As blue bins rolled across campus and living areas came alive with fresh faces, freshmen move-in day kicked off California Baptist University’s Welcome Weekend on Aug. 28.
The day brought excitement, nerves and renewal as students left home for a campus that would soon become their second home.
Resident Assistants, or RAs, made this bittersweet and sometimes overwhelming experience easier by staying present throughout the day and the rest of the year.
Emily Schott, sophomore accounting major, described how RA’s responsibilities made move-in day as seamless as possible for students.
“Definitely reaching out to them beforehand so they feel welcomed when they come. Also, just walking around and making sure all their questions are answered. Reaching out through text, email, just kind of supporting them throughout the process,” Schott said.
This support was felt by both students and family members who were helping with the move-in process.
Yvonne Hendrickson, aunt of Dakota Walker, freshman communication sciences and disorders major, appreciated the role RAs play in a student’s first-year experience.
“[Move-in] was really good. Very fast and everybody is very helpful,” Hendrickson said.
As Walker moved into Tower Hall, she felt grateful for support from her aunt and looked forward to building her own community at CBU. Walker came to CBU from the Philippines.
“We’re feeling great. We’re so happy that she’s here in a Christian environment, it’s so important,” Hendrickson said.
Walker shared her goals for her first year.
“I do want to focus on my studies,” Walker said. “I also want to make memories because I heard that college is where you make the best friends and longest memories where you can grow older with your college friends, so I aim for that.”
Schott offers advice to first-year students who wanted to make the most of their time at CBU.
“Definitely get involved, go to every event possible, get to know your roommates well… because building that community will really make or break your experience,” Schott said.
Moving into a dorm brought bittersweet goodbyes as students left their parents and stepped into a new beginning, unsure of what to expect but eager to live their purpose.
