Admitted students and their families had the opportunity to learn about academics and student engagement at Keene State’s final Admitted Student Day of the year on Friday, April 24.
Staff, faculty and volunteers were available to answer questions about different programs throughout campus, where things are located around campus and what to expect as an incoming first-year student.
Assistant Director of Admissions Carrie Holmes shared advice for upcoming first-year students on how they will be able to “fit in” at the college without any issues.
“My advice for the admitted students today is to talk to everybody, go meet everybody and imagine yourself here,” said Holmes. “Find a place where you’re going to be inspired and thrive but where you’ll always have an opportunity to shine a little bit, where you can be seen and appreciated a little bit at Keene State College.”
Director of Nursing Sharon Breidt tabled in Rhodes Hall for the nursing program. The advice she gave to admitted students was to “use supports that are available and get involved in study groups and tutoring as much as you can.”
Additionally, student volunteers, juniors Kaylee Ansell and Jack Mahony, shared their advice for admitted students.
“The hardest thing for me was finding classes,” said Ansell. “I was also nervous asking for support at first, but talking to some of the students and parents here today, I definitely emphasized the importance of asking for help.”
“[Don’t] be scared; try new clubs and branch out,” Ansell continued. ”It’s okay if students don’t like clubs; at least they were able to say they branched out.”
“Don’t worry about being judged or making new friends,” said Mahony. “When I was a freshman, the hardest thing for me was feeling judged, but I outgrew that the more I got comfortable here. I want the students to feel welcomed today especially and understand that there’s support in the Elliot Center.”
Admitted students shared their first impressions of the college, what stood out to them, what they are excited about and how they felt overall about Admitted Student Day.
“I heard Carle Hall was a popular dorm here, so I was excited to see that,” said incoming first-year Adrian Lyman. “It’s a dormitory so I don’t know how much [it] would stand out but it was still nice.”
Admitted student Anna Beth and her mother shared their first impressions of Keene State. “I was excited, it’s so cute how small the campus is. I don’t feel overwhelmed,” said Beth, who declined to share her last name.
“What stood out to me was the preparation that went into the tabling here overall, everywhere in each building was very informative, which I loved for my daughter,” said Beth’s mother.
“I had the omelette from the omelette bar, which was nice. The fruit was fresh, so I felt like it was nice to come and see that the food is not bad,” said admitted student Tim, who declined to share his last name.
Riley, another admitted student, said he heard how great the Living and Learning Commons (LLC) was and liked it very much. “It gave off the vibe of a hotel,” Riley said. “Touring the LLC, that’s what stood out to me. I also felt nervous because I was hoping to make new friends today, but it’s okay because it was comforting to know that everyone around me will also be new.”
Tamy Jacques can be contacted at
tjacques@kscequinox.com
