On Friday, September 1, Kean University hosted their New Student Experience (NSE) event in the Miron Student Center (MSC). Freshmen students were able to learn more about the resources on campus while networking and making friends as well.
Everyone experiences what it is like to be a new student at some point in their life. Whether it be a student’s first day in kindergarten or their first year in college, being a new student is an experience that is collectively understood. Kean University’s NSE event took a lot of pressure off of students as they felt they embraced the support and guidance that was displayed during the event.
The bleachers were filled with students in their NSE T-shirts excited to begin their new school year. President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., explained to new students about the services and resources that are available to support them. Kean provides students with academic and emotional support.
Afterward, Student Government President Makenzie Kuntz, expressed how important it is for students to establish goals.
“If there’s one thing that I’ve learned in my time at college, it is that setting goals is critical to your success, both personally and professionally,” said Kuntz
After directing the students to set at least one goal for themselves, Kuntz read a list of statements to help students keep certain objectives in mind when monitoring their personal and academic growth.
New Kean students learned many valuable lessons and have great expectations for the upcoming academic year.
Freshman Andrew Faria expressed his perspective on responsibility in college.
“I learned that there’s a lot of freedom in college but there’s also a lot of responsibility you got to use for that freedom,” said Faria
Faria went on to share his expectations for the semester.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun, going to make a lot of new friends, learn a lot of new stuff, a lot of new experiences as well,” said Faria.
While some students shared and reflected on what they learned, others reminisced and reflected on their summer and why they like Kean.
Psychology Major Wykela Timmons shared her heartbreaking summer experience.
“My summer was pretty emotional and quite sad. I lost my brother and my sister-in-law over the summer. Despite that though I’m excited to start the new school year with my daughter,” said Timmons. “I love how everyone here at Kean is so friendly and kind.”
Other students chose the task of condensing the description of their summer into a few words.
“If I were to share my summer in three words, I’d describe it as wholesome, fun, and exciting,” said Christina Jacaman.
Marketing Major Nick Archer emphasized his appreciation for the food selection and the good energy on Kean’s campus.
“I really enjoy the food here at Kean, it’s way better than the food I had at my high school,“ said Archer. “I really like the campus here at Kean, it’s so colorful and the people here are really unique.”
The NSE event showcased the diversity of Kean students in regard to their reason for choosing Kean and their goals. Kean continues to provide an exciting and supportive environment for new and returning students.
