Bryant welcomes the Class of 2013

Students move in on Saturday, take part in the First-Year Bryant Experience over the weekend, and begin classes on Tuesday.

Move-In Day last year was a time Cory Cloutier ’12 (Charlton, MA) had been looking forward to for years. He was finally moving into a residence hall here at Bryant, a school he decided he wanted to attend when he was a sophomore in high school.

While moving his things into his room last year, Cloutier started thinking about what the next four years would have in store for him. He admits he was a little nervous but he quickly started to feel at home when he began taking part in the First-Year Bryant Experience program designed to help ease the transition to college life.

“The Bryant Experience team made my first weekend here memorable because they became not only classmates, but also close friends,” says Cloutier.

This year, Cloutier will be part of the Bryant Experience team that welcomes members of the Class of 2013 on Saturday morning.

After attending Enrollment Days, settling into their rooms, and saying good-bye to mom and dad, Bryant’s newest students will take part in the three-day Bryant Experience program. They’ll learn more about the resources available to them at Bryant, meet their classmates, and receive their laptop computers.

Cloutier encourages the new students to take advantage of all Bryant has to offer, as well as remember the main reason they are coming to Bryant is to gain a world-class education. Live the life you love and love the life you live,” says Cloutier quoting songwriter Bob Marley. “This quote is what Bryant is all about.”

“This school can prepare you for all the places your life will take you” he continues. “All you have to do is put in the effort, and you will be rewarded.”

‘The best four years’

Kaleigh Durkin ’10 (Douglas, MA) remembers being quite overwhelmed when she started moving her things into her room three years ago. Her interaction with her resident assistant, roommate, and the Bryant Experience leaders put her more at ease.

“Dorm life can be very intimidating, especially since this is usually the first time we’re moving away from home,” she says. “Surrounding yourself with positive people and taking advantage of all of the amazing resources that Bryant provides will help ensure that your transition is easy.”

Durkin practiced what she preaches. She has immersed herself into campus life by getting involved with the radio station WJMF, The Archway student newspaper, and the Communication Society as well as serving as an RA.

“There are so many different club and activities, some of them are bound to fit your interests,” she says.

Mike Adams ’10 (Richmond, VT) says one of the things he remembers most was being hit with the reality that he was moving more than four hours from home. “This was an interesting adjustment for me,” he says. “But after I made some new friends, I found it much easier to handle.”

One of his new friends was his first-year roommate. As a lifetime resident of a small town in Vermont, Adams wasn’t sure if he’d be able to find common ground with someone from a large city in New York. It was all part of the adjustment that new college students experience.

“These will be the best four years of your life,” says Adams. “I didn’t believe it when students before me told me it would fly by. But now look where I am, senior year, and it still feels like the first day of classes was just yesterday.”

‘Stay true to yourself’

Lauren Gainor ’10 (Cumberland, RI) remembers feeling nervous as she moved into Bryant and said good bye to her parents. Before long she was engaged in campus life, capturing a top prize in the campus wide “What is Diversity?” contest, and helping to plan the Special Olympics.

“Everyone is searching for that comfortable group of lifelong friends,” says Gainor. “Although it is scary, try new things and get involved. The faster you get involved in something, the quicker Bryant will feel like home.”

Echoing a common theme, Chris Brida ’12 (Southampton, MA) says a small gesture like keeping your door open when you are in your room will help you meet people.

“I think the big stigma around your first year in college is that students feel that they won’t be able to make friends,” says Brida. “The thing is, everyone is in the same boat. Introduce yourself to anyone and everyone, and you will make a ton of connections.”

“Be excited to meet new people,” adds Todd Degnan ’11 ((Mechanicville, NY).

“The biggest mistake you can make is not putting yourself out there,” continues Cristine Cox ’11 (Suitland, MD). “Meet your classmates, get involved, and make your mark.”

Through it all, Ami Shah ’12 (Lincoln, RI) says it is important to stay true to yourself and your values. “Although change can be a wonderful thing, trying to be someone you are not isn’t the way to go,” she says. “Be confident in your own morals, never hesitate to stand up for what you believe in, make new friends, get involved, and experience new things.”

“Remember to call your parents, be proud of where you came from, and, most importantly, remember why you came to college,” adds Christina Knips ’12 (Wappingers Falls, NY).