Editorials
A Look into the Freshmen College Transition
Laurie Diggett, Staff Writer
For many, the end of the
summer means buying school
supplies, adjusting sleeping patterns
and having that last summer party
or vacation before the inevitable first
day of school hits at full force. Often
for college freshmen, the prospect
of starting school results In excited
butterflies in stomachs, nervous
thoughts in heads, and apprehensive
looks on faces. The Idea of entirely
new classmates, a completely different
type of schedule, a large campus, and
a literal home away from home can be
both terrifying and exhilarating.
While it is true that Meredith
College is not nearly as big as the
average state university, transitioning
freshmen can experience the same
level of anxiety as a student at a
much larger school. I remember
sitting in Jones Auditorium on move-
in day, looking, around at my fellow
classmates and their families, thinking
in the back of my mind that the class of
2020 certainly looked big to me. In fact,
President Allen announced that our
class delivered the most applicants in
decades; this statistic made me value
my place in the freshman class even
more.
Each student will undoubtedly
have their own unique college
experience, and much of it will be the
result of past experiences. For me,
switching schools wasn’t something
new. After all, I switched school
districts when I was eleven and
entered an entirely new middle school
where making friends was much more
difficult than I anticipated. Flowever,
I adjusted to the school over time,
and looking back on it, I can see that
it helped prepare me for Meredith.
Switching schools at such a young
age taught me how to handle a new
environment and social life.
Some of my fellow students had
different things to say about their
preparedness for college life.
“My transition to college life
was surprisingly easy! I had done
plenty of research over the course of
many months, and I had the support
of my family and friends,’’ said Alyssa
Lawyer, a freshman in Poteat.
Although some students
researched college life in an attempt
to prepare for it, others were like me
and feit like past experiences lended
a hand when it came time for student
orientation in the fall.
“I was well prepared for
college life, because my high school
was run almost like a small college,”
said Maggie James, a freshman in
Brewer. “I have also been to college
camps, so I had an understanding of
what living in a dorm would be like.”
Still, even without prior
experience, some incoming students
didn’t expect drastic changes when it
came to transitioning from high school.
“I’m a commuter, so I am still
bound to household rules that my
parents have set,” said Lilly Wood,
a freshman from Raleigh. “For me,
college involves a bit more freedom
than public school, but that’s the only
difference.”
It appears that members of
the class of 2020 will all have their
own unique perception of what college
will look like for them. It is based off of
different backgrounds, expectations,
aspirations, and experiences. But
there is one thing connecting us all
in the end: Meredith. Every single
one of us picked Meredith College.
So it doesn’t matter how different our
reasons may have been, Meredith
united us into one big sisterhood.
While the next four years will be a wild
ride filled with many twists and turns -
we all should embrace it, and enjoy our
walk through Wonderland together.
Commuters: The College Survival Guide
Carolina Brust, Staff Writer
Being a college freshman
is a challenge, but being a first-year
commuter is a downright struggle.
Not only do you have to navigate your
class schedule, but your bus schedule
and/or traffic schedule too. While
others have the luxury of going back
to their dorms when the day is done,
you have those wonderful extra hours
in rush hour traffic to look forward to.
Not to mention the stress of packing all
the necessities in your bag - because
as we all know, once you’ve left the
house...returning is a hastle. Never
fear, because after surviving my first
few weeks as a new commuter, I’ve
developed three strategies to help
smooth your transition.
1. Schedule, schedule, SCHEDULE.
Be sure to create a routine that fits
your needs. Look up bus schedules
and traffic updates to stay ahead
of the game! SET YOUR ALARM
AND CHECK IT TWICE. EllucianGO
is a must-have phone app. It has
information such as : the BDH menu.
Beehive hours, library hours, and
even your class schedule (when you
log in with your NetID username and
password).
2. Find Your Happy Place.
Find a place on campus to nap, eat,
and get some homework done. I
recommend the Cate Center for all
your quick homework and dining
needs. Eat in the Beehive or lounge
by the computer area to unwind. “My
happy place to take a break is the
Beehive because it’s a good place
to chill and eat,” confirmed Devriti
Dhungel, a freshman commuter.
