Letters to Our Incoming Freshman 2016 by rachelritcheydesign

Hello from Sunny Buck!

Can you believe that in a few short weeks, you’ll travel to Wesleyan with your belongings and start this new leg of your life’s journey? This book is one of your first gifts from your Bobcat family. We want you to get a feel for some of the voices that represent Wesleyan, people that you can interact with on campus as well as those that have graduated but still have strong ties to the College. The people who contributed these letters share a passion for our College and showed much enthusiasm for writing to you. We want you to feel welcome before you even step foot on campus. We want to connect with you. Since you won’t be selling back this book, it’s yours to wallow—dog-ear your favorite letters, write notes or questions in the margins, highlight or underline favorite lines. You can read it cover-to-cover or flip it open and randomly choose sections. Be ready to engage in conversation when you arrive to campus about two or three of the letters that made the most impression on you. Enjoy the rest of your summer…we’ll see you soon!

Table of Contents - The Letters Introduction: The ABCs of Transitioning to WVWC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 President Pam Balch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Boyd Creasman, Academic Dean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Emily Akers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Susan Aloi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Nicki Bentley-Colthart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Cynthia Brissey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Morgan Carter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Alison Clausen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Ali Cunningham. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Jordan Danko. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Coral Dean. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Rachel DeMaria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Kortney Frame. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Pete Galarneau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Kristin Greene. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Ashley Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Kayla Hinkley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Jackie Hinton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Shauna Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Lily Kurfman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Tony Lindeman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Alisa Lively. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Josh Lopitz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 William Mallory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 James Moore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Ellen Mueller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Jill Okes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Angela Pittinger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Taylor Price. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Traci Probst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Robert Quarles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Caroline Rapking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Kimberly Reed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Kim Riley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Leah Ripley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Rachel Ritchey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Beth Rogers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Folashade Sanni. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Chris Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 2

Austin Shell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Liz Short. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Jesse Skiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Tre’vante’ Taliaferro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Clifton Taylor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Alice Teets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Lori Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Lucas Trovato. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Destinee Tunstall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Doug van Gundy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Jessica Vincent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Eric Waggoner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Lindsey Wagoner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Jessica Walter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 John Waltz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Will Wasson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Zach Williams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Colin Winkie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Mason Winkie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Krysta Rexrode Wolfe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

“The nature of the epistolary genre was revealed to me: a form of writing devoted to another person. Novels, poems, and so on, were texts into which others were free to enter, or not. Letters, on the other hand, did not exist without the other person, and their very mission, their significance, was the epiphany of the recipient.” Amélie Nothomb Life Form

Introduction- ABC’s of Transitioning to WVWC “Act the way you’d like to be and soon you’ll be the way you’d like to act.” Bob Dylan said it, and it applies to you: Act like a successful college student and soon you’ll be one. Read on for ways to accomplish this…

Believe that you will adjust to the new environment, to the homesickness,

to finding your voice. Accept that your first semester will be exciting and stressful and different than high school.

Challenge yourself to try at least two new experiences a month, whether it’s

attending a play, working out at the Wellness Center, meeting someone new. You don’t need spending money for most of the on-campus activities.

Decide that your nervousness won’t stop you from talking with your

professors. They want you to visit them during their office hours…that’s why they’re there.

Evaluate your progress at the end of each week…What went well? What needs adjusted? Find a group that engages you.

With more than 70 official organizations, the only way you can’t find a place (or two or three) to fit in is if you never move your feet and explore.

Go to class, even if you’re exhausted, hung-over, or grieving over a breakup. Go even if you are sick, unless you have a fever, or are throwing up. You can’t make up what you miss in class discussions and lectures. Hand in/submit your assignments on time. Most professors lose patience with students who mess around with deadlines. Ignore the little voice that whispers You shouldn’t be here. Go home. What were you thinking? Actually, don’t ignore it. Talk back to it: You’re wrong. I’m working toward graduating from WVWC. Juggling is sometimes necessary, but it’s proven that a time management

plan will help you succeed. Stop by the Student Success Center for help or 5

ABC’s of Transitioning to WVWC attend a time management workshop.

Kindness goes a long way…be kind to everyone, not just your professors.

Be kind to the dining hall crew, office staff, librarians, Physical Plant specialists, the Help Desk team…Be kind to yourself as well.

Log into your Blackboard and email accounts DAILY so you don’t miss

assignments or important announcements. Also, visit your campus mailbox at least twice a week.

Master study skills tips, like reviewing your notes right after a lecture class.

Nourish yourself by eating healthy most of the time, getting 6-8 hours of sleep, doing something physical most days, and asking for help when needed. It might sound like tired advice, but it’s true. Open your mind to new ideas.

You won’t—nor should you—agree with all of them, but part of why you’re here is to expand your personal and worldviews. Sometimes it’s a little uncomfortable, but you’ll appreciate the growth.

Pillows are important.

Get yourself the best one that your budget allows.

Question yourself.

Question what you’ve been taught, question your beliefs. Make sure they work for you, not because someone told you his or her version of what’s right.

Resist going home every single weekend, especially first semester.

On the other hand, keep your family posted on what’s going on. They love you and are one of your most valuable support systems.

Set goals that are realistic, especially your first semester.

If you earned a 2.9 high school GPA, it’s probably not feasible that you will earn a 4.0 during fall semester. However, you can shoot for a 3.3. Stop by the Student Success Center to find out the differences between high school and WVWC 6

ABC’s of Transitioning to WVWC grades and how to calculate your GPA.

Treat yourself to some silliness.

Yes, you’re here to do well academically, but don’t take life—or yourself—too seriously, at least not every moment. You need some downtime. The key is finding balance which is different for everybody.

Unplug every so often, every day.

While you’re in class, unless there’s a potential emergency, leave your phone alone. Engage with the professor and take notes. When you’re not in class, leave your phone alone sometimes. If you’re always paying attention to the little screen, you’re missing out on engaging with the people in front of you—their body language, their facial expressions. You’re missing out on noticing the campus’ beauty. You’re also missing out on giving your brain time to ponder and imagine.

Vent.

Don’t bottle everything inside. Vent safely, though. Talk with a friend. Call home. Visit the Counseling Center. Chat with a staff or faculty member. Stroll or jog around the River Walk and process your thoughts.

Wanting to succeed isn’t the same as putting in the effort.

Many students come in “wanting” to graduate, but a few don’t “want” to put energy into developing into a strong student. “Good-faith effort” only goes so far; in college, results matter.

‘Xplore the local community. (Yeah, yeah.

We cheated.) Buckhannon is small enough that you don’t need a car to navigate through town. You will need transportation to Audra State Park, which we encourage you to visit while you’re here.

Yes.

Say yes often. But also learn to say no—when you’re already overloaded and overscheduled. Balance.

Zap (noun): to add a sudden infusion of energy, verve, color, attractiveness, or the like. There are other definitions of “zap” but this is our favorite. We hope your experiences at Wesleyan zap up your life and remind you that you’re an important part of the Bobcat community.

