So much to do, so little time

Friday, August 31, 3:51 a.m.
My roommate and I are STILL sitting here, at 2:55 AM, both tapping away on our new university-issue IBM laptops. The reasons why and how we manage to stay up so late and so frequently always escapes me; maybe it’s the excitement of each previous day that we just can’t shake, or maybe it’s the late-night runs to Cookout for those cheap burgers and shakes (already??). Either way, I suppose it’s okay, at least for now, because my first class tomorrow isn’t until 11:00 : )

Oh the wonders of college! I was just telling one of my friends back home (the poor dear’s still got a year of high school left) that I feel like I’ve been dropped offat summer camp, and that at any minute my mom will come and make me get back in that minivan. Nobody’s yelling at me to go to bed (like in my first blog entry), there is no principal roaming campus to make sure us students aren’t “skipping”, there are more activities to get involved in than I can count, and if I reaaaally wanted to, I could eat soft-serve ice cream three times a day for the next three months.


But don’t fret--I think we’re all settling in quite nicely to this celebrated “college life”. For most students, classes have all been chosen, the bank has been broken purchasing the required books, and we’ve all roamed the activities fair, trolling for sports teams, choir ensembles, and a myriad of assorted diversions.

Though I’ll admit I’m having fun, I’ll also not hide the fact that I’ve probably just experienced the most severe exasperation of my young life--class registration has driven me insane for the past three days. My super faculty adviser had helped me plan out a perfectly tailored schedule, replete with cool professors (Thank you, virtualratings.com!) and interesting seminars...only to be denied or wait listed from EVERY SINGLE ONE. Arghhhhhhh. So, I spent a 48 hour block picking new freshman seminars, logging into (and being given the run-around by) the online registration system, pulling my hair out, going to 22 credit hours worth of classes, and trying to cajole professors into taking me off of their wait-lists (this method worked about 40% of the time). In the end, I’ve ended up with a nice cocktail of economics, political science, African history, international studies, and French. My professors are all awesome, my classes genuinely interest me, I haven’t gotten lost yet, and my pens are full of ink and raring to go.

The previously mentioned activities fair deserves more detail, so I’ll jump back to it quickly; I have never been immersed in such a hoi polloi of enthusiasm in my life (alright, last year’s train riots in France came mighty close, but you understand the level of excitement we’re talking about here). Anyway, the activities fair consisted of one entire afternoon dedicated to informing new students about campus organizations and activities, and I must say that I was quite well informed. After making the rounds of over 100 tables, each one with informative and enthusiastic representatives, I finally made it back to my room and sat down to check my email--only to discover a deluge of e-newsletters from campus organizations that I had signed up for. Apparently in my excitement I had just nodded my head keenly, taken the brochures, and signed my name on the line for the mailing lists of no less than seventeen campus organizations. How on earth did I do that?! Seventeen!! I had to sit down and make a priorities list fast, so for the moment I’ve narrowed it down the choices to student government, mock trial, ultimate Frisbee, outdoor outing club, and rugby (the one activity my mother abhors...so I guess I’ll be applying my own band-aids from now on!).

Well, it’s now after 3:00 AM, and if my writing skills were already rusty from a summer of relative inactivity, the effect can only be compounded by lack of sleep, so I’ll leave you all with this final, albeit incomplete post. To all the loving fathers, concerned mothers, curious siblings, and anyone else who’s tuning in, the Wake Forest class of 2011 loves you and appreciates all the effort and sacrifice it’s taken to get us here. So now we’re going to sit down, buckle up, and get ready for the ride of our lives (complete with rugby and soft-serve ice cream). Go Deacs!!

Paris Furst

No better place

Thursday, August 30, 11:10 a.m.
Looks like this will be my final blog regarding my first days as a Deacon. How to sum it up in one word? Wow. I was lucky enough to move in early for SPARC, so I’ve been here for almost 2 weeks. Come to think of it, it feels like it’s been longer than two weeks. I’m already nonchalantly referring to Babcock Hall as “home,” the initial reserve that characterized the halls for the first few days has given way to spontaneous giggles and adventures, and classes are kicking into full swing.

