Dear Freshmen,

Welcome! We are so excited to have you. As you finish up your orientation and start classes you may feel overwhelmed, excited, scared, and nervous. I’m here to tell you that is completely normal! Here at Misericordia University there are somethings you should know in order to make that transition easier and make all of your experiences happier and more fun and I’m here to hopefully help you out!

My favorite thing about Mis is our charisms. They are what set us apart from other colleges. Our 4 charisms: Mercy, Service, Justice, and Hospitality are what we strive to be. We strive to be merciful, do service, be just, and hospitable. I joked once with a faculty member that on our application we should put a check box to make sure people aren’t mean and I genuinely mean it. Another thing I love about Mis is everyone is so nice here and that is not an exaggeration. From students to faculty to staff to the community members who walk the campus with their dogs everyone will offer a smile and a greeting when you pass. Students here are willing to help with whatever you need as well as your professors who are truly the kindest people on earth. So my advice here is to be kind, don’t be harsh. Don’t judge until you get to know a person and always have a smile on your face. Be merciful, show justice, be hospitable, and do service. Follow our charisms and our Mis way and it will get you far.

Although our school is on the smaller side (it’s quality that matters not quantity) I am meeting new people every single day. Not only new people, but also new places at Mis. As an orientation leader this year we did a scavenger hunt where we were given clues to spots on campus and then had to literally run (2.2 miles in case anyone is wondering) to them all and take pictures. This was an amazing experience because I got to see my fellow classmates’ view of the school. I have never been to the maze or the softball field and I thought it was really neat that I’ve been at my college my entire life and there is still new stuff everywhere that I have yet to explore. My advice here is just that: explore. Try new things. Do everything and get involved! You’ll regret it if you don’t.

Speaking of new things going on at Mis there is always something new happening. The patio, Chick-fil-a, and Starbucks to name a few. To read my article of everything new happening at our school please https://www.theodysseyonline.com/12-things-misericordia-students-can-look-forward-toclick here!

The last thing you need to know is probably the most important so listen up! You, as the class of 2020, are all in the same boat. You are brand new freshman at a new place that you will be spending the new four years of your life in. You are all equals, no one better or worse than the rest. The people that you just spent 4 days of orientation with are the people you will graduate with, the people you will see in the halls for your whole college experience, the people who will be in your classes and clubs. So please, for the benefit of you and them, be a team. You are a team so act like it. Talk to each other, help each other, be kind to one another. If you do need any help at any point do not be afraid to reach out to us. We are all here for you whether it be the CAPS center, your peer advocates, or just me, as a friend. We are all in this together after all. So welcome once again and enjoy your years here. Work hard, do good, and have lots of fun because the friends and memories you make here will truly last you a lifetime. Good luck class of 2020, can’t wait to get to know each and everyone of you!

Ps: Hold the doors for everyone please, that’s the Misericordia Way!

Sincerely,

Cassy