An engaging university community should ensure every student’s sense of belonging. At first, life at school feels uncertain, and getting involved is overwhelming. By the time you reach junior year, this sense of belonging is felt in everyday campus life, not just during special activities. The upperclassmen know what they are doing; the freshmen and sophomores do not. Building relationships between graduate classes helps solidify this needed sense of belonging.
When I came to college, I was apprehensive about what the future held for me. I joined the ROTC program, which took the majority of my time and energy. By the time I finished my homework, I would nap during the afternoon when all of my hallmates were getting to know each other. I began to feel lonely and like I would never find my people. Before I knew it, however, Thursday evenings were reserved for dinner with an upperclassman.
In September of freshman year, I met a girl who was a year older than me at a frat party. I never expected to hear from her again or for her to encourage me to rush into her sorority, but she did! Easily, we slipped into a routine of having weekly lunch or dinner dates. I found myself looking forward to talking to her about the drama in my hall and my indecisiveness on rushing a sorority in the spring. Soon, we started going to activities on campus, and she introduced me to her friends. Through my friendship with her, I began to find that sense of belonging outside of ROTC.
After a catastrophic disagreement with my roommate during my sophomore year, I had to move in mid-semester with three upperclassmen in ROTC who I barely knew. I was intimidated by their strength and confidence in the areas I struggle with. At first, I felt like an imposter until I started to attend pasta night. One of them would run to the store and make a giant pot of pasta every Thursday evening. Even if it was 10 pm and we had Physical Training the next morning, we always had bowlfuls of pasta and gathered to watch a movie. This unique bonding allowed me to relax from the stress of the intense academic and ROTC lifestyles during the peak of COVID.
These Thursday afternoon activities have impacted my life in ways I never expected. I would encourage you to make similar bonds between upper and lower classmen this year! The time you spend getting to know another student results in a mutual feeling of comfort away from home. Furman’s campus has a strong community, so our students should not only feel safe to connect with others on campus; they will feel empowered to become involved.