Written by Parker Ryan
Written by Rose Morgan
What do students wish they knew before they entered college? What are new students’ biggest regrets? Freshmen Sage Bowers and Livia Medsker delve into this topic by pointing out some practical and sentimental things they wish they had brought with them when they moved in, and their favorite ways to get involved on campus.
To briefly introduce the freshmen who were interviewed – Sage Bowers is studying psychology with the goal of pursuing Biblical and clinical counseling. She felt led to this because of the healing experience she had in Biblical counseling at age fifteen that helped her cope with the childhood trauma she experienced with her biological father, and she wishes to deepen her relationship with the Lord. After saying no to rowing D1 for the University of Tennessee Knoxville because of the secular environment of the psychology program, Bowers chose Bryan because it is close to her home in Soddy Daisy, TN.
She felt at peace with her decision through the connection with her aunt Michelle, who also studied clinical psychology at Bryan. And of course, the Christian values that Bryan stands on, as well as the tight-knit community, made it hard to turn down. An injury during her senior year of high school made the decision even clearer for her.
Now that she has been at Bryan College for a year, Some things that Sage wishes she had initially brought were her cousin, picture books of her family, an inflatable mattress for guests, supplies for meal prepping and additional high-nutrition food resources besides the cafeteria alone.
If she could only bring one thing to Bryan, it would be her Bible that used to belong to her mom. Something she would tell a newcomer is to make sure they have sentimental things from home to remind them to call their families, because, “It’s not just hard for you, it’s hard for your family. You don’t just miss them, they also miss you.”
She also advises to bring a mentality with a desire to learn. – not just for study and sports, but for simple life principles that will carry on. God can use every class to teach a lesson. Even if it is a class you do not like, she recommends pouring yourself into your studies and letting God use it for His glory. The professors are there because they care for you, not because they are getting paid, as Sage acknowledges.
Sage also advises students to get outside, make time to do fun things with your friends, and don’t procrastinate!
When it comes to building connections, Bowers points out that the first friend group you form may not be your best friends for the rest of your time in college, and that is okay. “Branch out; don’t just stay with the people you meet the first couple of days.” She also emphasizes: “If you’re a girl, don’t just go for the first guy that walks up to you.”
She then advises to get to know them and be friends with them. Guard your heart, prioritize your girl friendships, and spend intentional one-on-one time with your roommate. Sage’s advice is true for boys too.
Bowers also advises students to go to chapel. Even if the message doesn’t appeal to you, go back and read the passages to glean what God wants to teach you. Prioritize sleep, especially in your first week of school. And last but not least, says Bowers, “Go to the gym!” She heavily advises students get out of their dorm room.
Livia Mesker is a nursing major. When she was younger, she had a venous malformation in her foot, sending her into several surgeries and many years of pain. She was always curious about it, and wanted to find a way to help it. Growing up with a lot of siblings, she has always been very empathetic of her loved ones and was frustrated when she didn’t know how to help when they were hurt. Having this experience in the surgery room combined with her empathy led her to choose nursing.
Medsker didn’t originally want to attend Bryan College, because she had a hard time at her private Christian high school. Her parents wanted her to attend a religious school, and her brother also went to Bryan College. Despite her original hesitation, she is loving her experience at Bryan College!
When she moved in, Livia wished she had brought her dehumidifier, air purifier, more decorations, more seating for her dorm room, backups to hair and cosmetic supplies, her credit/debit card and first aid/medical supplies. If she could only bring one thing to Bryan, it would be her comfort item: her “pillow.” Things she says to make sure you have are: a mattress topper, a comfort item, a robe, shower shoes, snacks, a refrigerator/freezer unit, a space heater, a sleep mask and a hair diffuser, if you have curly hair.
The past experiences of both Bowers and Medsker led to their future career choices. Both Bowers and Medsker emphasized the importance of having your own food supply in addition to the school meal plan, because eating healthy is extremely important. Meal prepping and keeping high-nutritious foods on hand is a must.
Bowers and Medsker advise all freshmen to go to all of the freshman events, look at programs you’d be interested in, try things you like, and be social at the outset.
