California Baptist University welcomed new students to campus with activities, school supplies and resources to prepare them for the academic year. Welcome Weekend gave students opportunities to experience campus life, build friendships and prepare for the semester ahead.
For many students, the weekend also provided opportunities to connect with others going through similar experiences. First-year and transfer students participated in Welcome Weekend activities as they adjusted to life at CBU.
Jessica Ramirez, sophomore architecture major, transferred from Norco College and Moreno Valley College to pursue her degree and grow in her faith. She emphasized some goals she had planned for the school year.
“To get into my major, but also get closer to my faith,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez appreciated the way CBU organized Welcome Weekend for incoming students.
“It’s helped me connect with others because they really plan out events and they don’t just throw you out here on campus,” Ramirez said.
Other students said the structure of Welcome Weekend helped them prepare for the semester.
Laura Abdelmalek, freshman psychology major, described Welcome Weekend as a fun and engaging experience.
“The school is very organized with everything they do, and they put faith into everything they do, which is really fun,” Abdelmalek said.
Although she felt prepared for classes to begin, Abdelmalek was still adjusting to the uncertainty that came with starting college.
“I’m honestly really excited for all of my classes, but I’m scared for how the social part is going to be. But I think it will be really fun,” Abdelmalek said.
She planned to overcome those concerns by setting a goal to become more involved throughout the academic year.
Meeting new people can bring both excitement and nervousness for students beginning college. Some students entered the weekend confidently, while others worked to step outside their comfort zones.
Denigh Hernandez, freshman aviation major, attended many Welcome Weekend activities on her own. She prepared for the transition to college by learning from friends who started college before her.
“A lot of [friends] have been telling me how their classes have been going, so that’s helped me prepare to be less nervous about this,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez said she planned to take the initiative when meeting new people. Although she felt intimidated, she recognized that she could not always wait for others to approach her first.
“I need to go up to people and not wait. So I’m hoping that tomorrow I’ll go up to more people,” Hernandez said.
Welcome Weekend also gave parents an opportunity to help their students prepare for the transition to college.
Jenn Kellie, mother of freshman pre-nursing major Emma Kellie, said she appreciated how CBU staff helped her daughter move in efficiently. Her daughter’s independence helped Kellie feel confident about leaving her on campus.
“Emma’s already been pretty independent and traveled, so she’s comfortable in new places and meeting new people,” Kellie said.
Kellie said she was proud of her daughter’s accomplishments and decision to pursue pre-nursing.
“I am so proud of her. She is willing to take chances, try new things, and work really hard. She’s just a little sunshine,” Kellie said.
Welcome Weekend helped incoming students transition into campus life, prepare for the academic year and connect with peers experiencing similar changes. It also gave families an opportunity to support their students as they began a new chapter at CBU.