My classes are great so far. Spanish and Portuguese back to back on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays makes my head spin just a little bit by lunchtime, but I’m pretty sure that will fade with time. For the most part, I feel pretty lucky with my final schedule. I’ve got a nice balance of classes and everything is of some particular interest to me. I’ve heard a few horror stories from friends who have no idea what their seminars (writing or first year) are about, some from people who are still working to accumulate those final few credit hours necessary to have a full schedule, and some from people who have 8 o’clock classes every day. But then there’s the other side--those with no classes on Thursdays or Fridays, those who got every class they wanted, those who are finished with class every day by lunchtime. . .I guess it’s just a matter of what interests you, when you prefer to sleep/wake up, and maybe a little bit of luck. I think it’s safe to say that we’re all having a great time at Wake Forest, really getting to know our peers, advisers, and professors.

On a final note, I guess I’ll say to all of you what I said to my younger sister, Laura, last night via text message (FYI--parents, change your phone plans if necessary. . .texting is big here!). I think it describes, in a nutshell, just how much I love this place: “Hi I miss you. You should apply early decision to Wake… there is no better place in the world!”

Carey Carpenter

Getting things under control

Wednesday, August 29, 12:47 p.m.
My first few days at Wake Forest have actually been pretty good. At times I definitely felt overwhelmed with class registration and various orientation seminars, but all the information has been helpful. As far as finding my way around, I think I have the center of the campus under control but the outskirts are a different story--but I know I will get them in time. My adviser is great. She is always more than willing to help, and if she does not know the answer to something she immediately refers me to the department heads. Overall I am grateful for how my first few days have gone. Good Luck Class of 2011!!!!

Brigham Wall

(Editors note: Brigham and her roommate, Maggie Hinson, were photographed together on move-in day, August 23. Brigham is pictured on the left.)

Indeed...time is on my side

Wednesday, August 29, 1:09 a.m.
What a week it has been. What a rare mood I'm in. Well, it's almost like being at WAKE!!!

Correction, it's not almost like being at Wake Forest University, it is being at Wake Forest University. I have never felt so welcomed in a place so far from home, surrounded by cultures so different from mine. From the beginning of my college application process, I worried if my higher education institute would be a place I could call a home away from home, a place my heart could rest in the absence of my Louisiana rearing. This university is neither too cold nor too hot, it is just right.

Who would have thought a child from Shreveport, destined for LSU, would make a drastic turn towards North Carolina? The only answer I can give is my good friend TIME. He has definitely been on my side. He has caused my mind to make this amazing decision. He has lead me to a haven for multicultural affairs, theatre, dance, science, humanities, and diversity.

Welcome to Wake Forest. I can speak for all the freshman by stating that we have heard the phrase a great deal since Thursday. However, if those four words were never spoken, the cordial atmosphere would have been enough. I begin my college career with a course in chemistry with a typical teenager's anxiety, but (thanks to old Father Time) I will sail through every equation with the liberal arts of Wake Forest.

Wake Forest, thanks for the memories, the memories past, the memories now, and the memories to come.

Oh, and to squash the question of what freshman residential hall is the best, I offer you, class of 2011 this bit of advice...Follow the suites to find what's sweet! Think about it....Does sausages ring a bell?

Ae'Jay MItchell

Reflections on orientation week

Tuesday, August 28, 11:34 p.m.
Orientation week consists of many new events and challenges for freshmen students--countless required meetings, alarm clock wake-ups rather than motherly "good mornings," hall bathrooms, unfamiliar rules and regulations, awkward "ice-breaker" activities, and much, much more. However, all these new things aside, I have found that in the down time, in the thirty minutes between assemblies that I have begun to understand college--both the academic and the social aspects. Whether it was through the hall meetings, the movie-watching parties, or the random discussions on the way to events, I have already seen the beauty of Wake Forest. The same hall mates that I can discuss my past with are a huge part of my future. The same friends who I eat with in the Pit are now my classmates. And the same adults and students who helped advise me in the registration process are now my professors and my peers. The beauty of Wake Forest is found in the ability of each of its students, professors, and faculty members to play multiple roles in the college's success. I, for one, accept the assemblies, meetings, and other orientation events as a right of passage, so that we all may now go on our way to discover our own roles at Wake Forest.

