A Volleyball to the Head

Sunday the staff and all of our freshmen students boarded buses to the Coliseum to take part in the "University Welcome Celebration." As we entered the Coliseum tee shirts with the class of 2014 were handed out and students began to sit down in their assigned sections. Due to the bus schedule we at Pierpont arrived about an hour before it was about to begin. Brian and I walked up and down the section meeting students and answering questions. Then as it was about to begin Josh, a RA, and Brian started the wave and then a cheer of "Let's Go Moutaineers." After this the program began.

The program was filled with speakers relaying their stories of college to the group about to embark on this journey. As I looked around many were texting, listening to i-pods, or just sitting back with blank looks on their faces. After asking them about this ceremony today during UNIV 101, many stated that they were asleep and that addition of the drum line or people talking more about their freshmen year would have helped more. The section of the program they all enjoyed was the Provost's address in which she had them proclaim, "They would attend class," as well as many other habits needed to be successful. They all echoed her words but although they enjoyed her I am not sure they really believe they need to do all she spoke about to be successful, but who am I.

Later that evening we held a Welcome Back BBQ for all the students in Pierpont. 300 young residents came down the stairs to play volleyball and corn hole as well as feast on hamburgers and hot dogs. Four girls who had just met during the weekend sat under a tree and talked while others held a "Dougie" constant. All enjoying themselves and meeting new people. As I stood around and met people I was hit in the head by a volleyball gone astray. I could not help but think many of the new students I was surrounded by will need a "volleyball to the head," in the coming weeks, my hope is that they will all take it with a smile and learn from the bump on the head. Here's to a good semester without to many "volleyballs to the head"

Welcome Back

Move-in weekend is always exciting here at WVU. Students leaving home for the first time, parents leaving their children for the first time, and the first chance for many to take responsibility for their own actions. A time when excitement and fear simultaneously courses through thoughts as rapidly as water flows through a river. What a wild ride! I say enjoy it.

Students enjoy your time exploring your new environment. Parents enjoy and celebrate the fact that you have raised children that are capable of succeeding at such an integrated university. Enjoy the the knowledge you will gain as new Mountaineers.

Growth from this knowledge will occur. The change in students from August til May is something I still marvel at even after three years here at the dorm. Have fun while growing and take all the oppurtunities that are offered to you.

Welcome and come say "hi".