Any attempt to discuss my inaugural year at Fredonia feels a bit overwhelming. There are so many things to say and memories to relive that it seems impossible for me to adequately convey how much Fredonia has come to mean to me, and how grateful I feel to have found a place where I am able to learn not only about academic topics and performances skills, but more significantly, about others and myself. Admittedly, my goals upon arriving at Fredonia consisted mainly of learning about my craft of Musical Theatre, and learning how to make my dream of having a long, fulfilling career as a performing artist a reality. I soon discovered, however, that college life would not be exclusively devoted to improving my knowledge and skills within my designated major. In fact, from the beginning of the Convocation ceremony, the freshmen class of 2012 was urged to become observers of the whole world: documentarians of what we saw, felt and explored. We were urged to recognize and become aware of our interrelatedness and connectedness, and told that limitless observation is necessary to facilitate conductive learning and growth not only for the duration of our college years, but for as long as we are productive, active citizens striving for a better comprehension of our society, goals, and personal identities. I knew at that moment, as I listened to these suggestions, that not only was I about to embark on a journey of exciting educational opportunities, but that I was about to uncover new and revolutionary ways to look at myself, my goals, and the people around me.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Fredonia is a unique example of an educational community. Not only does the school value learning, observing, and innovation, but the people found at SUNY Fredonia clearly possess a compassion for their fellow men and women. During my first visit to Fredonia in the spring of my senior year of high school, my parents and I were spontaneously approached by a group of current students in Starbucks. They had recognized me from their class that I had observed earlier that morning, and on their own initiative, spent over two hours talking with my parents and me about how special SUNY Fredonia was. By the end of our conversation, I felt excited that I was lucky enough to have been accepted into such a caring, well-reputed, high-quality university. Never could I have imagined that my school could become my “second home” (in every sense of the phrase), and that the people I have interacted with over the course of only one year could truly become my “second family.” Perhaps people aren’t supposed to understand the quandary of who they are until they reach a point in their lives when they question everything and realize that there is no definite answer to this multifaceted existential inquiry. It is true that during my freshman year I have increased my skills in academics, acting, singing, dancing and leadership, but the most profound affect Fredonia has had on my life was encouraging me to find my own voice. As a returning student, I will use this voice to promote and embody Fredonia’s proud tradition of success!
Any attempt to discuss my inaugural year at Fredonia feels a bit overwhelming. There are so many things to say and memories to relive that it seems impossible for me to adequately convey how much Fredonia has come to mean to me, and how grateful I feel to have found a place where I am able to learn not only about academic topics and performances skills, but more significantly, about others and myself. Admittedly, my goals upon arriving at Fredonia consisted mainly of learning about my craft of Musical Theatre, and learning how to make my dream of having a long, fulfilling career as a performing artist a reality. I soon discovered, however, that college life would not be exclusively devoted to improving my knowledge and skills within my designated major. In fact, from the beginning of the Convocation ceremony, the freshmen class of 2012 was urged to become observers of the whole world: documentarians of what we saw, felt and explored. We were urged to recognize and become aware of our interrelatedness and connectedness, and told that limitless observation is necessary to facilitate conductive learning and growth not only for the duration of our college years, but for as long as we are productive, active citizens striving for a better comprehension of our society, goals, and personal identities. I knew at that moment, as I listened to these suggestions, that not only was I about to embark on a journey of exciting educational opportunities, but that I was about to uncover new and revolutionary ways to look at myself, my goals, and the people around me.
Fredonia is a unique example of an educational community. Not only does the school value learning, observing, and innovation, but the people found at SUNY Fredonia clearly possess a compassion for their fellow men and women. During my first visit to Fredonia in the spring of my senior year of high school, my parents and I were spontaneously approached by a group of current students in Starbucks. They had recognized me from their class that I had observed earlier that morning, and on their own initiative, spent over two hours talking with my parents and me about how special SUNY Fredonia was. By the end of our conversation, I felt excited that I was lucky enough to have been accepted into such a caring, well-reputed, high-quality university. Never could I have imagined that my school could become my “second home” (in every sense of the phrase), and that the people I have interacted with over the course of only one year could truly become my “second family.” Perhaps people aren’t supposed to understand the quandary of who they are until they reach a point in their lives when they question everything and realize that there is no definite answer to this multifaceted existential inquiry. It is true that during my freshman year I have increased my skills in academics, acting, singing, dancing and leadership, but the most profound affect Fredonia has had on my life was encouraging me to find my own voice. As a returning student, I will use this voice to promote and embody Fredonia’s proud tradition of success!