UCC Helps Freshmen with Homesickness

On Wednesday night, freshmen students were able to experience a little 'home away from home' at the weekly Wacky Wednesday night on the Vern that was hosted by the University Counseling Center this week. Psychologists brought a dog for students to play with, homemade treats to enjoy, classic childhood movies to watch, postcards to color and send home, and an opportunity to talk about living away from home for the first time.

"Most psychologists at the University Counseling Center see students every semester that are struggling with homesickness, especially in the beginning of the academic year when students are struggling with adjusting to college life and stress," said Gretchen Herbert Wilber, a psychologist at UCC that helped plan the 'Home Away from Home' event. "This event started last year in Thurston hall and it was a big success."

Students were able to write on a whiteboard the things from home that they missed the most; the most common answers being pets, family, high school friends and homemade food. "It didn't hit me 'till later, because I was so excited to be on my own. But then it was like, wait... I'm going to be away from home and everything that I've known," explained freshman student Lauren Mankus.

For student missing home, the UCC recommends getting involved on campus, going out with friends, keeping in touch with home, volunteering in the DC community and setting goals for yourself. For more information, contact the UCC at http://gwired.gwu.edu/counsel/.

2010 Freshman Day of Service

This past Saturday, on 9/11 over 1,900 freshmen participated in GW’s Second Annual Freshman Day of Service. This year theme was “Giving Today for a Better Tomorrow.” The main focus of the different service projects was “sustainability and environmental protection.” This year students lined up outside the Smith Center at 11:30, and after fitting the over 1,900 freshman and hundred plus other volunteers for the opening ceremony. President Steven Knapp, Associate Vice President and Dean of Freshmen Helen Cannaday Saulny, and Student Association Executive Vice President Rob Maxim all spoke, thanking the students for their dedication to their new community. President Knapp said; “I think it’s a terrific introduction to your experience as new students at George Washington University.” The ceremony ended with Animal Planet host and conservationist Jeff Corwin thanking the freshmen for helping, and by reminding the students of the power of one, and how they should live their lives trying to do even the littlest things to help others. Students were then bussed to 14 different organizations, in all eight wards, as well as Maryland and Virginia. The organizations that participated and hosted the freshmen were; the Anacostia Watershed Society, WeatherizeDC, Rock Creek Park, Loaves and Fishes, Mount Vernon Triangle, We Are Family, Armed Forces Retirement Home, National Park Service, Casey Trees, Capital Area Foodbank, Transitional Housing Corporation, Ballou Senior High School, Washington Parks and People, and Vinson Hall Retirement Community. While the Anacostia Watershed Society hosted the most students, over 1000 students, the volunteers at the Vinson Hall Retirement Community were surprised with a visit from First Lady Michelle Obama. After volunteering the students were taken back to Kogan Plaza for a barbecue, and spontaneous performances from different student groups. The day ended with a 9/11-remembrance candlelight vigil. Of the day of service, freshman Colin said, he felt that the day was mostly symbolic, because he felt they spent more time listening to people talk and sitting in buses, than actually volunteering. However another freshman Justin said, “It was for a good cause, and it was worth it.”

The Colonial Cabinet Advantage in SA Elections

During our WRGW SA election survey, we noticed that many freshmen students were voting for Rob Maxim (EVP) and Xochitl Sanchez (President). When asked how they made their selection, the freshmen students answered that they remembered their names from the Colonial Cabinet. Both Rob Maxim, and Xochitl Sanchez were 2009 Colonial Cabinet members.

Before students even step foot on campus, brochures are mailed out to the incoming class introducting them to the Colonial Cabinet with their smiling faces. "The Colonial Inauguration is our first interaction with upperclassmen. It could impact the freshman vote because of the name recognition," said Jason Maney, a current freshman.

The freshmen class is not always targeted in Student Association campaign platforms, but they represent a quarter of the undergraduate population. Despite Sanchez being an outsider, with a majority of the freshmen vote, she has got her foot in the door.

April Showers Mean....April Visits

The large crowds of people all following one person walking backwards can only mean one thing for GW: it’s April Visit time. On five dates in April, accepted students are given the chance to visit the campus before their May 1^st enrollment deadline. On the 7^th, 14^th, 18^th, 21^st and 23^rd watch out for future freshman and lots of parents. The days include tours of facilities and residential halls, as well as a Colonial Celebration where students and parents are invited to eat ice cream with current GW students.

While official statistics for the enrolled class of 2012 will not be available until after the May 1^st deadline, according to GW tour guide, or STAR, Kelly Nallen, the incoming freshmen class will be a great addition to the GW community.

“The incoming class seems great, they’re asking really good questions and seem very enthusiastic about coming to school here.” Nallen said.

Students must submit their Intent to Enroll, Housing application and $800 deposit by May 1^st to secure their spot at GW.

Students for the freshman class have already found a way to connect. The GW Class of 2012 Facebook group already has nearly 1,400 and growing daily. Students are able to converse about everything from what student orgs to join to what’s the best housing on campus.

-Lauren Mann