3. Seek Out Other Commuters
It’s always good to find your support
group. Consider joining the Association
of Meredith Commuters (AMC). They
host events such'‘’&S'“ a "Commuter
luncheon, as well as a monthly parking
spot raffle for a chance to win the most
coveted commuter spot on campus!
These girls both understand and have
lived through schedules like yours.
Having someone to relate to and
befriend can be beneficial in the long
run. “If we live close to each other, it’s
helpful to give each other rides and
keep each other in the know about
campus events,” Jennifer Lopez, a
freshman commuter, remarks.
With these tips in mind, you’re now
prepared for life as a Meredith College
commuter. Travel safe, and know
that there are dozens of girls just like
yourself!
Foil Fashion: Angels' Edition
Anesla Fletcher, Staff Writer
Say goodbye to shorts, tanks,
and flip flops.. .and say hello to fedoras,
boots, and cardigans. That’s right!
Fall is upon us, ladies! With the cool
breeze and sunshine, fall is a favorite
season for many. What better way to
make this time of year better than to
cozy up in a cute, oversized sweater!?
While you may not be ready for the
drop in temperature just yet, fall is fast
approaching; so it’s time to SLAY. In
this fall fashion preview prepare for
great outfit tips, new styles, and where
to find it!
“FITTING IN”
According to fashionistas
and bloggers like Gabbi Gregg (@
Gabifresh) and Claire Summers (@
fashionblogdaiiy), the key to a stylish
fall wardrobe is LAYERS, LAYERS,
LAYERS. For example, for an all denim
ensemble (yes it’s ok), try pairing it with
a mustard or brown colored cardigan
or scarf. Slip on a pair of chunky heel
boots to complete the look! Although
summer is over, you don’t have to stop
wearing summer clothes completely;
learn to incorporate them into your
fall wardrobe! Consider a plain white
crop-top tee under your favorite tank
or tube-top to layer up, or throw on a
flannel to bring it all together. You can
even pair leggings or tights under your
shorts to stay warm and trendy!
“TRENDS TRENDS TRENDS”
As you fashionistas may know,
an important part of fashion is being up
to date with current trends. 2016 has
brought us everything from the return
of the classic 70’s wide-legged pants,
floral and exotic print, and chokers!
Ripped jeans and distressed graphic
tees have also started to make a huge
fashion statement! Last but not least,
the “body suit” has made its comeback
from the 80’s, and it appears that it is
here to stay! Whether it’s a simple
nude color or something bright and
bold, body suits are comfortable and
can truly accentuate your frame.
According to the “Pantone
2016 Fashion Color Report,” colors to
be on the look-out for this fall season
are: burgundy, olive green, navy blue,
nudes and salmons, and (as per usual)
black. Of course we can’t forget about
the most essential part of an outfit,
which would be the footwear! Upon
looking through various websites such
as: Gojane, Fashion Nova, and Ego
Footwear, ankle boots, riding boots,
and peep-toe boots are the go-to
shoes for this upcoming season.
So now that you’re equipped
with vital fashion information, where
can you buy it? There are some great
stores and boutiques you can check
out in Raleigh such as Monkee’s and
Apricot Lane in North Hills’ shopping
center, or Francesca’s in Cameron
Village. Retailers such as Forever
21, H&M, and Charlotte Rousse in
Crabtree Valley Mall are great for good
looks on a budget. You can also catch
good deals at Target and Old Navy for
the latest trends. Additionally, various
Plato’s Closet locations stock tons of
great pieces for less! Lets face it, we’re
in college, and money is important and
often scarce. You don’t have to break
the bank to look good, especially here
in the Raleigh area. With these tips,
I hope you feel prepared for both the
change in weather and styles this
upcoming season.
STAFF
Emily Chilton, Editor in Chief. Sarah Kiser, Associate Editor. Niki Bell, Op-Ed Editor. Rachel Crawford, News Editor. Sarah Smerko, Features Editor. Caroline Garrett, A&E Editor.
Olivia McElvaney, Online Editor. Sarah Kiser, Social Media Manager. Sarah Haseeb, Website Designer.
Staff Writers: Yessy Basoria, Teressa Berton, Carolina Brust, Lauren Conrad, Laurie Diggett, Anesia Fletcher, Kayla Kushner, Seung Pang, Katrina Thomas, Morgan Whithaus.