2008 Woodie Awards
Freshmen adjust to radical transitions
Jade Enoch
Issue date: 9/7/07 Section: In the Spotlight
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"When I went home this weekend I finally realized that I was gone for good," said Maloy. "It's not like summer camp, where you go and you come back home again. It hit me, 'I don't live here anymore."
A few students have the unique perspective of an international student. Freshman Anna Tarleton grew up in Moscow, Russia and has not lived in the United States since she was five years old. One of the biggest challenges for her has been a lack of transportation.
"In Moscow there was a subway. You were very much independent, and you could pretty much go wherever," said Tarleton. "Here, I'm kind of stuck unless someone wants to give me a ride!" said Tarleton.
However, she has noticed many positive cultural differences, particularly in the way Americans interact with one another.
"One of the biggest surprises has been how nice people are," said Tarleton. "Coming from a city of 14 million people, you don't really greet passersby. Here, people in the store greet you and smile all the time, even if they don't even know you."
Though the first few weeks of the first year are difficult in some ways, there is a general consensus that the University community helps by making an effort to welcome all.
"My transition has been pretty easy, actually," said Blaise Cannon of Excelsior Springs. "Welcome Week helped to assimilate me a lot, and the community in my dorm made things a lot easier."
A few students have the unique perspective of an international student. Freshman Anna Tarleton grew up in Moscow, Russia and has not lived in the United States since she was five years old. One of the biggest challenges for her has been a lack of transportation.
"In Moscow there was a subway. You were very much independent, and you could pretty much go wherever," said Tarleton. "Here, I'm kind of stuck unless someone wants to give me a ride!" said Tarleton.
However, she has noticed many positive cultural differences, particularly in the way Americans interact with one another.
"One of the biggest surprises has been how nice people are," said Tarleton. "Coming from a city of 14 million people, you don't really greet passersby. Here, people in the store greet you and smile all the time, even if they don't even know you."
Though the first few weeks of the first year are difficult in some ways, there is a general consensus that the University community helps by making an effort to welcome all.
"My transition has been pretty easy, actually," said Blaise Cannon of Excelsior Springs. "Welcome Week helped to assimilate me a lot, and the community in my dorm made things a lot easier."
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