Holley Nelson

Ready for classes to begin

Tuesday, August 28, 10:40 p.m.
I've been here awhile due to band camp, but it is ten times better with more people on campus! My roommate and I are settling in great, besides the crazy schedules and rushing around we have had to do during the past few days. Registration was a little chaotic and sadly I had to wait list for a class I really need, but I am looking forward to classes starting. The next few weeks will definitely be interesting as find our way around, but I'm not worried; Wake Forest seems to be the place for me.

Elizabeth Wicker

Amazing!

Tuesday, August 28, 9:41 p.m.
The past week has been filled with amazing memories. I’ve met amazing people from all over the country, tasted the best food Winston-Salem has to offer, and am a proud “Screamin’ demon.” After this week-long orientation session, classes finally begin tomorrow. I’m not quite sure what to expect--other than the fact that I have an 8 o’clock math class--but I’m happy to finally settle into a daily routine. Either way, I know I’ll still have midnight cravings and find myself sneaking a midnight snack at Subway as I frantically try to finish a paper.

Ana Calles

Pre-college anxiety draws to a close

Monday, August 27, 10:51 p.m.
(Editors note: Paris submitted this posting after she ran across an old blog entry from high school during which time she was undergoing the stress and anxiety involved in applying to college and deciding which one to attend. She sends this update.)

Looking back upon that strained blog entry, I'm not going to lie--just the memory of that stress still keeps it almost tangible...but now I'm at Wake Forest, ready to start this new chapter in my life. I spent all day today registering for classes and talking to potential teachers (I'm not gonna' lie; I was trying to weed out the "meanies"...of whom I was pleasantly surprised to find none!)

My Outward Bound buddies and I keep in close contact, and I ate lunch with a group of them today. It's so nice to be able to walk across the Quad and wave at someone I know, or scream for the Frisbee as I walk across the Quad to dinner. Of course the fun and games will soon come to an end as we start classes on Wednesday, but I'm ready. It's been long enough. Thinking. Agonizing. Applying. Interviewing. Waiting. I am here, home at Wake Forest University.

Paris Furst

Outward Bound or "Don't worry I'm getting in the shower right now!"

August 26, Sunday, 2: 18 p.m.

A week after move-in, I was finally back at campus, in Luter Hall, ready to meet my roommate, arrange my bookshelf, and pick up my laptop. I was wearing the same brown t-shirt (which had previously been light pink) that I had donned at the beginning of the trip, my hair had not been washed for five days, there was a gaping hole in the seat of my shorts, and my legs looked as if they had been attacked by wild cats. But I was one happy camper.

The one remaining week before orientation had been spent tramping and camping around Pisgah National Forest with forty-three other freshmen; we had all chosen to participate in this year's Outward Bound wilderness course, a pre-orientation tradition that Wake Forest has offered rising freshmen for over a decade.

For those of you that have heard of the Outward Bound program, you would probably agree with their mission statement, which is "to inspire people to discover and develop their potential to care for themselves, others and the world around them through challenging experiences in unfamiliar settings."

Well, we were challenged and inspired to be sure, but we also laughed and learned, climbed and packed, cooked and carried (55 pound packs!), and just had good "dirty fun!" After an early move-in last Saturday afternoon, the "Outward Bounders" convened in the Benson Center for a debriefing followed by a group dinner. After the parents' Q&A session (in which several concerned mothers expressed angst at releasing their children into the wilderness with only one pair of clean socks), we said our goodbyes and headed up to the Magnolia Room for a get-to-know-you dinner. Each person stood up and introduced themselves, adding his or her high school mascot and a personal narrative about the trip to college. My favorite was the girl whose mascot was a fighting church mouse...

Paris Furst

A different kind of schedule

Saturday, August 25, 8:58 pm Babcock Hall

I don't see how everyone constantly stays up into the AMs and then wakes up on time to get food and go to programs. My question is, will these same people be as chipper when classes start?

