Student Reflections on Their First-Year Experiences

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Student Reflections on Their First-Year Experiences

Kaitlin Wingard '15
Majors: Environmental Studies/German Studies
Hometown: Mechanicsburg, PA
Learn more about GRAB.

"I participated in the pre-orientation program, Ascent, and that was the best decision I could have made as an incoming freshman. The great part about my trip (I went climbing and backpacking) was that I met some of my closest friends at Gettysburg. Through Ascent, I met upperclassmen who helped me adjust to college by introducing me to their friends, and they also helped me figure out how laundry worked!

Later, I was hired as a Gettysburg Recreational Adventure Board (GRAB) facilitator, and that was the second best decision I made because now I have the opportunity to lead other students and assist with their transition to Gettysburg. My first year can be summed up with a saying from our spring break staff training, 'We’re just good people surrounded by good people.'”

Allan Kawala '13
Major: Sociology
Hometown: Lilongwe, Malawi
Watch a video from the 2012 First-Year Walk.

"I cherish every single moment of my first year at Gettysburg. However, there are some experiences that stand out above the rest, and the First Year Walk is one of them. The First Year Walk is an opportunity for the new students on campus to re-live the historic moment when President Lincoln delivered The Gettysburg Address. I felt elated and excited to hear Bruce Gordon '68 deliver the famous speech.

He challenged our class to somehow complete the "unfinished work" noted by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. These seemingly simple words sparked a new spirit in me and continue to define my life here at Gettysburg."

Becca Szyzska '14
Majors: International Affairs/Spanish
Hometown: Palatine, IL
See the 2012 First-Year Seminars.

"One of my favorite memories from my first year at Gettysburg was my First Year Seminar Cryptography: The Science of Secrecy. It was a unique experience to take the classroom and bring it back to our dorm. We had conversations about the readings while brushing our teeth and walking down the hall. This experience built a foundation of friendship that I was able to build on and branch out from and I am grateful to have had this experience with 15 other first years.

My favorite memory during the seminar was a trip to the National Security Agency, where we were able to see how the topics we were learning in class are applied to real life careers. Another highlight was when our professor invited the entire class to have dinner with his family at the end of the semester."

Shane Thorp '14
Major: Biochemistry
Hometown: Alburtis, PA
Learn more about the Center for Career Development.

"I knew coming to college that I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, and that participating in internships and shadowing opportunities that pertained to medicine or healthcare were important to me. The Center for Career Development helped me apply for an externship with neurosurgeon Dr. Raymond Truex, Jr. '63.

Over the course of two weeks, I was able to scrub into every surgery, go on daily rounds, view MRIs, and stand right at the operating table alongside Dr. Truex. I found that if you have something you want to do or an experience you want to try, the Center for Career Development is a great place to make that happen."

Allison Brandt '13
Majors: Spanish/Sociology
Hometown: Pittsford, NY
See photos from GIV Day 2012.

"One of my favorite memories of my first year at Gettysburg was Gettysburg is Volunteering (GIV) Day. I joined a small group of fellow students and volunteered at a soup kitchen in town. We helped organize and clean their supply of recently donated food and goods.

I have always loved dedicating time to my community by volunteering and I knew that I wanted to get involved on campus. GIV Day allowed me to meet great new friends, but also learn about what a great resource the Center for Public Service (CPS) can be for providing volunteer opportunities. I am still friends with some of the people I met that day and absolutely love being involved with CPS to this day."

Sabrina Waage '14
Major: Psychology
Minor: Chemistry
Hometown: San Miguel
de Abona, Spain
Learn more about campus housing.

"One of my fondest memories of my first year was my very first night in my dorm. I had been traveling all day from Spain to arrive early for International Student Orientation. My roommate had not arrived yet so I thought I would be all alone. Instead I met another girl who had arrived early. After I helped move in her things to her room, we explored the campus together. We sat on the Adirondack Chairs on Stine Lake and chatted for hours. From that day on we have been great friends and I've spent my last two Thanksgivings with her family. My first night here I formed a friendship that will last forever."

Carl Jones '13
Major: English
Minor: Africana Studies
Hometown: Newark, NJ
Check out Clubs and Organizations on campus.

"The transition from my high school courses to the ones at Gettysburg provided a good challenge for me. Even in my more difficult classes, I was able to get the most out of the material through the help of my professors and advisors. I am so grateful for their patience and guidance throughout my time on campus--especially my first year.

One of the reasons I chose to attend Gettysburg was because I knew it would help me find a balance between the challenging academic programs and my other interests. After long days of studying for tests or writing papers, I always appreciate the time I have to get involved in activities such as Student Senate, Black Student Union, and B.O.M.B Squad (a dance group on campus). Gettysburg provides the perfect balance I was looking for in a college."

Gettysburg College

Student Reflections on Their First-Year Experiences