First-year student perspectives on orientation

Beginning an unfamiliar journey is always a daunting task, but first-year students at Maryville College’s orientation learned they don’t have to face the distress alone. From move-in day on Friday, Aug. 16, to the Covenant Stone ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 20, new Scots had an eventful schedule ahead of them. Maryville College brought together students from diverse backgrounds, helping them form lifelong friendships and encouraging them to venture beyond their usual boundaries. 

Kynsie Hall (‘28), an incoming first-year, recalls a rush of anxiety before the start of orientation as she’s never been exposed to such a convivial environment before. To her surprise, she gained insight into campus life through the support of her peer mentor and the strong bond formed between her orientation group. Kynsie’s experience profoundly affected her college outlook as she now has a place she can call home. 

A prime goal for first-year orientation was for students to form meaningful connections and discover their genuine character. Incoming student Tanner Ricks (‘28) found precisely that. He was pleasantly surprised by the Mountain Challenge activities, as he said, “you had to work as a group with new people you’ve never met before.” 

Trusting individuals with whom you have not been acquainted can be intimidating, but Tanner found this dilemma to be an illuminating experience. The team-building challenges posed by the notorious Alpine Tower and other Mountain Challenge adventures seemingly provided a boost in social skills and brought about the connection of unlikely peers.

Similarly, first-year student Keith McGregor (‘28) was most astonished by “jumping off a big rock in the middle of a lake” on a paddling trip, as he believed orientation would be a week of repetitive and mundane affairs. Initially, Keith was displeased with the idea of kayaking alongside unfamiliar faces, but he found this to be a memorable experience he will cherish forever. 

Stepping into an unknown environment often brings a mixture of excitement and fear, yet the teamwork exhibited by fellow orientation members offered a sense of comfort and relief.

With a different perspective on fall orientation, incoming student Sarah Christy (‘28) believed the most beneficial aspect was the class sessions as they introduced her to the many resources available on campus that will help in sustaining her academic journey. The personalized sessions allowed Sarah to acclimate to the Maryville College campus along with their operating methods. She was also quite shocked by the close connection formed between her orientation group as everyone originated from contrasting backgrounds. 

For many, the transition into college can bring waves of uncertainty, as it may be the first time they have been away from home for an extended period. The unfamiliar environment, coupled with the pressure to make new friends and the adjustment to a new academic style is overwhelming. In light of these challenges, orientation is a crucial step for freshmen to aid in building their support network and finding their underlying character. 

Whether you are waking up with the sunrise for breakfast, trying to retain all the information given in class sessions, or just expanding your horizons, Maryville College strives to be a place you can call your home.