Personally I'm a wuss when it comes to staying up late and I need at least a really good night of sleep a week. So here I am, on a Saturday night, going to bed very soon. Don't laugh because I'm a wreck now. Anyone who can pull this off is either really good friends with their coffee maker or superhuman, basically here's to you crazy kids who can always stay up. However, this one is
heading to bed soon.

JT Peifer

First load of laundry, good friends and good food

Saturday, August 25, 2007, 5:24 P.M.
Eight more minutes until my first load of laundry is ready to be moved into the dryer. Laundry. Sure, it makes me appreciate the comforts of home (specifically, a mother who "helped out" with my laundry on a regular basis)...but then again, laundry's also one of those things that makes me realize I'm finally here, settling into the place I've wanted to call home for so long!

Meeting the girls on my hall has been exciting. It seems like everyone's name is a variation of Katherine, Katie, Kate, Kaitlyn...Might I add that my roommate and I actually share the same name? I usually consider myself good at remembering names, but all of the Cs and Ks are really making it difficult!

We've also begun making our tentative schedules. So far, it hasn't been too difficult. Then again, maybe my interests are unusually broad. There are a few classes I'd love to take, but I doubt I'll have any trouble finding backups in the event that my ideal courses are full. I think most of the other freshmen would agree that it's nice having so much flexibility in choosing courses this year.

The food here is great! Of course, they've kept us so busy with meetings and assemblies that it's tough making it over to the Pit or Benson at normal hours every day/night. However, between all of the free cookies that can be found everywhere, the late-night Subway runs, and "Taste of Winston-Salem" taking place this evening, I have a feeling we're all getting along just fine without Mom's home cooking...

Can't wait to cheer on the Deacs at the soccer game tonight!

Carey Carpenter

Successfully pre-oriented

Posted 4:30 p.m., Babcock Hall

A few days ago I attended pre-school, an orientation designed to, well, pre-orient you before you arrive on Wake Forest. It was the greatest thing ever because you got to know people before having the awkward move-in day. It was so nice that on Wednesday everything was easy. I registered, signed in and got my laptop with friends I had already made over the previous few days. Anyone who experienced any of these "preschools" will say the same thing: getting acclimated to campus, without actually having to worry about a schedule.

So now it is Friday. It is also deathly hot. I am heartily enjoying my cool dorm room and fridge. So to take off from my last post, everything is doing amazingly well. I did not in fact wander around campus, and I did not actually spin around drunkenly asking for directions. Pre-orientation was a great experience where I got to meet sweet people. If this is a mere shadow of the things to come this year, then I definitely know I'm at the right school.

JT Peifer

Hey.. I'm your facebook friend

The second day at Wake Forest has been great. After last night's rest, I am enjoying the campus so much better. Also, I have been able to realize this certain phenomenon...most of my encounters have began with the phrase, "Hey, I'm (insert name here), aren't you my facebook friend." Those facebook acquaintances have made this transition to Wake Forest so much easier. I think facebook should be a new requirement for incoming students. President Hatch, what do you think? Well, it is time to go to another meeting. Orientation equals a great deal of handshakes!

Here's to the second day of a great move! GO DEACS!

Ae'Jay Mitchell

Glad to have arrived

Thursday, August 24, 12:49 p.m.
On the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again...NOT!!!

I just finished one of the most exhausting trips in life. We finally arrived in Winston-Salem, and I am on my way to Wake Forest as soon as I complete this blog. Since one of my majors will probably be psychology, the question I ask myself is "how does that make you feel?"

It makes me feel a great deal of things. I am a bit nervous about classes to come, anxious to meet my dormmates, and ecstatic that I am going to be a part of such an amazing family.

Class of 2007, time to get this thing started!

Ae'Jay Mitchell

Enthusiasm for the S.P.A.R.C. program

Thursday, August 23, 6:50 PM
SPARC was a blast. To all of the SPARCies and leaders, thanks for a great week--ya'll were awesome! We volunteered at several agencies in and around Winston-Salem. My favorite was the Ronald McDonald House, and I also enjoyed speaking with the residents at a local retirement home where we hosted an ice cream social.