President Pamela Balch, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;71 Dear Entering Freshman and Future Graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan: As your President and enthusiastic fan for your happiness and success, I wish you a fabulous and enriching experience during your time at West Virginia Wesleyan. I was a first generation student when I entered the Wesleyan Campus environment -- a bit homesick at first, worried about keeping my scholarship, unsure of the co-curricular opportunities, and quickly realizing that high school study habits were not close to being good enough for West Virginia Wesleyan. But all of these years later, I will tell you that West Virginia Wesleyan was an important transition in my life for which I am grateful and we all want you to feel the same. You will receive lots of advice from family, friends and West Virginia Wesleyan personnel. All of this advice is provided with the love and care in wanting you to succeed and enjoy college. I have only three pieces of advice and if you accept them, you will succeed!

1) Attend all of your classes, participate and ask for help as soon as you feel you need it. 2) Study consistently rather than last minute. 3) Engage in fun and meaningful co-curricular opportunities.

These tips, if followed, will allow you to thrive and not just survive. We are all here to help you. Welcome aboard! Sincerely, Pamela Balch President

Boyd Creasman, Academic Dean, Vice-President of Academic Affairs The first thing I would like for you to know is that no one feels totally at ease as a college freshman. In my own case, I felt the pressure of trying to fit in, while not always understanding the significance of what my instructors were attempting to convey to me and my classmates. I did not make good grades in some of my freshman classes. What saved me during the uncertainty of the first year of college was that I had faith that it would someday make sense and that I would understand. And my parents, neither of whom had attended college, believed in the power of a diploma. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure I quite believed at that time that higher education would be life-altering, but college certainly did change my life for the better. The turning point was that I gave myself permission to stop worrying about what major I had or what job I would get when I graduated. I followed my heart. I realized that life would never be fulfilling if I simply did what other people wanted me to do. Constantly, I was asked what I would do with an English major. I ignored the naysayers, hooked on learning that was taking place in the present. So I took literature classes that provided me with the opportunity to appreciate the dignity and honesty inherent in eloquent expression on human nature. I spent my summers reading as never before. I opened my mind to new ideas and experiences and realized that the initial period of not understanding something was just a stage in the process of attempting to become a better version of myself Envision that better version of yourself. Believe that you can overcome adversity. Do not accept limitations. Sometimes those who say you cannot do something exist so you can prove them wrong. Find something you enjoy and do it well. For me, the right major was English. For you, it might be business or chemistry or history or nursing. Focus on learning for its own sake. Or you might discover your path outside the classroom, in community service or in the performing arts. The key thing at this point is to learn how to imagine the possibilities. Best, Boyd Creasman Dean of Academic Affairs

Emily Akers, Student (Class of ’18) Dear First-Year Students, Isn’t it crazy that you’re about to start college? I know how exciting and equally nerve-wracking your first few weeks of being a college freshman is! I have always been a very quiet and reserved person and I wondered how I would survive in a new atmosphere like college. If you are anything like me (or even the complete opposite), you may be nervous about finding people to connect with and become friends. You always hear that you make life-long friends in college and I am here to tell you it’s true! First off, everyone is new! College isn’t like high school where its one new kid against the crowd, trying to find their way around. Everyone is new at Wesleyan and everyone is definitely scared and confused. There’s not going to be one person that you meet that’s not going to be either lost or just as nervous as you are. The best place to find new friends is… everywhere!! I came to Wesleyan with a few friends from my old high school but I wanted to expand my circle and meet new people, as well as keep my old friendships. The first place I found two very close friends was my freshman seminar group. My first friend I made was the day I moved in at Convocation because we liked the same band. And then at registration I made my other friend in my seminar class because we talked about our hair. They were the simplest conversations, but after that we noticed each other in class and sat together…the rest, may I say, was history! But seriously, I have talked to them every day since we have been on break and miss them dearly. The next place I found friends was in my residence building. Life gets boring stuck in your room 24/7 with only your roommate, so we both ventured out and met new people in our building. I met some amazing people who were right there whenever I needed them. We hung out in each other’s rooms, which was nice when the weather got cold since we didn’t have to go across campus to see each other, and we “studied” together in the lobby in the evenings. It was incredible to have such a strong bond with people that lived so close to me. The last place I found friends was through campus activities. I believe if you go out looking for fun and to meet new people, you will! I met a very close friend through a campus activity because we were both by ourselves and decided we could definitely have fun together. The moral to this letter is that college seems scary, but it’s actually just a bunch of kids trying to get their lives together. Friends are easy to make, whether you try or not. Coming to Wesleyan has taught me many things, from school work to friendship. I made new friends with people 10

thousands of miles away in Tokyo, Japan and New York, to people close to home in West Virginia that I just never knew before. I hope this letter helps to calm your nerves and makes you realizes how exciting and rewarding your first year at Wesleyan is going to be! Sincerely, Emily

Susan Aloi, Faculty & Director (Business), ’80, ‘97 Hello Freshmen! You could say I have orange blood! I’m a proud alumna, and Wesleyan has long been part of my life. My mom is an alum, my uncle is an alum, and so are my brother and my husband. My two daughters are also very recent alums. So, you can trust my opinion about the great value of the Wesleyan experience. Not only will you earn a marketable degree, you’ll also make life-long friends. You’ll gain crucial knowledge and skills, and develop the ability to keep learning what you’ll need for personal and professional success throughout your life. Your time at Wesleyan will be exciting, inspiring, and fun. But, it won’t be easy! Faculty and staff, as well as fellow students, are here to help you succeed at Wesleyan. But, college is very different from high school. Remember all that stuff you memorized in school and tried to recall for standardized tests at the end of the school year? Of course you don’t! In college, you have to do more than just memorize or search for the right answer. Sometimes there isn’t even a “right answer.” To really learn, you’ll have to engage in the process, and continually apply knowledge and skills in classes, as well as in your co-curricular activities. At Wesleyan, we help you do this and we learn together. Imagine you could open up the top of your head and look down inside. Is it an empty chamber, just waiting for learned faculty to fill with knowledge? Of course not! You already know lots of things. And it is your job in college to build on what you know, be curious about what you don’t know, and make connections to how you might use this knowledge now and in your future. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in class (and never skip class, just because you can!), or drop by a professor’s office to ask for help. Wesleyan is full of helpful staff who can assist with everything you need to be successful in college; you just have to ask. Go to the Library, drop by the Registrar’s Office, check out the Center for Community Engagement, attend campus events like concerts, lectures, and games. Learning is, by definition, a change in behavior. Once you’ve truly learned, you now know or do or believe something you didn’t before. Learning occurs in each of us, individually; but, it is also a community activity. So, make the best of your Wesleyan experience by getting actively engaged in your own learning process and asking for help when you need it. Your time at Wesleyan will go quickly, and before you know it you’ll become part of the Orange Line of proud alumni, carrying wisdom and relationships with you for the rest of your life. 12

