April 2009: Insights into your child's first year

The Bryant Experience

The work is harder. The decisions are tougher. And to top it all off, they have to share a bedroom!

The transition to college is exciting, but it can also be a challenge. To help with the process, first-year students attend the Bryant Experience during their first few days on campus. The goal of the program is to continue the orientation process for incoming students by providing a variety of educational, cultural, and social programs to better prepare them for life on a university campus. Everything from healthy choices to laptop familiarization is covered. Here’s what some students say about the program:

Tom Carroll ’11
North Hampton, N.H.

It was great to meet so many new kids and make so many friends in the short experience. It is funny to look back. One of my favorite memories was when most of the kids on my floor came into my room. Everyone was so uncomfortable because no one knew anybody. We all stared at each other, went around and said our names, and then the conversation ended. Now we are all great friends and are comfortable saying anything we want around each other.

Taryn M. Smith ’12
Voorheesville, N.Y.      

My favorite moment of Bryant Experience was waiting in my car and having Bryant President Ronald Machtley come open the door and introduce himself.  Later that day as I was carrying stuff from my car to the dorm, I saw President Machtley again and he remembered my name and said, “Hey Taryn! Want a hand with all that stuff?” 

Jessica Lussier ’12
Spencer, Mass.

I immediately felt welcome. It allowed me to feel more relaxed and comfortable on the big move-in day and first night away at college. One of my favorite moments was playing Ladder Golf and winning three times in a row! I also really enjoyed painting flower pots, making sand art, and sporting my winning Bryant t-shirt. By the time my roommate and I got back, our room was filled with prizes and things we had made. 

Daniel Tothill ’11
Center Barnstead, N.H.

Dinner at the Machtley's house was by far my favorite thing about the Bryant Experience. The fact that President and Mrs. Machtley stood outside and shook hands with every single student was really a unique experience that I was glad to have.  It made me feel much more connected to the campus. Also, at the dinner I met Kim Franklin, a Bryant Experience Leader and Student Programming Board President. We talked a lot about sailing and leadership opportunities, and I am now proudly serving as Chair of the Student Programming Board.