I'd like to post more about the fun times we had during SPARC, moving in that initial Sunday (when all was quiet on campus and we had the halls virtually to ourselves), surviving the real move-in day (phase 2 for me), but we've got our first RA meeting in just a few minutes, and I'd hate to be late for that. However, seeing as I once again have a computer at my fingertips, you can expect to hear from me soon! Good luck to everyone on the first night here! We've got a great four years ahead of us!

Carey Carpenter

Time for lunch

Activity in the Benson Center has really slowed down the last few minutes. Most freshmen must have already come through to pick up their IDs and get other information, so they must be back in their rooms or at lunch now.

Third-generation Deacons

Brigham Wall (left) and Maggie Hinson (right) are roommates. They met each other at Pre-School but seem like they've been friends for much longer. Brigham is from Newport News, VA, and Maggie is from Clemmons, NC. They are both third-generation Demon Deacons. Maggie's dad, Bill and Brigham's dad, George, both graduated in '83. Brigham and Maggie say they're most excited about getting their room set up and picking up their new computers.

From China

Alex Crossman came a loooooooong way to Wake Forest, all the way from China. She lived in the United States until she was 7 and has grandparents in South Carolina and Connecticut, and knew she wanted to return to the states for college. Her guidance counselor at her international high school recommended Wake Forest and she knew an upperclassman here. She looked at eight other schools on the East Coast, but applied early decision to Wake Forest. "I liked the campus, the size, atmosphere, everything," she said. She hadn't moved into her room yet because she had shipped over a lot of her stuff, and it hadn't arrived yet. She said she was a little worried about being so far from her parents (Glynnis and Terry), but she has a lot of other family close by.

Excited to be here

Maria Montes is moving into Babcock today. She's on campus with her mom, Liliana, and dad, Ignacio. Maria seems to have brought a good deal with her from Kentucky. The people helping her move into her dorm asked, "Do you know how big this dorm room is?" "I think I brought more stuff than most people," says Maria who is making herself right at home!

Roomies!

Lindsay Gibeault from Lancaster, Pa., and Sammy Holquist, from Florida, are roommates in Luter. They met for the first time last night, when their families got together for dinner. "I saw her walk by the motel, and I said I bet that's her," Sammy said. They had already moved into their room. "We have way too much stuff for the size of the room," Sammy said. Sammy plans to major in business and Lindsay plans to major in biology.

The Mallary family recently moved to Winston-Salem

Kevin Mallary is eager to learn more about entrepreneurship and business. Kevin will be living in Bostwick Hall. His dad, Dan, and mom, Suzie, recently moved to Winston-Salem from Orlando. One of Kevin's favorite things about Winston-Salem is that the city is not so spread out as Orlando. He says he chose Wake Forest because of its small size and sense of community.

Waiting for months

Melanie Firestone from North Wilkesboro, NC, was so excited to finally be at Wake Forest. She applied early decision and was accepted last November, so she's waited 10 months to get here. She was especially excited to see the blogging team using Macintosh computers. "You're my new best friends," she exclaimed as she ran over to the blogging station. "This is so exciting. I like Wake Forest even more because of you guys." She was disappointed to be getting a PC, and not a Mac, so she said she was going back home to get her Mac and bring it back to school. She's planning on majoring in biology, but doesn't think she'll be pre-med.

Aubrey is moving into Luter

Aubrey Sitler is settling into Luter Hall. She's traveled here from Granville, OH, with her dad and mom, Gary and Penny. Aubrey is excited to be at Wake Forest and looks very excited to get started!

The Pederson family from Wisconsin

Kathy and Gordon Pederson are here with their daughter, Kara Pederson. The family is from Mequon, which is near Milwaukee. Mom and Dad's wish for Kara is for good success on academics, and that she'll develop wonderful friendships. "You'll always have our support and love," says dad. Mom adds, "We hope you'll dance."

