Students, both returning and new to campus, kicked off the academic year this past Monday, swarming the many lecture halls and labs of Bucknell’s scholastic buildings. For some, this was a joy; for others, a struggle. For others still, the experience lay somewhere in between.
And while the first day of school was not truly the first for returning students, it was new to many students of Bucknell University. After five days of nonstop activities, fun icebreakers and experiencing their first nights in college dorms, the Class of 2027 embarked on one of the most daunting events ever since they got that acceptance letter: their first day of college classes.
Many first-years quickly found the walk uphill to class, a staple of the Bucknell experience, to be troublesome. Hazel Wartchow ’27, of Smith Hall, lamented their walk to class, which tends to be “significantly longer” than its first-year housing counterparts, McDonnell and Swartz, as they are situated uphill. When other students were asked the same question, there was a prominent divide between residents of Smith who appreciate the walk and those who do not. Both “sides” of the debate seem equally populated, although there are a significant number who claim ambivalence.
Returning students enjoyed the rediscovery of familiar routes and faces as they settled into the routine of the new year. Though experienced in the general realm of academia at Bucknell, this new school year still presents challenges and triumphs for these older students to conquer.
Junior Biology major, Maddie Whitsitt, committed wholeheartedly to her field of study, staunchly refusing to complain about her course load, which has grown “heavier and […] more specialized, especially as [she] continues to learn.” She’s determined to stick to her effort to “stay positive” and remain “grateful for [her] opportunities.”
But regardless of major, grade and housing assignment, it seems most, if not all, of this year’s flood of students have begun settling into campus and classes. The various lawn chairs on the quad are reliably occupied by students chatting, studying or taking in the view. Frequenters of the Bertrand Library have claimed their favorite seats, or at the very least, established a library-going routine.
Clubs are kicking into gear, with athletic teams beginning practices and academic groups plotting out material. Division I sports have established training schedules, and many are already shifting into gametime gear—’Ray Bison!
We can’t wait to see what innovation, education and entertainment lie ahead.
