It’s good to be back in the swing of things

It is once again first week at Rose. Upperclassmen are getting back into the swing of things, sophomores are beginning the dreaded systems classes, and the freshmen are being bombarded with more homework and harder quizzes than they thought possible. In addition to class work, all of the clubs, sports teams, sororities, and fraternities are scrambling to recruit new members.

Between classes, battling recruiters, Hallympics, and meeting new friends, the freshmen are no doubt overwhelmed. Freshmen civil engineering major Andria Smith stated, “Although it’s only been a few days of school, it feels like it’s been months. But I’m looking forward to new experiences at Rose!”

Freshmen are not the only new faces on campus. Rose has hired several new faculty members. When asked about her experiences so far, Sue Niezgoda, civil engineering professor, said, “I have found Rose to be a very welcoming community. Faculty, staff, and students have been very helpful and made my first days here that much easier.”

The seasoned upperclassmen had a slightly different view on starting classes. Junior chemical engineering major Marcus Zink claimed, “It’s nice to get to see all my friends again, but let’s be honest, no one actually wants to go back to class.”

However, even the Rose-Hulman veterans came back to Rose this year to find a number of new things. Offices have moved, buildings have been added on to, and a new coffee stand. In addition, the treacherous asphalt and railroad ties stairs that used to run between Deming Hall and the library have been upgraded to the evenly spaced concrete variety.

Many students are looking forward to a busy quarter. Senior mechanical engineering major Brandon Couch stated, “Even though I am starting my last quarter here at Rose, I know I will miss it all when the next 11 weeks fly by.”