As students enter finals week, freshmen students are also wrapping up their first year in college. While the change can be overwhelming, the first year opens up many opportunities for students to branch out and explore their fields of interest. Students reflect on their first year and how the change has impacted them.
The academic freedom offered in college allows students to explore their passions. Nadeen Tomi, a student majoring in International Relations, talked about how her interest in law is what led her to major in the field.
“With my major, a lot of things factored into my final decision,” Tomi said. “Going from Pre-Law to International Relations helped me pick a field of interest. “’Killing Eve’ is a TV show I watched a bit ago and it helped me lead to the decision as well.”
When the inevitable stresses arise from difficult classes and demanding schedules, Tomi found support from those around.
“My family, especially my older sister, helped me because they have already been through college so their wisdom became a guide,” Tomi said. “My older cousin helped as well because she gave me many study tips that I use regularly.”
Oakland allows students to explore and get their foot in the door of the professional field. Biology major Kamila Ghulam-Rasul expressed how college has allowed to explore her interests within the field of biology.
“I like it, there are a lot of opportunities for doing research outside of school. I am looking forward to getting hands-on experience and working with professionals,” Ghulam-Rasul said.
In the summer, she hopes to deepen her understanding of biology by entering the undergraduate research program in biological sciences and chemistry.
Outside of the classroom, OU offers a plethora of opportunities, even if it’s your first year attending. Freshman Ryan Polly became a member of the event staff this year. The job provides many roles in social events held on campus, such as working for concessions, setting up for graduations and doing the scoreboard for baseball and softball games.
“I wanted to become more involved, and I needed a job, so I applied to mostly jobs on campus,” Polly said. “Now I work as a part of the event staff. The thing I like most about the job is how flexible the hours are and all of the new people I can meet.”
Students found other ways to get involved, such as attending social events or joining communities on campus. Freshman Gwen Lacovic found ways to become involved while living on campus.
“I adjusted well on campus, especially with living in a dorm and being near everything,” Lacovic said. “My favorite event was when I watched one of the Star Wars movies in the Habitat, and all of the Halloween events as well. I like being involved on campus because it gives me opportunities to meet more people, and to take a break from assignments or classes.”
As the freshmen student body’s first year comes to a close, the flood gates are wide open for many students to explore their own interests and discover what career they will choose to become passionate about.
