It has almost been a month since Averett University welcomed back returning students and introduced new incoming students to their new home. While this marks the beginning of a long journey for the freshmen class, the next four years can fly by quickly. College is a time for many students to transition from high school to their professional careers, but it is also an opportunity to explore their identities and forge lifelong friendships. The shift from high school student to college student can be challenging for freshmen, but there are numerous resources available to ease this transition. At Averett University, a small, family-oriented institution, many upperclassmen, faculty, and staff are eager to support new students.
To help students settle in, Averett has appointed a group of Connection Leaders on campus. Faith Bowlin, a senior majoring in nursing and a captain on the women’s lacrosse team, has served as a Connection Leader. This fall, Bowlin and the other leaders participated in the 2024 Welcome Week, assisting new students in acclimating to the school and each other.
“Connection Leaders help freshmen transition into college by being friendly faces they can lean on for support,” Bowlin said. “We’re here to answer questions and offer advice on making the most of their experience. We host exciting events that introduce freshmen to one another, so when classes start, they may see some familiar faces. Overall, it encourages them to come out of their shells and positively influences them to try new things.”
While Connection Leaders can help students adjust, there are many ways to engage and make the most of college life. Sheyla Romero, a senior and member of the women’s lacrosse team, also works as an intern athletic trainer and majors in biomedical science. Despite her academic commitments, she emphasizes the importance of campus involvement.
“My advice to freshmen is to be social and join clubs or sports,” Romero said. “This allows you to meet people and build a community. Taking advantage of campus events has really enhanced my college experience. Student involvement organizes activities like bingo, karaoke, skating, and more, even between classes.”
Creating friendships and maintaining a social life is essential, but effective time management is crucial for balancing academics and social activities. Staying organized and on top of schoolwork is necessary to prevent falling behind, which can lead to stress and burnout. Fortunately, Averett offers various resources for time management, mental health, and academic support.
The Galesi Student Success Center provides tutors for different subjects, including those focused on time management. Celia de Diego, a senior majoring in aviation management and flight operations, criminal justice, and sociology with a minor in psychology, is one of the tutors at the center. She believes that even with a demanding schedule, students can achieve academic success while maintaining a social life through efficient management.
“It’s important to explore all the resources Averett offers,” de Diego said. “There are various ways to manage your time; find what works best for you. Just be aware of your schedule and avoid procrastination.”
In addition to campus events and games, students can explore various activities in and around Danville. In her free time, de Diego enjoys hiking with friends, while Romero likes to explore downtown Danville or nearby cities like Greensboro.
“As much as there are fun things on campus, it’s sometimes refreshing to spend time away from it,” Romero said. “There are great places to walk around downtown, explore shops and restaurants, or stroll along the river. We’re also close to larger cities like Greensboro, which offers plenty to explore.”
College is a time for exploration, growth, and learning from mistakes. The next four years may not be perfect, but they are all about making mistakes and preparing for the future. Bowlin, de Diego, and Romero all emphasize how quickly these years pass and advise students to maximize their college experiences because it will be over before they know it.
“Be mindful of who you surround yourself with,” Romero advised. “Don’t hesitate to voice your opinions. There’s no one right way to experience college; it’s about crafting the journey you want. Enjoy the people you meet, the experiences you have, and take it all in.”
