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Converting to a succinct revelation: Freshman Year Retrospective Discussion

Reflecting on my initial year at Holy Cross, I acknowledge the diverse encounters, both favorable and challenging, that have molded my student life. Exploring numerous clubs and endeavors, and forging impressive new friendships, I am mainly grateful for the opportunities...

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Interview Concluding Freshman Year Experience
Interview Concluding Freshman Year Experience

Converting to a succinct revelation: Freshman Year Retrospective Discussion

The College of the Holy Cross has provided a warm and welcoming environment for its first-year students, as evidenced by the experiences shared by the Class of 2028. This group of students has embraced the college's spirit, grown personally, and established a strong sense of community.

Michael Kieyah, Matt Hollatz, and Ashley Stracco, members of the Class of 2028 student government, have each found their niche on campus. Kieyah, having served as Vice-President, has engaged with the community by staying involved in clubs like SGA and BSU. Hollatz, who was the treasurer, has been active in activities such as Choir, Theatre, Spud, and SGA. Stracco, the president, has left her mark as a leader, becoming more extroverted and improving her leadership skills.

Through their involvement, these students have learned valuable lessons. Kieyah has discovered the importance of open-mindedness, while Hollatz has realised the significance of individual discipline and self-control for academic success. Stracco has come to understand that while academics are important, they aren't everything.

The Class of 2028 has also emphasised the importance of getting involved in campus clubs and activities. They have expressed appreciation for the people they have met through their involvement, sharing that they have found their amazing friends and had wonderful experiences at Holy Cross.

The college's efforts to create a sense of community have been evident. Visible symbols of identity and pride, such as banners with slogans like "It’s a Great Day to Be a Saint" and "Saints Today, Saints for All Eternity," have been placed along campus walkways and entries. Upgraded athletic facilities, including the soccer field's lighting, fencing, scoreboard, and sound system, have enhanced campus spirit. Community celebrations and cultural events, like J'ouvert and Battle of the Bands, have brought students together and fostered a sense of shared experience and community spirit. The myHC app, a digital engagement platform, helps students connect by providing registration for events, access to groups and organizations, and timely information about campus activities.

As the Class of 2028 looks forward to the next academic year, they are also fundraising with merchandise to support their class. They advise first-year students to put themselves out there socially, extracurricularly, and academically, emphasising that Holy Cross offers a wealth of opportunities to grow, learn, and make lasting connections.

Emily Carbone '28, the Features Editor at Holy Cross, captures the spirit of the Class of 2028 when she says, "Holy Cross has been an incredible place for us to grow, learn, and make lifelong friendships. We are excited to see what the future holds for us here."

References: [1] Hart Center Expansion, College of the Holy Cross, https://www.holycross.edu/about/hart-center-expansion [2] Campus Improvements, College of the Holy Cross, https://www.holycross.edu/about/campus-improvements [3] J'ouvert, College of the Holy Cross, https://www.holycross.edu/about/jouvert [5] myHC App, College of the Holy Cross, https://www.holycross.edu/about/myhc-app

  1. The student government members of the Class of 2028, including Michael Kieyah, Matt Hollatz, and Ashley Stracco, have found various leadership opportunities on campus, such as SGA, BSU, Choir, Theatre, Spud, and the myHC app.
  2. Through their involvement, these students have learned valuable lessons about open-mindedness, individual discipline, self-control, the importance of academics, and the role of personal growth in education.
  3. The Class of 2028 emphasizes the importance of getting involved in campus clubs, activities, and events, as they believe these experiences contribute to personal growth, learning, and the creation of lasting connections.
  4. The College of the Holy Cross fosters a strong sense of community through visible symbols of identity, upgraded athletic facilities, community celebrations, and the myHC app, which connects students for events, groups, and organizations.
  5. As they look forward to the next academic year, the Class of 2028 is also fundraising with merchandise to support their class and encourages first-year students to seize the opportunities available at the college for growth, learning, and relationship-building.

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