Excited to be here

Sophia Farrara from New Jersey has a Presidential Scholarship in Art (for painting and drawing). When she visited campus last year, she went into the Scales Fine Arts Center to look around, and art professor David Faber offered to show her around. Sophia and her mom arrived in Winston-Salem last night and stayed in Old Salem. They both laughed about the "traffic jam" coming into campus this morning. They had just dropped off her stuff at Luter Residence Hall. "We had lots of help, it was wonderful," Barbara said. Sophia had "talked" online to her roommate, from Texas, but she hadn't arrived yet. Sophia said she was a little nervous about being so far from home, but was excited to be here.

Easy choice

Aaron Williams-Simmons, from Long Island, NY, applied to 13 schools, including Wake Forest before he had even visited campus. When he was accepted, his guidance counselor told him it was a big deal, so his mom, Tracey Williams, said they had better come visit. Once they visited campus, Aaron loved it, and his college decision was made. He had already moved into his room in Johnson Hall, and his mother said they were so impressed with how easy the move-in process was.

The Cooper family from Summit, NJ

Katie Cooper is newly arrived from Summit, NJ. Katie is coming to Wake Forest with three friends: Remy Olsen, Rachel Ardington, and Robin Moore. Her dad, Ashley, is quick to point out, however, that he did not receive a "friend discount" on tuition! Katie says she's eager to spend time with her new roommate, Catherine Anne Lowden, from Connecticut. Katie's mom, Linda, is not in the photo because she's busy making Katie's bed!

Family fun for future Deacons

Elizabeth (17) and Alexandra (11) are helping their sister Christina Federowicz move into her dorm room. Dad, Dan, drove the family 9 hours from upstate New York. Mom, Caroline, is helping Christina get settled in her dorm. Dad's message to Christina is "Learn a lot and have fun!" I wonder if there will be two-more Demon Deacons down the road.

Small World, part 2

I commented earlier on how Wake Forest is such a small place when I met a student from my hometown. I'm a freshman adviser with eight students, and I got to meet one of my advisees who just happened to stop by our blogging station in the Benson rotunda. Raleigh Trecha is from Missouri. One of his friends' older brothers goes to Wake Forest, so that got him interested in Wake Forest. "It's a smaller school, but an ACC school, so it has good academics and sports. I'm looking forward to having freedom and being on my own."

From Pittsburgh

Patrick Bone and his dad, Tom, just arrived this morning. The two traveled for six hours from Pennsylvania and arrived in Winston-Salem at 1 a.m. this morning. They arrived on campus and moved in at 8 a.m. Mr. Bone says move in day has been very organized and considering he and his son are running on 5 hours of sleep, that's a good thing!

Colorful tram!

A student and his dad just stopped by to ask about the tram to the Information Systems Building. This is the tram that takes students to pick up their computer and printer.

Bourne identity

Jeremy Bourne from nearby Lexington, NC, and his father, Eugene, stopped by. (No, he hasn't seen the "Bourne Ultimatum.") They had already dropped off his stuff outside Johnson Hall and left his mother there to start unpacking. He was impressed with how well organized the move-in process was, with staff helping to unload his car. He has some friends who are already students here. "They've been showing me the ropes and telling me what to expect. I'm a little nervous, but all in all, it's going well so far." He's a big football fan, so he's looking forward to joining the Screaming Demons.

She didn't have to travel far!

Madhura Manjunath is from Winston-Salem. She's moved into Johnson Hall with her new roommate from Georgia. (I forgot to ask Madhura her roommate's name!) But, whoever she is, Madhura says she hopes she's making you feel at home in Winston-Salem. Madura's suggestions for fun things to do in Winston-Salem include going to the mall, having a warm Krispy Kreme donut and visiting Old Salem. Madura's message to her parents: "I love you and I'm close!"

Another Deacon in the family

Courtney Shively, from outside Philadelphia, is pretty familiar with Wake Forest. Her brother, Chris, graduated last year, and her sister, Pam, is a senior. "They've loved it here," she said. "I'm really excited to meet new people. I like the (school) spirit; I'm going to be a Screamin' Demon. And I'm looking forward to taking different classes that I haven't had the opportunity to take before." Her father, Glenn, is excited to have another Deacon in the family. "The older two have had terrific experiences here," he said. "Chris is working on Wall Street now. He knew he had learned a lot in the Calloway School, but didn't know how much until he was out in the real world."

