need some time and guidance settling in. The transition isn’t always easy, but Shepherd University provides orientation programs and social events meant to promote confidence and camaraderie. Shepherd UniversityFreshman Carl Fogg is coming to Shepherd after graduating from Potomac High School in Oxon Hill, Md. Fogg moved in early to practice with the university’s football team. “I was nervous when I first came here, but when I got settled in, I kind of blended in with the flow of things,” Fogg said. He plans on majoring in sports communication, but said he is “just taking the basics” in his first semester. Fogg thinks his confidence will increase through the years at Shepherd. “I’m looking forward to getting this year over with,” Fogg said. “I’m excited because I’m going to be seasoned after this freshman year. I heard a lot of people say freshman year is their hardest. My second year will probably be easier.” Jordan Sorenson, another member of the football team, is in his second year. Sorenson offered advice to the incoming freshmen. “Keep your head up, forward thinking and stay positive,” Sorenson said. Antonia-Maria Hernandez-Ortiz is an incoming freshman who plans to major in music and wants to eventually become a music teacher. Hernandez-Ortiz moved into her room in Kenamond Hall and is spending the days before the semester starts practicing with the Ram Band. “I am very excited, I’m determined to make this year mean something,” she said. “I’m in Ram Band and I’m a music major, so I already have a lot of friends that I’ve made this week by doing that stuff. I’m a generally friendly person, it’s pretty easy for me to make friends.” Hernandez-Ortiz is excited about taking a piano class for her major and getting the chance to learn to play a new instrument. She said she was sort of overwhelmed by the university’s rules, and that it seemed like there were a lot. “Going through orientation is kind of a nerve-wracking process. There are a lot more rules than I thought there’d be. I don’t want to do something wrong and suffer major consequences,” Hernandez-Ortiz said. Kacy Cooper, a senior, moved in early because she is a resident assistant for Kenamond Hall. Cooper said Thursday’s move-in day went well, and she has already met some of the students she will be looking after. “They seem excited, but some seem a little nervous. We had our first wing meeting last night, so I got to meet everyone. They had a lot of questions. They’re really enthusiastic,” Cooper said. Cooper remembers being scared about making friends in her first year. “I’m from Parkersburg, West Virginia, which is about five hours away, and I didn’t know anyone my first year. That was probably the scariest thing, making all new friends,” Cooper said. “It was nice being able to start fresh.” Cooper’s advice to freshmen is to get involved and meet people. “Hang out in the (dorm) lobby, don’t confine yourself to your room. Go to the study lounge. Get involved on campus. It’s easy to meet people, even though it’s a little scary.” Returning students will move into the dorms at Shepherd on Sunday, with classes beginning Monday. Source: Education News