Robria Daniels
MC 301-01
On Aug. 17, 2013 at approximately 8:00 a.m., Jackson State University welcomed a record 1,100 freshmen students into the Tiger Community.
The doors to McAlister/Whiteside, Stewart Hall, Dixon Hall, and Alexander East were taken over by new faces of anticipation and excitement ready to embark upon the collegiate experience.
JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers released a statement on Wednesday, Sept. 11, expressing her excitement about JSU’s record enrollment of 9,134 students, which include the largest ever freshmen class.
“One of our biggest success stories is our freshman class, which this year reached 1,100 students. That’s more than a 25 percent increase over last fall. Within this class is the highest number ever of freshmen who have met the criteria for JSU’s W.E.B. Du Bois Honors College. We are not only getting more students, but we’re getting the best and the brightest,” stated Meyers in the release.
Being away from home and loved ones can be quite the challenge to an 18 or 19-year-old student.
Hillary Watkins, an 18-year-old music/vocal performance major from Jackson, Miss. stated that she has had to adjust to life within the residence halls.
“It is quite hard trying to adapt to being around a lot of girls, but it’s all a compromise that has to be made in order to build a level of leadership,” said Watkins.
Malik Nichols, a music major from Jackson, Miss., is adjusting to campus life as a resident of Alexander East Residence Hall.
“One of my biggest issues is the un-cleanliness of the bathrooms among the other residents. It’s definitely something I’m not used to, but I think with time things will begin to get better or at least I hope so,” said Nichols.
Chris Johnston, a computer engineering major from Little Rock, Ark. who also resides in Alexander East said, “The only hard thing about residential living is having to buy every and anything you need. Things are very expensive, which is hard when being away from home having your parents there at hand to buy everything you need.”
Kedric Hayes, Mr. Freshman, a 19 year old biology major from Grenada, Miss., encourages his peers to get involved with campus organizations and campus life.
“Get to know your roommate as well as your peers on a deeper and meaningful level, so that long lasting relationships will be built that will develop into lifelong networking systems.”
Ruqayya Calmes, Miss Freshman and a chemistry/pre-dentistry major from Byram, Miss., agrees with Hayes. She also encourages her freshman peers focus on academic success as well.
“Overall stay focused on your academics because your G.P.A is everything,” said Calmes.