Nicki Bentley-Colthart, Director of Foundations Messages Home HELLO FROM YOUR OLDEST DAUGHTER angie@wvwc.edu Sent: August 20th To: momanddad@home.com ………………………………………………………………… Dear Mom and Dad, I made it through my first night as a College student. Thank you again for encouraging me and helping me get here. I know you didn’t get the chance to go to College and I promise I will make you proud. I met some nice people and my roommate, Mia, is kinda cool, she has a funny accent and her parents both graduated from Wesleyan, I think she said that makes her “a legacy” or something. I am going with Mia to some kind of get together she heard about. Maybe I will see some of my friends from back home there. I know, I know, I am here to learn and not play around, but classes haven’t started yet and I want to learn my way around campus. -Me HELLO FROM YOUR OLDEST DAUGHTER angie@wvwc.edu Sent: August 21th To: momanddad@home.com ………………………………………………………………… Dear Mom and Dad, First day of classes are over! Thank Goodness! This is so much different than high school. The professors are all nice and I found most of my classes without too much trouble. But I was so lost when the first professor kept talking about this “silly bus” thing. I just sat there dumbstruck for a while then the kid next to me pointed at the handout. Why can’t they just say a handout with what assignments are due and when. Oh well. I got a new Syllabus for each class. It is overwhelming to look at all the reading and papers I have to do this semester. I like the idea of only having to go to these classes three days a week, but I didn’t know I was expected to study 13

so much outside of class…speaking of which I better get started. Chapter 1…. HELLO FROM YOUR OLDEST DAUGHTER angie@wvwc.edu Sent: September 2nd To: momanddad@home.com ………………………………………………………………… Dear Mom and Dad, Things are going well, I am getting used to the new schedule and Mia and I have a routine where we meet for lunch after class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We both have met a lot of new friends and we can share some clothes. She still makes fun of the way I say “fire” but I think she says a lot of things weird. Thanks for the care package. I loved getting some of grandma’s cookies. They didn’t last very long once my friends found them, so if you could please ask her to send some more I would appreciate it! Well tomorrow I have to go to the Student Success Center. They are having a time where we can come and learn more about opportunities offered on campus for first-generation college students (apparently that is what they call kids like me who are the first in their family to go to college). I don’t really want to go, but I promised the lady when she called me I would be there. Hope it is over with quickly. HELLO FROM YOUR OLDEST DAUGHTER angie@wvwc.edu Sent: September 3rd To: momanddad@home.com ………………………………………………………………… Dear Mom and Dad, I am glad I went to the thing last night. They have several groups on campus that I can get involved with. I know you don’t want me to join a sorority, but they do lots of good things beside drink and chase boys. Also there are groups on campus that take little adventure trips around the state, groups that play chess, choirs, intermural sports teams, movies, concerts, a whole lot of things. I need to think about what I can balance with my 14

school work, but I am gonna check a few things out. Also, I found out about work study and how to apply for an on campus job a few hours a week to help with some of the bills. I could get a job working in one of the college offices answering phones, or planning events, or something. A little extra money could help out. HELLO FROM YOUR OLDEST DAUGHTER angie@wvwc.edu Sent: September 9th To: momanddad@home.com ………………………………………………………………… Dear Mom and Dad, Today has been a huge ole crappy day! I worked really hard on an assignment for class but when I got it back the professor had marked it all up. Lots of comments and suggestions. I feel really stupid right now. I am not used to getting corrected on my school work. I always got A’s and B’s in high school with no teacher comments. I don’t like this at all. One comment says “I like where you are going with this. Could you talk a little more about your reaction to incident?” What does that mean? The assignment wasn’t about my reaction; it was about the topic in the class. I wish I knew what they wanted. Mia says I should go to the professor’s office hours and ask for clarification. I don’t know if I can do that. I will feel so stupid if I have to admit I don’t understand what she wants. Mia was telling me she went to her professor earlier in the week and that lots of students were there waiting to talk to the teacher. The RA (older student living in the residence hall with us) heard us talking and says that professors expect students to stop by and ask questions, but she says if I am nervous I could also send the professor an email. I think I will start there, less embarrassing. HELLO FROM YOUR OLDEST DAUGHTER angie@wvwc.edu Sent: September 12th To: momanddad@home.com ………………………………………………………………… Dear Mom and Dad, I am really glad I spoke with my professor. She said I am very smart, and 15

she loves to hear me add my thoughts in class, and how I am not afraid to think for myself. She said my paper was really good, but she was just making suggestions that may help me develop my thoughts a little further. She explained that when she writes notes on my work it doesn’t mean my answers are wrong, but just like in class she was having a discussion with me and helping me to think a little bigger about the topic. I feel a lot better now. I am going to stop by her office and check in after we get our next assignment back. HELLO FROM YOUR OLDEST DAUGHTER angie@wvwc.edu Sent: October 28th To: momanddad@home.com ………………………………………………………………… Mom and Dad, Sorry, I haven’t written in a while. I know, I got your voicemail, email, and your text, and I promise I am ok. I promise I am coming home this weekend. I will see you Friday! HELLO FROM YOUR OLDEST DAUGHTER angie@wvwc.edu Sent: November 15th To: momanddad@home.com ………………………………………………………………… Mom and Dad, Do remember when I was telling you about the service project we were doing in class. We were able to help a local food panty by raising awareness about homelessness and poverty. It was very eye opening to see that poverty, real poverty, touches so many people in ways I never thought of. I feel good that we can help some people have food they cannot afford. Is there a food pantry at home? If so, we should send them some can goods, peanut butter, or something. Mia is part of a We LEAD group that helped to organize it. She said there is a We LEAD group that does things to help animals too. HELLO FROM YOUR OLDEST DAUGHTER angie@wvwc.edu Sent: December 8th To: momanddad@home.com ………………………………………………………………… 16

Mom and Dad, I am so stressed out! Finals are coming, money is tight and I am exhausted from all of the stuff I have to finish up before I come home for break. I don’t know what to expect with my first finals. Everyone says they are big tests and hard. I have been doing well so far and I don’t want to mess things up. I just started crying today for no reason. I stopped by the student success center and talked to a lady about what to do. She reassured me that the tests weren’t any harder than what I have already been through and I should talk to my professors if I am worried about a particular class. I think I know the material, just nervous about taking the test. I could use more stuff from home, grandma’s cookies, or your special eggs. I can’t wait to get home. HELLO FROM YOUR OLDEST DAUGHTER angie@wvwc.edu Sent: December 12th To: momanddad@home.com ………………………………………………………………… Mom and Dad, I did it! I finished my finals and I feel pretty good about them. They said we will get our grades soon. College isn’t as hard as I thought it would be, after all. I am heading home tomorrow. As we discussed, Mia and Emily are going to follow me home and spend a few days before they head home. I want to show them my old stomping grounds. Don’t forget you said I could go to Mia’s house over spring break after you get to know her better!!!! We went out to dinner tonight to celebrate our first semester completed! It felt good! We get a few weeks off then we get to come back and do it again next semester. Thank you again for supporting me and helping me get here. I love you! -Me