Sam Tolomei from Napa, California

Sam's just arrived all the way from the Pacific coast--wearing his Wake Forest t-shirt! He'll be living in Luter Hall. After dropping his bags off in his room, he's come to the Benson Center to pick up his ID. Sam chose Wake Forest because he liked the small size, the quality of the school and the financial aid package he received. Sam sends a message to his mom and dad: "Winston-Salem is great and so is Wake Forest. See you for Thanksgiving!"

Long trip

Erin Kelley, of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., just outside Detroit, had just checked into her room and stopped by the Benson Center to pick up her ID. She and her mom left Michigan on Monday, stopped in Cincinnati to visit family on the way, and then got to Winston-Salem Wednesday night. Her mom had never been to campus before so she showed her around campus and then they drove around Winston-Salem to find the important sites, like the mall and Target. Her father is joining them later today for orientation. "I'm excited to be here and meet everybody," she said.

The Gattis family arrives from Mississippi

Madison Gattis arrived yesterday from the town of Madison with her dad, Steve, and mom, Sydney. Mr. Gattis explained that his daughter, Madison, is not named for the town but for Dolly Madison. Madison says she was deciding between Wake Forest and Berkeley. She says she chose Wake Forest because it felt more community oriented. "The financial aid is amazing," says Madison. "And, you're guaranteed housing all four years at Wake Forest. Here I can focus on my education instead of worrying about where I'll live next year and how I'll pay off my loans." Madison, your dad's word of advice to you is "Learn!"

Alex Paraison from Rutland, MA

Alex Paraison arrived this morning from Rutland with his dad, Herman. They started driving at midnight Tuesday evening. Alex hasn't even had a chance to see his dorm room in Luter before being chased down by an eager creative services blogger! Alex's mom, Phaedra, and sixteen-year-old sister, Lauren, got to fly down. Which Alex and I both agreed was pretty nice. Hopefully the whole family will stop by later.

Home-town girl

Wake Forest is such a small world. Elizabeth Wicker, a freshman from my hometown, Sanford, NC, stops by for a chat. She even went to my high school for two years, although she graduated from the new high school. She's in the band color guard, so she's been here all week. She's looking forward to meeting her roommate, who's from New York, later today. She's already unpacked, but she's waiting until her roomate gets here to decorate her room.

Ben Comer the mellophone man

Ben Comer from South Jersey--just outside Philadelphia--arrived on Saturday for the band camp. Ben plays the mellophone, which is similar to a trumpet--the marching band version of the French horn. Ben says "I love the people and the atmosphere at Wake Forest, everyone is friendly and the upperclassmen have really welcomed me." Ben wants to tell his parents "Thanks for sending me here!" He hopes to go to Calloway to study business or finance.

Marching with the band

Brent Thomas, of Hillsborough, NC, has been on campus since Sunday for band camp. Brent, who plays the trumpet, said it's been a tiring week. The band has been practicing from 9 - 11:30 a.m., 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. every day. He's enjoyed being on campus the last couple of days before it got too crowded, but says he's looking forward to seeing some "fresh faces" today as the rest of the freshmen move onto campus. He stayed up late last night to do his first load of laundry before things get crowded today.

University Police welcomes students

Under a tent outside of the Benson University Center, the University police wait to welcome students this morning. Students and parents are encouraged to come by and chat with the police and then race into the Benson Center rotunda to chat with the bloggers!

Waving hello!

Happy parents delivering an elated freshman. Even though cars are backed up, everyone is in good spirits!

Traffic is backing up around campus...

Families are arriving--waiting patiently to get to the dorms.

Info Central

Activity is starting to pick up in the Benson University Center. A number of campus offices and services are set up to provide a one-stop information center for freshmen. New students can pick up their ID card and mail box key, register their car, and check their financial aid, among other things. Dean of Freshmen Paul Orser was here early to welcome freshmen and their parents.

