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Let's Talk About It: A Freshman/Senior Dialogue
By Irene Maslanik '07 and Andria Pasquel '10
STAFF WRITERS

Irene: So—expectations you had when you came to college… If you could change one thing when you arrived what would you change?

Andrea: I think I wouldn't necessarily change, I would want to improve the way that freshman meet upperclassmen,

Irene: Ok, I think that’s fair. I wish we could do some sort of small group meet and greet, like ‘adopt a first year day’ or something.

Andrea: I think the whole big sister thing is awesome I defintely think that if people followed through with that and really made an effort that it would be a great way to ease us in. I mean, my big sister still hasn't contacted me. The only thing she has said to me was that she wanted me to walk with her for convocation.

I: What a bummer! I regret not being a better big sister to my little sisters—if anything I would say I've done better this year than last year. Of course time will improve your relationships with upperclasswomen—especially as you meet those in your major. The Classics department is like a little family. We look out for our newbies.

A: Yeah, I’ve met a lot of girls through my classes and they have been awesome. I was really excited after the first few days of class because the girls were really nice, and more like what i expected them to be like

I: Do you like having an FYA? Do you think they do what they are supposed to or do you think they take up space?

A: I love them, actually! I actually hang out with them more than I do the other girls sometimes. That was probably the best part about orientation that we have those girls to help us out and adjust.

I: Well I am glad that turned out well, having a good support system is so key. What has been your favorite SBC activity thus far?

A: as hot as it was, the learning on the land. We walked up to monument hill and it was so beautiful. We then sat there and talked about what we wanted for our future, and it was such a great way to get to know our hallmates. I think that we should definitely continue to do that and maybe even switch up the groups so we get to know more girls

I: That’s funny, because when I was a first year, Learning on the Land was the moment when our hall gelled. One of my favorite things about Sweet Briar is my friends and so meeting them and becoming close at Learning on the land has made that whole experience invaluable.

A: what was your first impression of the class of 2010?

I: Good question... I guess I officially met y'all during your check in, when you were nervous and excited about coming to Sweet Briar. I think the overwhelming impression of your class four weeks into the semester is positive. I think you guys might have had a smoother transition than 2009. I guess what is most important is that I think the seniors are excited about a lot of y'all -- we can't wait to see how you develop.

A: That's great. I'm glad we did make a good impression. Are you an FYA this year?

I: nope. I was an FYA for two years and now I am a CA

A: did you like being an FYA? Do you think it helped you get to know the freshman class more? How do you think your impression was different this year not being an FYA?

I: I have actually lamented to my unsympathetic friends about not knowing the first years. As FYA it is our job to get to know every first year and help them transition. I am particularly good with names and faces so I usually start the semester knowing a sizable chunk of first years but this year I knew TWO It was so weird.

A: Do you think there are ways that you would be able to get to know the first years when your not an FYA? Or do you even think it's essential?

I: I think it’s an essential part of Sweet Briar to be involved in the lives of all the members of your community. I love meeting first years and nothing makes me smile more than seeing a bright future for Sweet Briar. Though to answer your first question, I am just not sure. The freshmen I am most excited about I met by chance. I try to make myself available to them as a resource, but it is not always easy. I think the best upperclasswomen can do is make themselves available and try to introduce themselves to first years. I think it is in all our best interests to engage each other and see what we can learn from each other.

If you have any questions or comments you would like to see discussed in “Let’s Talk About it,” just stop Andria Pasquel or Irene Maslanik in the halls or email voice@sbc.edu.