Students brought together by Connection Program
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Among the variety of different colored t-shirts and the fun, energetic games, were the smiles hiding the nerves of the incoming freshman and transfer students at Roberts Wesleyan’s annual Connection Program. On Monday and Tuesday, June 30 and July 1, recently graduated high school students and those who are transferring, crowded the athletic fields, gymnasium, dining hall and dorms of the quiet campus.
For the past 10 plus years, Roberts Wesleyan has hosted their Connection Program for new students early in the summer.
“We figured that high school is done, it’s a good time to start transitioning to college life,” said Andrew Brayda, an admissions counselor and also one of the head coordinators of the event. “To make them part of the Roberts Wesleyan community.”
It tends to be a good turn out each year. Usually more than half of the new class comes to the connection program in hopes of meeting other students before starting in the fall. During the two days of the Connection program, students participate in games such as tug of war, ultimate frisbee, marble madness and many more. The purpose is to get to know one another through team play.
“I don’t want to say they are forced to interact, but once you’re on a team you have to work together,” said Paige Humbert, a sophomore at Roberts Wesleyan and volunteer.
Through planned activities, students who have gone through the same program in the past found it helpful.
“It’s easy to open up because everyone is in the same position,” said Jenn Moffit, sophomore at Roberts Wesleyan and volunteer as well.
Many times students will find their future roommates and friends.
“I think throughout the four years, you remember who was on your team,” said Laura Schaefer, an alumnus of Roberts Wesleyan and also a volunteer. “It is good for familiarity.”
Not only do they get to be active, they also get their student ID cards, and other academic information taken care of ahead of time, so come orientation in August, those that attended the event have it already out of the way. As far as participation, it seems that most people are happy to be involved.
“Most people are fairly excited, some may be nervous,” said Nate Cronk, admissions counselor, and a second head coordinator for the event. “This is a fairly unique thing for college orientation,”