The Bouchard family Hampstead, MD

8 a.m.
Stephen Bouchard, father of Nikki Bouchard, was our first visitor to the blog station this morning. Mr. Bouchard arrived early to wait for Nikki to return from the S.P.A.R.C program. (You can read more about Nikki and the S.P.A.R.C. program on Window on Wake Forest) Nikki, your dad says "I'm proud of you and love you. It's an opportunity of a lifetime. Good luck for the year!"

Move-in morning

August 23, 2007, 7 a.m.
The morning is overcast and gray but that may be an improvement over the sweltering heat we've had for the past weeks. All is quiet now, but activity will be picking up soon.

Ring ring ring...the tears are calling

Wednesday, August 22, 1:22 a.m.
Today, I begin the 15 hour (including stops) trip to Wake Forest. Yes, my mother and I are driving to Wake Forest. I have finished packing (WOOHOOO!!!), but it was a very long process. Around 8 o'clock, my cell phone began its non-stop chant... answer me, Answer Me, ANSWER ME! I pulled myself from the packing to answer my phone. A melancholy voice transmitted through the ear piece. "Ae'Jay, I'll miss you! Have a great time in college." I've been receiving similar phone calls continuously since then. So now I sit, looking at my nicely packed boxes realizing "This is it." This next chapter of my life is opening with or without my permission. What should I do in this next couple of hours? I don't know if I can answer another tear-soaked call. The only thing that makes this long night better is I know the tears are also of excitement. My friendships are like a fine wine, getting better with age. 16 hours and 28 minutes! The Countdown is on!

Fabric-guided trip

Tuesday, August 21, 1:21 p.m.
This morning when I woke up, I found three baskets of my clothes waiting to be folded and packed. This was highly confusing because I have already packed two huge 18 gallon tubs, a big rolling suitcase, and two large trash bags (to be left at home), so how can I possibly have more clothes. Where are all of these clothes coming from? Could I possibly wear and own this many clothes?

Yes, yes I can! As I began to take each clothing item out I started to connect events with that shirt or those pair of jeans, a fabric-guided trip down memory lane. This metaphorical trip brought about a certain new type of excitement, this idea that yeh, I'm physically leaving Shreveport, a place I've called home for so long, but I'm also bringing a great deal of it with me.

I think that is an awesome discovery, you know. Each freshman life is becoming this amazing quilt of sorts with Wake Forest adding many more squares. I know that may sound ridiculously poetic. (My apologies, but that's the best way I can put it.) We are creating a connection between the old and the new on this amazing quest of higher education.

Now that the sentimental part is done, I am excited that Winston-Salem has an active community theatre that is doing two of my favorite shows Look Homeward, Angel (I played Dr. Maguire as a sophomore) and Jekyll and Hyde the musical. Community theatre was one thing I was going to miss, but it looks like I won't have to!

Well, I guess I should go fold more clothes. 1 day, 4 hours, and 47 minutes until I'm scheduled to leave Shreveport for Demon Deacon Land... maybe a little longer...

Ae'Jay Mitchell from Shreveport, LA

Too excited to focus on boring stuff like packing

Tuesday, August 21, 11:10 a.m.
I am sad to say that I have come down with the worst case of the “oh I’ll do it later” packing strategy. Perhaps it is the excitement of arriving on campus that won’t allow my mind to focus on packing for more than fifteen minutes, or maybe it is the realization that the goodbyes and “see you laters” will have to last me more months than I anticipated. Either way, it is Tuesday and my room remains very much unpacked. In spite of this obvious display of procrastination, my mental self is fully alert and ready for Thursday—I have two days to get my physical self caught-up! And while my mom may think it will take a miracle to get me ready to go, I think it might just take a few cups of coffee, some good music, and perhaps a sleepless night! After all, I have the best motivation in the world because once I get myself packed and settle into my new life at Wake Forest, I'll have all the freedom I could ever want, a great football team to cheer on, and all my new friends within walking distance. Life will be good (assuming that I buckle down and finish my packing; otherwise I may be in dire need of borrowing clothes and shoes and food and well, I better just go pack)!

Holley Nelson from Gastonia, NC