Bonaventure welcomed both new freshmen and transfer students for the spring semester on Sunday, Jan. 17.
The students are both from the local community and from across the globe and represent a variety of majors. Despite geographical and personal differences, these new students all chose Bonaventure.
“I knew I wanted to come to Bonas,” said freshman sports studies major Megan Jennings, who transferred from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. “Mansfield did not feel like home. My dad and sister Kailyn went here, and I knew I wanted to be here.”
Jennings spoke highly of her transition, saying that the size of the community and the efficiency of orientation are essential.
“Everyone is so friendly,” said Jennings. “I never really understood how special Bonas is until I got here, and it’s only my third day.”
Other new students are experiencing college for the first time. Freshman biology major Isabel Sgroi, who took the fall semester off, already feels a sense of pride for the university.
“Bona pride everyday,” Sgroi said. “St. Bonaventure was my first and only choice, and I would definitely tell prospective students to consider the school.”
Although new students are adjusting with ease, they said they still wish they had gotten some advice before transferring.
“Orientation was helpful, but I really wish they had spent more time discussing time management skills,” said Sgroi.
In spite of the adjustment, students said they are excited and optimistic. Vivian Wu, a junior from China, is over the moon about the transition. Wu has already set personal goals for her semester.
“I want to get a part-time job and join a club”, she said. “Even though I cannot speak English well, both students and teachers have been helping me so much,” said Wu, who taught history in China for two years before moving to the United States.
Despite the language barrier, Wu is positive about the new experience, saying, “The campus is so beautiful; I feel that I am so lucky that I can attend this university.” Rootcm14@bonaventure.edu
