Carthage welcomes new students to campus

Not only did 725 freshman students move their bins, boxes and baskets full of dorm room necessities onto campus Sept. 6, but 725 goodbyes were said and 725 new beginnings were made.

The transition from high school to college is a change many have been anticipating — and it brings both excitement and nervousness.

"The biggest change for me will be living on my own,” said Kate Haapala, '13, of Bristol, Wis. "Mom and Dad won't be there anymore."

Bridget Driscoll, '13, of Tinley Park, Ill., agreed. "Now I have to pay for my laundry," she said.

"I'm most excited about meeting new people," said Steve Wilson, '13, of Frankfort, Ky.

Making new friends is a big part of freshman year. It's a time to be anyone you want to be — but the best advice is to be yourself, students said. "I'm excited for the experience of being on my own," said Laura Grimes, '13, of Washington, Ill.

Eric Rusk, '13, of Mount Prospect, Ill., is looking forward to getting involved at Carthage. "I'm excited to get involved with intramural sports," he said. Carthage has more than 90 student groups on campus, and there are many activities from which to choose.

Along with all the excitement, though, comes nervousness about living away from home, living with a roommate, managing coursework, and finding one's way to class on time. "I'm definitely nervous about the workload," said Bridget Driscoll, '13, of Tinley Park, Ill. Kate Haapala, '13, of Bristol, Wis., agreed. "I'm nervous about classes, and making sure I am on time," she said.

A common fear among freshman is getting used to living with a roommate. "I'm nervous to live in the same room as someone," said Eric Rusk, '13, of Mount Prospect, Ill.

A full schedule of fun activities helped new students adjust quickly. On Sept. 6, after a busy morning moving in, freshmen and their families attended the New Student Convocation in Tarble Arena and enjoyed a picnic on President F. Gregory Campbell's lawn. Later that night, freshmen were invited to dance and mingle at the annual Block Party on Campus Drive.

On Monday, Sept. 7, freshmen were called to the TARC for a night of rock climbing and games. WOH's place in the Todd Wehr Center was also open to the crowd for a Coffee House featuring singer-songwriter Beau Bristow.

The annual Student Organization Fair was Tuesday, Sept. 8. New students had the opportunity to hear more about the clubs and activities available on campus, and sign up for student groups. The rest of the week included movies in Denhart Courtyard and a show by hypnotist Brian Imbus.

— Story by Tess Beltran, '12

About Carthage

Carthage is a private college of the liberal arts and sciences, affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Located midway between Chicago and Milwaukee, Carthage's picturesque campus on the Lake Michigan shore is home to approximately 2,500 full-time and 900 part-time students. more...

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