Freshmen who have arrived on Florida A&M University campus are currently trying to adjust to an atmosphere away from home.
When campus opened prior to the first week of school, there were several events to help the incoming Rattlers feel at ease and to fully adjust to FAMU’s social environment. Rebecca Azor, 18, a freshman health management student from Palm Beach said there have been socials going on since she has stepped on FAMU’s campus. She said the Café is even like a party.
“There were parties like every day, and so far I’m tired of the party life,” said Azor. “It’s also very exciting to see the beef between the clubs and organizations here.”
Cindy Odny, 17, a freshman psychology student from West Palm Beach did not know what to expect upon her arrival on the campus. She said that unpacking her luggage and settling in was no problem.
“There were people that I didn’t even know helping me to move in,” said Odny.
After freshmen were settled in, some students began to miss the place they once called home.
“First I was homesick, but now I feel like I am being given the chance to grow up, and I love it,” Azor said.
As for others, not only was being homesick a problem but the weather in Tallahassee is also disturbing.
Brittany Lemone, 18, a business administration student from Ellenwood, Ga. said she is trying to adjust to the weather.
“I hate the heat,” Lemone said. “I can’t take it and it’s terrible for the condition of my hair.”
In addition to the physical changes freshmen are dealing with, many freshmen heard rumors that the financial aid office was uncooperative, and that they may misplace paperwork.
Melina Diaz, 19, a freshman food science student from St. Thomas Virgin Island said that people told her before she came to FAMU to keep track of all paperwork that is given from financial aid.
“Prior to coming here I had heard a lot of rumors about financial aid, but I have learned to always keep a copy of every piece of paper that I turn in and to take note of the name of the person helping me,” Diaz said. “But, moreover, I was out of there [financial aid office] in 10 minutes.”
Even though there were rumors about problems within the financial aid office, freshmen still like the exposure FAMU has to offer.
Kaylin Polite, 17, a freshman chemistry student from Atlanta said she looks forward to the many opportunities she knows this university will afford her.
“I love the fact that by being at this school I was given the opportunity to meet Senator Barack Obama, and just the fact that he was here says a lot about this institution,” Polite said. “I got to shake his hand and I will remember that it was here that I first met him.”
Aaron House, 21, a criminal justice student from Quincy said the benefit of building relationships with your professor is a good attribute FAMU has for its students. House believes it is important to know your professors because they have a great influence on your grades.
“One advice I would give freshmen is study and go to class because education is paramount,” House said. “And what I found helpful for me is to learn my teachers.”