It's been over a year since my Matriculation Day at Adelphi University. I'm one of many in Adelphi's class of 2019.
I've loved every minute of my time here at Adelphi University. It's definitely true, as our president loves to say, "the people make the place," and the people I've come to know during my time at Adelphi. so far, have definitely helped to make Adelphi my home away from home.
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I'm studying to get a BA in English on the Creative Writing track. I'm also studying Adolescent Education. I'm a part of Adelphi's 5-year S.T.E.P. (Scholar Teacher Education Program). I look forward to teaching at the high school level after I've completed this program.
Upon walking to my dorm on move-in day last year and this year, I was greeted by the wonderful RAs that also live in New Hall A.
They know who they are and how hard they work to make me and all of the other residents feel welcome, and accepted -- their work is immensely appreciated.
I've been given several opportunities to get involved on campus and meet new people, and I've enjoyed it.
I work on campus as a Hall Attendant. The job keeps me up until 4AM sometimes, but I enjoy being a Hall Attendant. I've enjoyed getting to know the other residents that live in my building, as well as other resident halls on campus.
Hall Attending to me is more than just the job description. It's more than making sure that the right people are entering the right resident halls on campus and making sure that the residents feel safe.
To me, it's also about building relationships with the residents. I sit in the booth and the residents get to know me as they take the time to look for their ID cards and use them to swipe into the building.
Residents have taken the time to talk to me about any issues they're having while I'm working, or sometimes not working. They'll see me in the halls or the lounges and say hello. I'm just happy that they see me as a person that they can confide in. It's a rewarding feeling when I can assist in helping out residents anyway that I can.
In addition to Hall Attending, I've been given the opportunity to be a Peer Assistant Leader (P.A.L.). for the class of 2020. Thanks to Kathleen Watchorn I've enjoyed co-teaching every 50-minute FoRE (First Year Orientation Experience) class with Camille Pajor. Being a PAL is a topic for a future article of mine, but It's been an amazing experience. I love my FoRE class this year. They're 25 amazing students from Adelphi's 1,200 students that make up the Freshman class. Co-teaching this class at 10am on Fridays is a great start to my day and the weekend!
This year, I've also taken the time to become more involved with student clubs on campus. I'm a member of the SAB (Student Activities Board) at Adelphi. I'm also a part of New Hall A's Hall Council and the Resident Student Association. It has been another great way for me to get to know residents who dorm on campus, as well as to know of events that are happening in the resident halls on campus.
So you see, I'm so glad that I chose to attend Adelphi. I'm so glad to be a part of Adelphi's class of 2019! I'm thankful for the opportunities I've been given and the new friends I've made. I've enjoyed my time in the Underground Cafe in between classes, sitting around with a good cup of coffee and laughing about everything.
I'm thankful for all of the Chipotle runs I've gone on with my friends, and our trip to Montauk, (because I'm a guy from Queens and haven't explored all of Long Island). I look forward to more Chipotle runs, more McDonald's runs, and more trips around Long Island and the city.
Even on the days when I just want to complain about everything and everybody. Even on the Wednesdays that I forget to wear brown and gold (Adelphi's colors). I think back on all of the friends I've made while at Adelphi and all the opportunities I've been given to get involved on this campus and to get to know more people. Through it all, I realize, just like my current shirt says, "It's A Great Day To Be A Panther." 
I've truly enjoyed every minute of it all.