Cynthia Brissey, Coordinator, Center for Teaching & Learning Welcome to West Virginia Wesleyan College! When thinking about what I wanted to share with you for the start of your freshman year, I decided on this: one of the most important things that you can do for yourself as you start on this new experience is to commit to attending and participating in every class. I learned the hard way that you simply miss too much if you aren’t regularly involved in class activities. Because I regularly skipped out on one of my freshman classes, I barely passed the course and really didn’t understand that subject as a result. As a freshman, I enrolled in a 9:00 a.m. calculus class. You wouldn’t think that I would have a problem getting there when I was up for an early morning work-study job in the cafeteria, but I did. I stayed up late most nights socializing with friends, and I would try to catch a nap between my morning job and my 9:00 class. As you might guess, I slept through more classes than I attended, and when I did get there, I often fell asleep in class. I was going into the end of the semester failing the course. A math major in my group of friends spent hours tutoring me through the material for the final. I got an “A” on the exam which gave me a “C” for the course; however, because I had crammed for a single test, I didn’t learn what calculus was really about. That wasn’t a problem until I got into graduate school and started a research topic in Ecology. Calculus is important in understanding ecological systems. I had met the requirements to get into the graduate program, but I struggled understanding the ecology because I never really understood the calculus. I got through that graduate program by carefully designing a research problem that didn’t require calculus. Years later, while teaching biology at a small college, I was asked to teach a freshman seminar. I often told the story about why I never really learned calculus. One year a student asked why I just didn’t take the course now. I had no good answer for that, so I did. It was great. There was no pressure for grades, and I began to see what calculus was all about. So, after many years I finally learned calculus. In college, it’s up to you to get yourself to class and to come prepared to participate fully in the activities of the day. No one is going to tell you to get to bed early enough so that you are up and alert for every class. You don’t want to wait until you’re thirty-something to learn what you have the opportunity to learn today. Wishing you the best, Cynthia Brissey 18

Morgan Carter, Student (Class of ’16) Journal Entry, April 28, 2015 I am certain I am going to die. I’ve drunk more caffeine in the past week than I have in my entire life. It feels as though finals have been happening for a month rather than a week and I’m pretty sure I have all of my deadlines mixed up and live in constant fear of my computer crashing on me. Someone, please, send warm blankets and Mac N’ Cheese bites from Sheetz. It’s all that can revive me now. Must. Take. Break. Earlier, I was gathering my materials together for India. I leave in June and still have the longest list of things to do. I still cannot believe that I’m getting this opportunity to study for five weeks in Bengaluru. I’m sure it won’t actually hit me until I get on the plane. Until then, though, I need to focus on this never-ending list of responsibilities I must complete. Just thinking about writing those thank you cards makes my hands cramp. I’ll just worry about those next week. I also need to get some budget items done for PRISM. I’m so excited to be President next year. We have a great group of people committed to working on this campus and making it a safer and better space, every day. It’s truly my family away from family. Ugh, reminds me, Vandalia stuff! I have to look at those things the former editor-in-chief gave me. We have got to get on that marketing. We have some talented students who just aren’t submitting their work. I will find them and force them to submit! Mwahahaha!! It doesn’t feel like I’m preparing for my last year of undergraduate study already. I was a freshman yesterday, I swear. I also don’t feel like a different person from when I came here, but I am. I delegate tasks and handle issues, I lead workshops, I tutor. I’ve built relationships here I never thought that I would have. My professors are some of the best friends I’ve ever had, which is great, because I have a sense they have their lives together way more than I’ll ever have. I’m getting bittersweet already and my graduation is a year away. I must be emotional from being sleep-deprived. I need to get back to work. I wonder if the library staff will notice if I steal one of the carafes full of coffee.

Alison Clausen, Director of Student Success Center Dear Bobcat, As I sit writing this, it’s a beautiful May morning on campus. The sun is out and flowers are blooming, but something seems amiss. It always seems that way when you aren’t here. I know, I know…you’re thinking, How can things be amiss when I’ve never been there!? I’ll tell you…it’s because your home among the hills is ready and waiting for you. Anticipating your arrival. Ready to welcome you with open arms. You already belong. Once you’re here, beautiful sunny mornings will be accented by students walking across the campus oval, lively discussions in our hallways, and students popping in to say hello. Afternoons will have spontaneous Frisbee on the lawn and library study sessions, with evenings bringing the Bobcats out to cheer on the soccer team at Wood Street field. Campus will be buzzing and lively and energetic. All because you are home. As you step onto campus this fall, I encourage you to come with open eyes and an open heart. Your home among the hills has amazing things ready to challenge you and push you. It also has amazing people that are ready to walk beside you on this journey. This place will energize you, challenge you, love you, support you, and be your biggest cheerleader, it you let it. Jump in with both feet. Hit the ground running. We promise we’ll jump with you and keep up as you speed onto your path. As you speed along, you’re going to hit roadblocks, speedbumps, and unexpected curves in the road. It’s inevitable. In those moments, and all the others in between, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Lean on us. That’s what we’re here for. Go to tutoring, visit office hours, stop by the Writing Center, chat with a staff member. Learning how to ask for help – or seek resources around you – is one of the greatest lessons we hope you learn during your time with us. In the meantime, things will be amiss until you are here. We are ready and eagerly awaiting your arrival, when everything will be back to the way it should be. Counting down the days until you’re with us… Alison

Ali Cunningham, Student Dear Freshmen, The next four years you will learn that this college is a family. It’s not only the students you are surrounded by; it’s also the professors, cooks, coaches, counselors, administration, and so many others. This is the place you will sit down and have dinner at a full table, full of love every night before you go to bed, ready to conquer the next day. Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. I learned what loving someone no matter what meant my sophomore year of college. You may think you’re different, that you’ll never fit in. Maybe you are disabled, have a learning difference, or suffer from a mental illness. This doesn’t mean you are any less deserving of higher education or life-long friendships. My freshman year I was a 4.0 student. I was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, National Leadership Society, Alpha Xi Delta Beta Sigma, and the track and cross-country teams. I had teammates, best friends, and sisters. My sophomore year things changed. I was diagnosed with a mental illness: severe anorexia nervosa, depression, and anxiety. I went from weighing 145 lbs. to 70 lbs. in the matter of 6 months. I went from earning As to Bs and Cs. I went from surrounding myself with people to cowering in my dorm room, isolated and praying no one bothered me. I went from happy, carefree, and adventurous to sad, miserable, and alone. Living with a mental illness is one of things that not many can even begin to comprehend. It’s looking like every other person but dying on the inside. It’s like screaming as loud as you possibly can and no one listening. It’s the crying yourself to sleep every night. It’s the blood on your wrist after a bad day. It’s the uncontrollable shake when you enter a room full of people. It’s the vomit in the toilet because you’re out of control. It’s the never being good enough. It’s the never being worthy. While it may be dark and there seems to be no hope, you can find the light at WVWC. I’m not saying anyone will ever be able to feel the suffering you are, but there are people that can ease the pain and give you the help you need. When I went to register for my classes first semester sophomore year, I was greeted by a counselor standing outside the doors. She asked if I had a moment and I quickly agreed to a sit-down conversation. I found myself in her office in the Health Center in an ugly, comfy chair. Looking back 21

