New Illinois Freshmen Excited for College Experience After Convocation
[CHAMPAIGN] – The University of Illinois welcomed its new batch of freshmen during Friday’s New Student Convocation, where students were greeted by Chancellor Robert Jones and Provost John Coleman. The event drew in the entire freshman class and other new Illini, providing them with an opportunity to gather and connect with fellow students.
For many of these freshmen, like Arista Sudharta who recently relocated from the San Francisco Bay Area, the convocation was their first taste of the college experience. Sudharta expressed her excitement and overwhelming feeling, stating, It doesn’t feel real yet. This sentiment was shared by several other students, who were eager to embark on their college journey.
The convocation itself presented a logistical challenge, with approximately 7,500 students attempting to enter the State Farm Center for the event. Despite a slight delay, the convocation proceeded as planned. The students had the chance to listen to the Marching Illini, participate in the school song, and then were directed across the street to enjoy lunch and explore a resource fair.
For many freshmen, this was an opportunity to make connections with their peers who hail from different parts of the country. Claudia San Jose from Ohio and Bridgette Duncan from Michigan, who were randomly assigned as roommates, finally had the chance to meet face-to-face. Both students chose the University of Illinois due to family ties and expressed their eagerness to fully immerse themselves in all that the university has to offer.
Similarly, Erica Owusu and Roselyn Adjapong, both from the Chicago suburbs, shared their excitement for the upcoming school year. Despite receiving acceptances from multiple universities, Owusu ultimately chose the University of Illinois due to the friendly individuals she encountered during her visit and the encouragement from Adjapong. Both students mentioned the pressure they felt from their parents about selecting a school and deciding on a major.
However, amidst the excitement and anticipation for the year ahead, some students voiced concerns about the lack of diversity on campus. Both Owusu and Adjapong expressed their curiosity about the presence of African American students, jokingly asking, Where are all the Black people? While the university emphasizes diversity, the students felt that they hadn’t seen a representation of it on campus. In an effort to find connections and explore diverse communities, they planned to engage with student organizations focused on inclusivity.
Overall, the new freshmen at the University of Illinois are primed and eager to embrace the college experience. Despite the initial overwhelming feelings, they are determined to make the most of their time at the university and explore the multitude of opportunities available to them.
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