One could smell the excitement, nervousness and promise in the air on the Saint Martin’s University (SMU) Campus the morning of Friday, Aug. 24.
Beginning at 9 a.m., incoming freshmen for the upcoming school year had the opportunity to move into their new dorm residence hall, all with the help from between 50-90 SMU volunteers, which included current students, faculty and campus law enforcement.
The assisted move-in was the start of a weekend long orientation process for the new students, which will include a barbecue at the residence of the university’s president and a trip to a Tacoma Rainiers Game.
“A weekend like this, it is pretty unique to the area in terms of freshmen orientation,” said Laurel Dube, the Assistant Director of Campus Life for Saint Martin’s. “It’s huge for the students, in that they feel welcome right away and part of the community that makes this university and campus such a special place.”
A large line of cars had formed before the move in officially started at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of Parsons Hall on campus. Several volunteers would gather around each car that pulled up, which were full of dorm life necessities such as a computer, microwave and comfortable chair. Parents of the respective students were encouraged to attend the orientation as well. Seeing a child off to school can stir up emotions in any parent, even if the journey home is a short distance away
“It’s a very exciting time for her, but for myself as well,” said Brandi Dobbs of Olympia, whose daughter Mallory was moving into a dorm room at Parsons. “At the same time, you feel nervous and think that your little girl has grown up so fast.”
Dube says it’s important for the students and parents alike to feel closure.
“We want the parents to know that their child is in great hands, that they will have a support system around for their duration at the university,” Dube said. “There are counselors on hand for parents and students alike, and we like to prepare the students for any challenge they may face.”
Current students who went through the orientation process know how valuable the experience can be.
“It was great for me,” said sophomore Stephen Mahnken, a Resident Advisor for Parsons Hall. “You pull up to the school for the first time, and you instantly feel this real sense of community. It’s very welcoming. Now, I can give back like I received and help the students out in any way I can.”
Parents and students alike were impressed by the kindness displayed by university volunteers.
“It’s been a fabulous experience,” said John Davis, whose son John will be a member of the Saint’s golf team. “It’s great to know he will be in good hands.”
“Being from out of the area, it’s awesome to just meet a bunch of new people right away and feel part of the university,” said Kevin Cullen of Venice, Calif., another new member of the golf team. “It’s been cool.”
While smiles and friendly greetings were easy to come by, there was still the task of hauling all the new freshmen gear up the residence hall stairs. Volunteers rejoiced when the car they unloaded was full of first floor bound materials, while those bound for the higher levels toughed out the climb in order to help their fellow students.
All those who have attended college can attest to how exciting that first day can be, and Saint Martin’s students may have it better than anyone.
“I hear parents say, ‘I wish I had something like this when I was a student,’” said Dube. “That always brings a smile to my face, because it lets us know we are doing our job right,”
For more information on Saint Martin’s University, visit www.stmartin.edu.
