Leaving The Nest

Published 8:35 am Tuesday, August 18, 2015

By Aimee Cormier
ads@acadianalifestyle.com

: Leaving The Nest

By Amanda Jean Harris / Submitted Photos

Each year more than 20,000 Louisiana public high school graduates enroll in college. Add to that the number of students from private and parochial schools and you’ll begin to see why there’s a rush on futons and twin-size bedspreads this time of year.

We’ve gathered a handful of recent graduates who are heading to colleges and universities to answer questions about what they are most looking forward to when they leave the nest in pursuit of their goals. Read on to hear how Acadiana students feel about their freshman years.

Victoria Andry – Attending University of Alabama

Will you live in a dorm your freshman year?

Yes! I think dorm life is something you only have the opportunity to experience once in your life. So why not give it a try? Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people.

Have you chosen a major? If so, what is it? Do you think you’ll stick with it or open to changing majors?

I’ve chosen to major in general business in the fall with the hope of possibly running my own business one day. I’m definitely open to switching majors since there are so many other things I’m interested in like the sciences, visual art and psychology. I’ve always heard that college is a great place to figure out what you really like and don’t like, so I’m just excited to find the right path for me.

Are you planning to work while going to school this year?

I am definitely not planning on working my first semester. I think it’s important to focus on adjusting to college life and academics before jumping into a job. However, once I’m settled and know the type of work I can handle, I’m open to looking for something.

Any academic challenges you anticipate freshman year?

The biggest challenge I foresee for myself is adjusting to the large classes. Entry-level classes can have up to 1,000 students making it hard to speak up if I struggle with the material.

Any social challenges you anticipate during your first year of college?

I’m going to school out-of-state not knowing anyone, so I anticipate that I’ll have to work to put myself out there and meet new people.

Are there any traditions at your school that you look most look forward to?

I’ll be attending the University of Alabama, so I’m most excited for tailgating and cheering on the Crimson Tide!

What are you most looking forward to about being a freshman/college student?

I am most looking forward to meeting new people and challenging myself academically.

What are you most concerned about beginning your first year of school?

I’m most concerned about making the overall transition to college life. Everything next year is going to be different: location, dorm life, people and academics. Plus, I won’t have my parents there to help me out. I know it may be a difficult adjustment at first, but I am still so excited for what’s to come!

Taylor Meche – University of Louisiana

Will you live in a dorm your freshman year?

My freshmen year I will be living at home and commuting every day to UL.

Have you chosen a major? If so, what is it? Do you think you’ll stick with it or be open to changing majors?

The major that I have chosen is nursing and I am confident with my decision. My ultimate goal is to be a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

Are you planning to work while going to school this year?

Since I am living at home, I will not be working. This will allow me the extra time I need to focus and really be dedicated to my studies.

Any academic challenges you anticipate freshman year?

I don’t think that I am anticipating any challenges besides the fact that college will be much different than high school. Nursing is a major that requires many hours of studying and I am ready to make that commitment.

Any social challenges you anticipate your first year of college?

I graduated from Catholic High School and we were a class of around 90 so just the fact that it is a much larger school is a little frightening

What are you most looking forward to about being a freshman/college student?

I guess I would say I am most looking forward to the nursing classes because it is what I have set my goal on for my career.

Brandi Claire Darby – Louisiana State University, Eunice

Will you live in a dorm your freshman year?

No.

Have you chosen a major? If so, what is it? Do you think you’ll stick with it or open to changing majors?

I did choose a major, it is Radiologic Technologist and I will most likely stick with it.

Are you planning to work while going to school this year?

Yes.

Any academic challenges you anticipate freshman year?

My academic challenge is to maintain an A/B average while in school.

Any social challenges you anticipate your first year of college?

My social challenges are that I hope to meet lots of new people.

What are you most looking forward to about being a freshman/college student?

What I look forward to about being a freshman/college student is learning so much more about my future career, meeting new people and beginning a new chapter in my life.

What class are you most looking forward to?

The class that I’m looking forward to the most is biology, because I’m interested in learning more about life and the human body, and also to learn new things that are important in life.

Alex Lear – University of Louisiana

Will you live in a dorm your freshman year?

I will not be living in a dorm my freshman year. It is much cheaper for me to stay home and focus solely on my studies without worrying about the additional costs of an apartment.

Have you chosen a major? If so, what is it? Do you think you’ll stick with it or be open to changing majors?

I plan to major in mechanical engineering. I sincerely hope that I will stick with my major, but roughly 60 percent of freshmen who choose mechanical engineering as their major end up changing majors by the end of their first year.

What class are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to my history and biology classes because I am a huge history and nature buff. I read about those subjects all the time in my spare time.

Are you planning to work while going to school this year?

I am not planning on working during the school year, so that I may spend all of my time and attention on my schoolwork.

Any academic challenges you anticipate freshman year?

My math classes always challenge me, so I am anticipating my mathematic courses will be the hardest part of my schooling.

What are you most looking forward to about being a freshman/college student?

I most look forward to the fact that I will soon be my own person standing on my own two feet. The freedom of going to college and taking care of your own life and business is a huge stepping stone in being able to support yourself in the real world.