By Feature photo: The class of 2027 smiles in front of St. Charles Hall during orientation weekend 2023. Photo credits: Carroll Marketing.
On Sunday, Aug. 20, 273 freshmen stepped onto campus for the first time.
For many, it was a normal, sunny day in Helena, but to me and the other 272 freshmen, it was a crazy, fun, hectic first day at Carroll College.
The community was immensely welcoming, beyond what myself or my parents could have imagined.
We were thrilled at the excitement and eagerness of everyone working the move-in to lend a helping hand. It brought forth feelings of excitement but did little to lessen the queasy feeling in my stomach.
Truthfully, I cried the entire car ride from Butte to Helena.
I was so nervous and didn’t want to leave my family. The nerves and anxiety lingered for the next several days.
I was doubting I could do this whole college thing.
As the week went on, classes began, and I slowly adjusted to my new surroundings, classes, and friends.
My parents continued to encourage me as my unwavering pillar of support.
They encouraged me to give college a fighting chance. They also reminded me that home was only an hour away. When in doubt, I could always go home for some quality time and homemade meals on weekends.
From the very beginning, my parents loved Carroll.
They spoke highly of the school and said it seemed like the right place for me. It was similar to what I had just come from back home and was so welcoming.
Carroll is truly a family, they had said.
So far, I think they were right.
All the faculty and staff have played a huge part in making me feel heard. I know, without a doubt, they are on my side.
I know I have a huge support system at home, but I realized I also had one at Carroll. They go the extra mile to help you with anything from classes and medical issues to carrying your boxes to your dorm room.
It is an immediate feeling of family, which is important to me because that is what I left back home.
When you step on campus for the first time as a freshman, you learn that the saying, “Not for school, but for life,” is really not just a saying at all. It is a culture woven into each student and staff member.
I am beyond happy with my decision to stay at Carroll and give it a fighting chance.
As of today, Carroll is not just my school – it is my life, and I am excited for what the future holds for me.