now, I probably came across as a scared little girl. I probably looked worse than a starved dog on a chain in the back yard. I was just skin and bones with not a drop of hope for the future. The counselor told me that there was an immense amount of concern from professors, administration, and my peers on behalf of my well-being. I quickly responded there was no issue. I denied, denied, denied anything was wrong when in fact everything was wrong. She continued to say that the likelihood of me making it three weeks into the semester was slim. She told me that my malnourishment would prevent me from focusing, learning, or even making it to class. The following day she sat and held my hand as I tried to find a residential treatment facility. I made many phone calls, voice shaking, face swollen from crying, tears stained on my cheeks. She’d occasionally wipe one off for me. I began the admission process that day into a facility in Tallahassee, Florida called Canopy Cove. The following day I went to her office early where she hurried me off to get my blood work and EKG done so that the facility would have records of my current health. I found myself in a hospital bed the next two days because my results were so poor. I was on my way to Tallahassee the third day. Registration was on a Sunday and I found myself in treatment on a Thursday. The process was so fast. I was given a week to a week and a half to live if I didn’t get help. They were right; I wasn’t going to make it three weeks into the semester because I would’ve been dead. If it weren’t for that counselor I wouldn’t be here today. She held my hand during one of the scariest moments of my life, convincing me to do something that had to be done. She hugged me, holding the broken pieces of my heart together, so I could live to see another day. After 56 days in the facility and the remainder of the semester at home, I found myself back in time for the spring term. This time when I stepped foot on Wesleyan’s sidewalks I was healthy, happy, and adventurous again. I realized how many people loved me on this campus from the mail I received in Florida, the encouraging texts, the care packages. I realized how many people cared when I had person after person come barreling at me, ready for the biggest hug in the world. Today, I am sitting by the library with the sun up above, wind in my hair, 22

and the chirp of birds in the air. I am happy to be alive and a part of an amazing family here. I want to personally welcome you to your home. I hope you realize you have made the best decision of your life. No matter who you are, no matter your struggle, you deserve to walk across the stage and receive a piece of paper that is your key to the future. You deserve it with a happy and healthy mind, body, and spirit. You can have that here at West Virginia Wesleyan College. --Ali Cunningham

Jordan Danko, Student (Class of ’17) Dear Freshmen, Welcome to the wonderful world of West Virginia Wesleyan! Welcome to your new home, new friends, new professors, and most importantly, new opportunities. Be prepared for life-changing years ahead. College truly is a whole new world. Sometimes it is the most incredible experience thus far, and sometimes it is the most stressful undertaking imaginable. It’s all worth it though. You will get the swing of it, and before long you’ll be able to call yourself a confident college student. My greatest piece of advice to incoming Wesleyan students is to get connected. Make friendships in your freshman seminar and seek guidance from your seminar professors and student leaders. Join a club that suits your interests. Introduce yourself to the faculty and staff on campus, everyone from President Balch to Evelyn in Aladdin. They are all wonderful people who want to help you be successful. Find a church or community group to invest in. Yes, school is the main priority while you’re here, but these are also the years for you to grow into the individual you want to become. The opportunities at Wesleyan are endless. You can travel to other countries through May term and the Honors program, develop valuable leadership skills through WE LEAD, or be surrounded by brothers or sisters in Greek life. If you have an aptitude for athletics, dance, art, or music, there are opportunities available for you to refine those skills. Don’t simply stick to what you’re good at though; try something new! Attend a yoga class at the Wellness Center, volunteer to tutor at the local youth center, or try an intramural sport you’ve never played before. Finally, you are not in this alone. You are surrounded by other freshmen just as confused as you are. Make friends! Approach an u pperclassman. We’ve all been where you are now. Seek out your RA. They are there to help you. Ask an adult. Everyone here really does want to see you thrive. Once again, welcome to Wesleyan! I hope you find your place in our home among the hills. Best wishes, Jordan Danko

Coral Dean, Student (Class of ‘17) Dear Freshman, My name is Coral and I am a Junior Psychology major. I also have a minor in human biology and Spanish. My future career goal is to be an Occupational Therapist. Coming into your freshmen year it may be overwhelming, especially on your first day when you get notifications of all the events being held. Going to these events is one of the most important things for you to do. You can build relations in the community, as well as get to meet advisors on campus who can help you plan your future. One major event is the Organization Fair. This is where you get introduced to a majority of the organizations on campus, from leadership roles, like WE LEAD, LEAP, and Student Senate, to other groups like sororities and fraternities, to honor societies based on interest and majors, to other clubs and organizations that you could think of. Another major event to attend is the Internship fair. Here you can meet people of the community and from other states to build connections with and work toward an internship possibility. You can also meet the Experiential Learning Coordinator, Jill Okes. This is the person you want to get in contact with for help on deciding when, where, and how to get an internship. I know it may seem early to even be considering internships. Truth be told, if it weren’t for my mother and advisors at school asking me about them and constantly providing information, I probably wouldn’t have thought about them much either. You are probably thinking that you are just a freshman and you don’t even know what you want to do with your future, but internships are one thing that can help you decide. When looking for an internship many people think it has to be the exact job that they want to work in the future; however, an internship can be anything that can be applied to your Major can work. One way to help you gain internship experiences is to gain leadership roles and to be involved in organizations on our campus. These are what people hiring for internships look for. When you are involved and can manage your schedule, employers look for these qualities and they make you more marketable for the workplace. For example, I am a service scholar and work in a Special Education Elementary classroom. Over this past summer I had an internship at Camp Easter Seals, a camp for those with disabilities, I was able to use some of the skills I had learned volunteering in the classroom to help me with some of the campers. The leadership role I had helped me to be more marketable than someone who had no experiences. There are endless opportunities for internships, you just have to know how to look for them. One great thing about Wesleyan is they help 25

you to find one that fits you best. Depending on the internship, they can be used for credit hours, just set up a meeting with Jill Okes and she will be able to set you up with the information you need. Just remember it may seem overwhelming at first, but take advantage of every opportunity you are provided, because you never know when it can come in use for your future. If you have any questions related to my personal experience in my internship you can email me at dean_ca@wvwc.edu. I hope your Freshmen year is amazing, Coral Dean

