Thoughts from the class of 2014

In my Freshmen Seminar class last week, I had the students write about their first week at Scattergood: what their initial impressions were, what were the high points of the week, etc.  Here are the some of the things they had to say (with some pictures from our freshmen class campfire ... I am also a freshmen class sponsor :) )

Prodding the fire ...

"Being a new student anywhere, especially a freshman, can be pretty scary.  When I arrived with my parents, lunch was happening and I awkwardly made my way into the dining hall and sat down at a table of seniors (the only people there, other than new students and staff).  After a few hours, I got to know a few seniors and some of my fellow new students, and I felt better." 

Several students around the fire with Colleen, another freshmen sponsor.

"Oklahoma is pretty far from Scattergood, so driving here took a while.  While we were driving, I was sort of nervous about what Scattergood would be like.  What if I didn't make any friends?  What if I didn't like my roommate?  By the time we pulled up into the driveway to Scattergood, I was totally freaking out.  But when I entered the main lobby, everyone was really nice and helpful.  My roommate turned out to be really awesome and nice." 

"That's one of the things I like about Scattergood; you're friends with pretty much everyone, not just your class, or the people your age, everyone." 

Super cute!

"Monday began with me running at 6:30.  It was painfully early after several months of sleeping 'til 12." 

"I think this past week at Scattergood has been a good experience for me.  I like the first name basis and small community."

A student drew this on the back of his assignment.  I am not sure what it is, but I appreciate the creativity!

"Scattergood has always been a part of my life, and has imparted me with a sense of community and a place in this world. ... Now, when I am a student and not a staff child, my love for Scattergood has grown exponentially." 

Nordy (a freshmen class sponsor) with several students eating marshmellows.  Yum!

 "The best thing is the farm because it can let me eat a lot of fruits and vegetables."

"I love it here, but nothing feels quite like home.  Nowhere really does.  Slowly, it seems, it's becoming home.  Two weeks seem to be two months, and I'm starting to understand people, to know what a home feels like." 

Chowing down

"After traipsing around the ped-mall in Iowa City, we went and sat on a lawn of the University.  For some unknown reasons (we're teenagers, what do you expect) we decided to make a human pyramid, but no, we couldn't have the traditional three people kneeling on the ground, we had to have four.  After many hilarious attempts and really funny videos, we finally got one of the smaller freshmen onto the very top after climbing up us.  It lasted all of thirty seconds, but it was sure fun." 

Stare-down!

(Speaking of orientation) "Overall, for me, I loved every single thing about it.  I would not have changed a thing about it!" 

Big smiles from new students!

"When I heard we had to do the manual work around the campus, my reaction was to say: "Just as long as I don't have to do the dishes".  Of course, my very first crew is after dinner clean-up.  At first, I despaired, but after I talked to Jarrett, a senior, I learned I could wipe tables.  So now thats how I spend part of my weekday nights.  Dinner clean-up isn't half as bad as I thought it was going to be and I enjoy crew time. (Unless next block I get a dish doing crew ... )" 

Mmm...giant marshmellows.  Chubby bunny, anyone?

"I feel like Scattergood gives each individual the room to grow on their own, but it also gives each student support, and challenges them to be the best and do the best they can." 

"I feel like the next four years of my life could go very well." 

Yum!

"I'm here, and it's going to be tough, but it'll all turn out okay, that's what I say." 

A few new students, enjoying twilight (and I don't mean the movie!)

I want to extend a thank you to my freshmen for allowing me to share their thoughts about Scattergood thus far.  Keep coming back for more updates!

And, for now, we leave you with ....

Irving!