Newspapers / The Guilfordian (Greensboro, N.C.) / Sept. 1, 1995, edition 1 / Page 6
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6 * >i is 11 fjjj"* | g MBT TfrfJ|| # f% jfflß B i I s tL I ■K B flH k T 9b hHH A New Beginning They came, they bonded, and they won't ever forget the experience. Fifty four first-year students — 'Avantis,' in the terminology of the day—partici pated in the spanking-new Avanti program. Developed by Anne Lundquist as a means to ease the transition from high school to college, the program, well, it's best described by one who experienced it.. . ANNIE BUCHANAN-CLEARY staff writer I spent a lot of time during my senior year thinking about what college would be like. I imagined new people, experiences, and a totally different learning style. Mostly, however, I thought about how scared I was at the prospect of abandoning all that I knew and Orientation '95 :It was what you made of it COLIN MCFADDEN-ROAN staff writer Nervous anticipation filled the air as Guilford's class of 1999 and other entering students gathered in Founders Hall early on the morning of Friday, Au gust 18. Designed to help combat that anxiety, fee Student Orientation Staff took over where Uiose endless lines ended. New students were divided into twelve small groups. Led by trained returning students, groups were given the opportunity to ask questions and to get know others. After being officially welcomed by President Wil liam Rogers and the Guilford community at Convo The Guilfordian features September l, 1995 I loved. When I came to Guilford for the first time, I encountered a place that made me feel better about what was to come. I felt slightly relieved that the people here were open and kind and seemed to ac cept me. Even better than that, though, was hearing about Avanti. When Anne Lundquist de scribed it to me, I saw it as a chance for an orientation in which I could arrive early and get a glimpse of college before actually having to be serious about. I also like the idea of doing a little writing and going white water rafting. Months later, while sitting atop a 45-foot tree and looking down at the astonished faces of the people I now could call my friends, I had a vision of what the true les- cation, students were asked to fill out an endless num ber of surveys. For those who chose to attend the mixer in Stern berger that evening, singer Roger Day provided en tertainment His repertoire included popular favor ites as well as some pf his own compositions. "He was pretty good," commented first year stu dent Kristin Hodnett. As students began to adjust to college life, Playfair and Casino Night were held Saturday night to help students meet one another and have fun at the same time. First year student and Playfair participant John Cocking observed, "Playfair was basically pointless, but it was still fun." Orientation on Sunday included help for students or s. n |V VB I 0 . -ifajM i'r9 iK VISW |i;. BK I 1 Top: Cara Lindsay, Karyn Tierney, and Karen Coleman. At left, helping each other during the high ropes course. Right, Jesse LaPlante Photos courtesy Ann* Lundqulst son of Avanti is. I learned during the course of two weeks about the campus and classes and what to expect, but all freshmen learn that eventually. What the 54 Avanti students had was a chance to come to grips with their fears, hopes, limitations and beliefs. We met people who were sup portive and cheered while I climbed that incredibly intimidat ing tree during the high ropes course. They became friends who called your name, cheering you on because they knew that more than anything, that was what you straightening out tjieir schedules. Dick Dyer, assis tant to the dean of student life, addressed students that evening. He expressed to incoming students the importance of their doing well in the first semester and how they can succeed at Guilford. Some students complained that they had too much free time and often found themselves bored and anx ious to start class. However, Kristin Hodnett said, 'There was not enough time, to get settled and moved in." But others felt that the scheduling was flexible and according to Susan Stanley, "Not bad at all." Perhaps first year student Molly Martin summed up orientation weekend best "I don't think that such a personal, extensive orientation would have been possible at most other schools. I really enjoyed the people, and it actually sped up my school adjustment." needed. At the closing group meeting of Avanti, I had an empty feeling in the pit of my stomach. When people came up and hugged me, I questioned that feeling. I continu ally reassured myself that we were going to be at school together for the next four years. It was not until classes started that I began to understand what I had left behind. It was the sense of community. Avanti enabled me to have the confidence to meet new people, but I know we will always be a group. There are some experi ences that you never forget.
The Guilfordian (Greensboro, N.C.)
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Sept. 1, 1995, edition 1
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