Orientation Weekend

Hi, I'm Emily Novak, and I'm an incoming freshman to Transylvania. I am so excited to be able to share my experiences at school with everyone out there, and if there are any question you all might have, feel free to contact me at ehnovak14@transy.edu

I suppose the best place to start this blog off is where I started, too- alllll the way back in Naperville, Illinois. Now, not only is Naperville one of the most amazing places to live in, it is also the home to one of the friendliest Target stores in the nation. Trust me, I know. I was there every couple of days, picking up more and more school supplies as I thought of them, slowly stock piling them in my living room. Eventually, that giant mass of notebooks, pencils, dorm room posters, storage tubs, the piles of clothes from my room, and everything else I could pack away into containers was jammed into my Dad's little Crown Victoria. Packing the car with everything I felt I needed was similar to playing tetris... the pieces just kept appearing and you always felt like you were in dangerous proximity of the full line. However, in the end all my stuff managed to find its way into the vehicle.

A few short (sleepless) hours later, my mom and I climbed into the car armed with cream soda and granola bars and set off for Lexington. I guess you could say it was a long 392.83 mile ride... but we did see some pretty interesting things along the way! Interesting things seen on my trip to Kentucky: cornfields, windmills, horse farms, cornfields, traffic, cornfields, and a U-Haul on fire. Just kidding- although I DID see all those things, I also saw the beautiful rolling bluegrass hills which was a sight for sore eyes.

Fast forwarding six and a half hours, a fun spend-the-night at my godparent's house in Louisville, and one last jittery hour car ride to campus, we had made it.

Once on campus, we were greeted by a whole entourage of friendly staff, students, and faculty-all wearing some good old crimson and white. Fortunately for my Mom and I, they happily helped me sign in, get my keys, and move ALL my stuff up to my new room. Any small hiccup or problem we might have had was quickly addressed and corrected by the wonderful Transy Resident Life Staff, and soon all my things had found a new home in Forrer Hall.

After my big move in, the rest of orientation weekend moved pretty quickly. Our new President, President Williams, delivered a humorous and very engaging induction speech, and the class of 2014 kicked off the year, as official students of Transylvania University.

To highlight some of the weekend's moments here is a count down of my personal top 5 moments:

1. Black Light Party

Bring on your neon and white clothes, glitter and glow sticks- and prepare yourselves for an amazing dance party! All the students were there, relaxing, busting a move, and just having fun. Dance contests, graffiti competitions, and some other intense challenges ensued- and the incoming class of students definitely brought their A-game.

2. IronMan II Movie Night

Freshmen showed up to an in-house movie of IronMan II, complete with drinks, candy, snacks, and popcorn. Kids were everywhere, whether they were watching the movie inside, or meeting new friends outside.

3. The Serenade and Greet Line

I think it's pretty romantic to have someone sing a song for you... but how about 150 people sing you a song? This has to be one of the most memorable moments of the weekend. All the girls met on the steps of Old Morrison to learn a few tunes for the men of Transy, and in repayment, the boys shamelessly returned the favor. It was quite the experience, laughing and singing, knowing that everyone around you felt just as silly as you did, but in the end, not really caring. My favorite song, as performed by the boys, was You Are My Sunshine....

After Serenade was over, every single incoming student lined up around the U bend drive in front of Old Morrison and shook hands with every other person. I can now say that I have met every single one of my fellow 2014 peers. I'd like to see UK try to do that! As a prize, when you were done shaking everyone else's hand, SOL leaders graciously passed out the Germ-X.

4. A Slice of Transy

Who could say no to a free piece of pizza? What about multiple free pieces of pizza? During Slice of Transy, the Greek organizations get together to host a variety of local pizza vendors. Pizzas are donated, and you get to try them all! There is music and drinks, and at the end of it all, you get to vote on your favorite pizza company.

5. Orientation Olympics

Together with your SOL group (a group of other freshmen you have class twice a week with as well as a few meetings here and there) and your SOL leader, Transy students competed with and against each other in a variety of games. There was the famous "I'm a dork, and you're a dork, too" Game, charades, Rock/Paper/Scissor tournaments, and many others. During the night, SOL groups met with students from other groups and as a class we got to know each other a little better.

So far, I have loved my Transy experience. Not only is the faculty welcoming and encouraging, but the other students here are as well. There aren't many places were upperclassmen invite freshman to play pick up games of ultimate frisbee in the back lot, or join in a conversation just to meet the new faces on campus. I am so fortunate to have found a place like this, and I can not WAIT to start classes tomorrow... !