Rachel Demaria, Student July 23rd: I had my first major anxiety attack. I didn’t know where I was, and I didn’t know why I felt like I was dying. August 28th: I was alone. No one understood. I didn’t even understand myself. The only option seemed to be leaving earth, and I told someone that was how I felt. November 1st: my boyfriend found me in the bathroom, pill bottles and alcohol in hand… he saved me. The first semester of my junior year was a tough one. I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder all rolled into one. There was an incessant black hole that was always eating away at my insides, determined to make me disappear forever. I fought it as hard as I could, and I had many people fighting it from the outside, but it was just too strong. That semester, I ended up in the hospital and ultimately took a medical withdrawal from classes and school. Come January, I was feeling better, but I wasn’t the Rachel that everyone, including myself, used to know. I didn’t think that I would be able return to school and be successful. However, I had so many people from Wesleyan that were reaching out to me that I couldn’t shake the feeling that my home among the hills was where I belonged. So, I gave college a second try. It was scary, and I had more anxiety attacks than I can count, but I knew that I had made the right choice; I felt so loved and at home on this campus that I never wanted to leave. The amount of resources available to me were unlimited here, and the faculty and students gave me more understanding than I can explain. From my biology professor, emailing me throughout my medical leave to see how I was progressing, to the school nurse, who was always so concerned and gave me a shoulder to cry on and an ear to complain into. From the school counselor, who listened to me pour my heart out and told me that my life was always worth living, to my sorority advisor, who shared similar experiences and encouraged me to keep running towards the light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how hard it might be. From my best friend, who talked to me from campus every day and gave me a hug each time I stumbled, to the campus life staff, who all worked so hard to get my emotional support animal on campus with me. My advice to you, freshmen, is to never let the stigma surrounding mental illness keep you from finding help on this campus. If you have a mental illness, or you feel you may be developing one, you are not alone; 27

there is always, always, ALWAYS someone that has walked the hard path before you, and there is always someone that is willing to walk it with you. As for those that have been blessed with being healthy, know that you can always be a resource for someone suffering, and there is always someone on campus to help you with any possible struggle you may come into. Wesleyan is a home, and your home will always be there for you.

Kortney Frame, Student (Class of ’17) Welcome to Wesleyan and congratulations on finding your new home among the hills! You have chosen an incredible community to become a part of, one that is full of passionate educators, caring staff, and some pretty great students, so don’t worry about finding your people. They’re here! The next four years will go by quicker than you can imagine so take advantage of every opportunity Wesleyan and Buckhannon have to offer. If you’re from a larger area, you may be wondering what kind of opportunities this small, barely-on-the-map town has to offer, but I promise you it’s more than you think. My freshman class here at Wesleyan had more students than my entire high school combined if you can believe that, so I actually felt very much like a fish out of water upon arrival to campus. It was a huge transition leaving my high school glory days behind to starting over where no one knew my name, and I wasn’t a big fish in a little pond anymore. I knew that I needed to make the next four years count, but I had no clue where to begin. Service has always been my “thing.” I had countless hours of community service projects and volunteerism logged on my resume from high school, but one of the best things about college is that you have the opportunity to wipe your slate clean. It doesn’t matter so much anymore what you’ve done in high school, you get to start new, so I found the CCE. The CCE is the Center for Community Engagement and the hub of all things service on campus. The four incredible women that work there I met first through our Service Scholar program. This program serves to connect Wesleyan students to the Buckhannon community through service-site partnerships. I was placed in the Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County office working with adults who weren’t fortunate enough to be able to finish their high school education. In being there for two semesters, I realized even more the devastating effects poverty has on families, especially in smaller communities because many of the adults receiving tutoring through Literacy came from low income households. I knew then something needed to be done, and I was inspired to do it. WE LEAD is another branch of service stemming from the CCE. This group of passionate students found me the end of my freshman year pining for new ways to be involved and make a difference, and I certainly found the door! I applied and was accepted into WE LEAD as a team leader for the Poverty Reduction team. Through this organization, I have not only planned and coordinated several events to raise both awareness and funds to support the war on poverty being fought locally and globally, but also gained friendships, networks, and skills that will propel me into a future that will allow me to stay involved in whatever community I am in. 29

Service may not be your thing, but no matter if you already know what is or youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still looking, Wesleyan will guide you and allow you to immerse yourself into whatever interests you. After all, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got four years to kill, may as well spend it doing what you love! Kortney Frame

Pete Galarneau, Faculty (Communications), ‘98 “I want to be an engineer. Why do I have to take a communication class? I already know how to communicate.” How many times have I heard such similar statements? It’s not always from would-be engineers and it’s not always a grumble about a social science like communication, but it always centers on one misunderstanding: If you are in college to become a [fill in the blank] then the only learning you should be doing is about [blank]. After all, what does history have to do with sociology, or literature with biology, or religion with art, or engineering with communication? But you see—that’s just it. It’s connective knowledge that makes a person rounded, whole, less ignorant and less fearful—it makes them powerful. Just like the axiom says: Knowledge is power. And power is worth something. It can take a long time to really understand the power of knowledge and the importance of gathering it from numerous sources. Life is not just about understanding one thing very well; it’s about creating a base of knowledge that spans the disciplines. Once you open up your mind to the subjects that seem, to you, so unimportant, you begin to see how they are all interconnected. That’s when epiphanies transpire. That’s when you know you have the power of knowledge and how to use that power responsibly. My knowledge epiphany erupted seventeen years ago. I knew things others did not and I knew that such knowledge was valuable. It gave me an edge, a bigger paycheck, more friends. But then my mother suddenly passed away from cancer and I was confronted with a conundrum. What good was my knowledge if I am gone from this world? Like all of the material things you can’t take with you, knowledge unshared is wasted. That was when I decided to become a teacher. What I know does have power. It is the power to inspire others so they, too, will share their knowledge of art and religion and math. So that such power shall never die from this earth.

Kristin Greene, First Generation Mentor Hello, all! My name is Kristin Greene and I’m the First Generation Student Mentor here at Wesleyan. I’m a first generation college student – the first in my family to attend college. I always knew that college would be my “out,” so to speak, and my way to a better life. I fought so hard to get into a good school that I never really stopped to think about how I would manage once I got there. So when I sat down to write this letter, I ended up jotting down a few pieces of advice that made a huge difference during my time in undergrad. - You’re not alone. For me, being on campus my first year was overwhelming. I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t connect with my roommate/suitemates, and I went home every weekend to help my grandparents take care of my sick mother. I spent a long time trying to just make it on my own, working whenever I wasn’t at home or in class. I got so caught up in just trying to make it that I forgot about trying to be happy. I just assumed that that my peers wouldn’t relate to what I was going through, and in all honesty, a lot of them didn’t. But when I started putting myself out there and trying to find ways to relate, I met some amazing people. I found friends and support groups on campus that carried me through the tough times and cheered me on through the good times. Even when I thought I was alone; I really wasn’t. - Find your place on campus and you’ll find a new family. This kind of stems from my previous point. My family life wasn’t always easy, and there were countless times when the stress from home affected how I performed academically and how I acted on campus. When I found my “place” on campus (for me it was my scholarship program for first generation college students) I finally felt like I’d found a second home. They helped me through my family struggles and supported me when I needed it the most. You’ll be amazed at the support systems you’ll find where you least expect it – be open and keep searching until you find people who encourage you to be the best version of yourself. - Never feel “less than.” 32

When I first came to college, one of my biggest problems was that

I didn’t feel like I fit in. I was a poor kid being raised by her grandparents. My roommate and suitemates all had moms, dads, and siblings, plenty of money, and seemingly perfect lives. For a long time I was ashamed of who I was and where I came from because I saw myself as somehow inferior to other students. Eventually I realized that the important thing isn’t money or having a conventional family; it’s being happy with who you are and who you surround yourself with. So with that said, I’d love to encourage you to come visit me and the other awesome staff members of the Student Success Center! Whether you’re looking for your “home,” wanting to connect with other first generation college students (and staff!), or are just looking for guidance or encouragement, the Student Success Center will be here for you :] Kristin

Ashley Hill, Alumna, ‘14 Dear Friend, Welcome to West Virginia Wesleyan College! You’ll find this campus is wonderful for a number of reasons. For one thing, it’s all-around beautiful, and it’s also where you’ll grow into the adult you’re meant to become. That’s not a cliché, believe me: it’s 100 percent true. As an incoming freshman in 2010, I only knew my career path would stem from the communication department. During that first year, I joined the college newspaper, The Pharos, and the college radio station, C-92 FM — mainly because I thought those activities would be fun — and it was no time before they started to shape my career; I’d found a desire to write and share news. Two short years later, I became the editor in chief of The Pharos. Then I started an online magazine for Wesleyan women. Those experiences catapulted me to internships with HarperCollins Christian Publishing in Nashville, Tenn., and with Seventeen Magazine in New York City. I graduated in 2014 and, one month later, became a staff writer at The Record Delta, the newspaper nestled right in Buckhannon. Here’s my point: You will grow here. You will learn things that will help you set major career goals and reach them. But first you must ease yourself into college. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint! However, if you keep training (or studying and practicing), in no time you’ll become a pro — a pro with an awesome skillset and knowledge, in and out of the classroom, who knows how to balance schoolwork and time for fun with friends. It’s easier than you’d think! Get used to your classes, your schedule, and when you’re comfortable, consider joining the clubs and activities that fall within your areas of interest. You will find these extra-curriculars leading you step by step to your dream career, and Wesleyan will quickly become your Home Among the Hills. Oh, and don’t forget to cherish every moment as it comes. Graduation Day comes quicker than you’d believe. Warmly, Ashley Young Hill ’14

Kayla Hinkley, Student (Class of ’16) Dear Freshie, As I am sitting here writing this letter to you, as a fellow first generation college student, I can’t help but reflect upon my own college experiences. I am actually the first of my family to graduate high school in addition to being the first to attend college as the youngest of three children. On paper, as you well know this sounds great, but only as first generation students do we truly understand what it means to “beat the odds.” I won’t tell you that the nay-sayers will disappear once you come to Wesleyan. However, in my own personal experience, the no’s will come more from yourself rather than those around you. My first and most important piece of advice to you, is that you can. You can do anything you set your mind on, even more so at Wesleyan than in your high school. When the homework piles up, and the clubs have an activity every night, as well as a paper due tomorrow at 8am the easiest thing you can do is say “I can’t.” Well you have already proven that you are someone special by being the first of your family to attend college. That says something about you, and it shows that you have a determination for something more. My second piece of advice to you- ask questions, lots of questions. As first generation everything is new, strange, and frankly a little overwhelming. If something happens that you don’t understand – ask your roommate, the person across the hall, your RA, the kid next to you in Philosophy 101, or a professor with a friendly attitude. As you can see, as soon as you walk on campus, you have a massive amount of people you can use as a resource. In addition to asking questions, I highly recommend an “open door” policy for the first few weeks of college. You’re probably thinking, Great; now who do I have to ask to find out what “open door” means? Look no further. Basically, any time you are in your room, simply leave your dorm room door open. This is a great way to meet other people on your floor and make some great friends! College truly has been a once in a lifetime experience for me. It has become more than simply a college –it has become my home among the hills. I am proud of our school and I am proud of you for making the choice to spend the next four years in a place that will also become your home among the hills. Truly, Kayla Michelle Lynn Hinkley

Jackie Hinton, Director of Compliance & Academic Services, ’06, ‘08 Dear Bobcat, First and foremost, welcome to one of my favorite places in the world. As you are going through your first few minutes, hours, days, weeks or months of your freshman year, you are going to find out WHO YOU ARE. YOU ARE YOU and Wesleyan is a wonderful place to find out who the real you is. I can still remember clear as day what it felt like moving in to my McCuskey dorm room in 2002. I cried when I said goodbye to my parents and then went on with preseason and eventually (which felt like an eternity) classes. Here are a few things that you might not think will happen but they will. Here is how I beat some of the things I NEVER THOUGHT WOULD HAPPEN TO ME! 1. You will get homesick – whether it’s every night, or just the first week or when you are overwhelmed with class, after a tough loss, or just when you are craving one of mom’s special home cooked dinners. • Be bold – I know it seems easier done for others than maybe for you, but get OUT OF YOUR DORM ROOM, TURN OFF SKYPE with Mom and Dad, AND DO NOT GO HOME THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF SCHOOL! Find something on campus that has other students and get to know people. • Get Involved – Campus Life, outdoor recreation, athletics, clubs, Student Council, prayer groups, ANYTHING that gets you out of your dorm room and away from being bored (not having anything to do helps you fixate on missing home). • Campus Life (especially Bobcat Entertainment) – I mentioned it above but they have so many things for the weekends and during the week that can help take your mind off of things. My group of friends and I made it to almost every BINGO night and even won a few times. We LOVED going and laughing hysterically at how people race to win PLINKO (go to a bingo night and you’ll understand the PLINKO fiasco. You also win some cool prizes. My roommate and I were queens at getting free t-shirts. Bobcat Entertainment allows your inner child to shine and all of those fun things you did as an 8 year old, you get to relive. • Outdoor Rec – they offer so many opportunities for students who would 36

normally NEVER get to experience these chances (at a discounted rate). I skied for the first time, went whitewater rafting, hiking, camping…you name it. I did chicken out of the sky diving (definitely not for me). • Brunch – Sunday brunch was a favorite pastime of mine. We would recap our weekends and laugh about all that happened, no matter how big or small. Brunch could last up to 3 hours or until someone had to be productive and study. If you ask any of my Wesleyan family, brunch will almost always trump anything. We didn’t go home on the weekends most of the time because we didn’t want to miss brunch. • I remember losing in the semifinal round of the conference tournament my freshman year and wanting my parents to take me home for the weekend. My mother looked at me and said, “You’ll be home soon for Thanksgiving break. Why don’t you go back to school and celebrate with your teammates?” It was one of the best nights of my life. We laughed and laughed and laughed recapping stories. It was probably one of the best things my mother could have ever done for me. I wouldn’t have those memories if I’d gone home and just slept. • Because I became so involved and independent, it was actually a big adjustment when I went home on breaks. I missed my friends; I missed Wesleyan. After about a week or two, I was ready to get back. Don’t get me wrong, I loved sleeping in my own bed and seeing my family but it was so bittersweet because I just wanted to laugh at brunch or watch Grey’s Anatomy with my friends. 2. You will lose touch with some friends back home. Whether due to developing different interests, time, breakups, or just the distance, you eventually do lose touch with them (some more quickly than others). It is a part of life. • I realized when I went to college who my true friends were and who was just a social acquaintance from high school and believe me, you might find yourself surprised. People I thought I was only kind of close to ended up being lifelong friends, whereas those I thought I’d never lose touch with were the first to go. • There was a quote going around when I was in school: “You don’t go to college to find your future husband, you go to college to find your future 37

bridesmaids.” It rang true for me. Some of my best friends did find their soulmate in college and it was so amazing to watch their relationships develop. My college friends and I have experienced and celebrated many things together: engagements, breakups, marriage, babies, moves, vacations, job transitions, reunions…you name it. We still have a group text that updates everyone on our lives (usually funny pictures of our children). • Every college is different. Your Wesleyan buddies know the quirks and secret gems of WVWC and you’ll end up forming a closer bond with those people. The people you surround yourself with at Wesleyan also become family. They are the people who see you day in and day out (just like your family did when you were home). They are your shoulders to lean on, your sounding boards, and your confidants. 3. You will have to become independent (at least in the tiniest ways) whether it’s doing your own laundry, taking your car to a mechanic and figuring out what that sound is before you travel home, budgeting your spending money, or finding friends with similar interests. • My roommate and I still laugh at how many clothes we fit into a load of laundry to save quarters. Half the time, the clothes were still damp after the dryer cycle. • I, like most people, can spend money pretty quickly. I learned how to space my hard earned summer working money out for the course of the year. I knew that if we went out to dinner, it would be a special treat. When funds were low, I found a job on campus and would earn a few bucks to help me make it through the semester. • You will learn the value of a dollar and will find out how you prioritize spending. MAKE SURE YOU USE IT ON EXPERIENCES, not fast food runs (at least not all of the time). 4. People will have an effect on you. FIND THE ONES WHO MAKE A POSITIVE EFFECT ON YOU! • I was so lucky to have my college roommate. Don’t get me wrong; we had our fair share of disagreements. Living in one room with a stranger is an adjustment. She was so strong-willed and outgoing. She helped me learn to stand up for myself, she helped me make friends, and she made me try 38

new things. I became more outgoing and learned to talk to strangers who became friends. If you are like me, find someone who will bring you out of your sheltered life. If you can’t find someone, reach out for help and let people at Wesleyan help find the yin to your yang. • Don’t be afraid to reach out to staff or faculty at Wesleyan. Your biggest supporters (besides your actual family) will be those who work for Wesleyan and its vision. Wesleyan employs people who take great pride in our students……….FIND THOSE PEOPLE!!

5. Lastly, Wesleyan is what you make of it. Have an open mind and try new things. If you have a positive outlook on your experience, I promise that your four or five years will fly by and you will be looking back during the week of graduation and wishing for one more year. It truly was one of the best experiences of my life. Wesleyan became my home and I’m forever grateful for it. Good luck Bobcats! I hope your collegiate experience is everything you want and so much more. Bobcat Love, Jackie Hinton

Shauna Jones, First-Year Advisor, ’92, ‘13 This is an excerpt from my in-progress manuscript. This particular piece focuses on having grown up poor and being the first in my family to go to college: I think about it often, and if I had the answer, I’d share it. I don’t know. I really don’t. I’ve tried to track my footprints and see how I made it out and my siblings still struggle. I’ve attempted analyzing my choices so I could create a formula for my students: A plus B will get you “there,” wherever “there” is. The right combination of skills and gifts and luck and a ready smile and connections and a just-try-me attitude and opportunity. Did it start with the family lore that I could read at three years old? Of course I couldn’t; I recited Green Eggs and Ham from memory like most preschoolers do. My Ma-Maw used to tell people that I came home from the first day of kindergarten and announced, “I’m going to college when I get big.” Would I have said that? Wouldn’t I have been more excited about the graham crackers, the chocolate milk, the pretend cash register? Ma-Maw’s been dead since I was nine years old, so I can’t verify this story. Or maybe my resolution to not have to wear hand-me-downs unless I chose to has something to do with it. In eighth grade, I opened up the black Hefty bag and sorted through a distant cousin’s castoffs, then tried on the faded jeans and blouses. The weirdest part was wearing her underwear, even though I knew they were clean. Today, I walk into thrift shops with excitement instead of shame, pleasured to find a polka-dot dress with a vintage vibe. Would being hungry have been a factor? There was the week in Huntington that we ate two loaves of white bread and yellow mustard after we left the homeless shelter. Mom came home with a third loaf of bread and also pulled a package of raw hamburger out of the diaper bag. I was torn that she stole food, but not disturbed enough that I didn’t eat a burger. Or I was just naïve enough to believe my teachers when they said, “Education will get you far” though I had no proof. Perhaps having Mrs. Marquino as a teacher helped. We sat in student desks facing each other in her empty classroom, before the other students would arrive for our Great Books class. “I can help you with your college applications, if you’d like. Where are you applying?” “Oh, WVU and Marshall. Maybe Pitt.” These were all semi-local state schools in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, familiar in name. “How about West Virginia Wesleyan?” I looked at her blankly, at her fiery red hair, her skin heavily dotted 40

with brown freckles, her white poet’s blouse. “It’s a small liberal arts school in Buckhannon. I think it would be a good fit for you.” Because I admired her and because I had no one at home with any knowledge of colleges, I applied. When I received my acceptance and my scholarship award letters, I showed them to her. “It’s not much,” I said. “It’s plenty,” she said. So I loaded my pillow and comforter that my church gave me into my Aunt Debbi’s car and we drove to Wesleyan the morning of my eighteenth birthday. Guys in Greek shirts helped us cart my meager belongings to the second floor of Holloway Hall. Aunt Debbi put her arms around me and said, “I’m proud of you, Pooh Bear. I wanted to do this, too.” “Love you, Aunt Deb. Thanks for bringing me. Be careful going home.” I was eager for her to leave so I could unpack and explore. Later that night, my roommate (a professor’s daughter) left on a date and I sat at my desk and cried, thinking about all I had seen: my roommate’s full closet of cute clothes across from my sparse collection of bargain buys and hand-me-downs; shiny sports cars; sorority girls with Greek letters stretched across their chests. I had exactly one-hundred dollars, collected as a love offering from my church, to stretch as far as I could make it stretch. What am I doing here? was my silent mantra that night. But I stayed. It would prove to be one of the best decisions I ever made. ***** After I graduated WVWC, I earned my M.A. in Counseling at WVU, then returned to Wesleyan for my M.F.A. in Creative Writing. My husband and I are Wesleyan Sweethearts, having met spring semester of my freshman year, which was his junior year. Our son will most likely continue his education at WVWC after he finishes high school. Come chat with me in the Student Success Center. I can’t wait to get to know each other! Shauna 41

Lily Kurfman, Alumna, ‘15 When I was first asked to write a letter to the incoming freshmen, I thought about myself 4 years ago. While I wouldn’t trade my 4 years for anything, there are perhaps a few pieces of advice I wish I would have taken seriously—as cheesy as they may be—from my first moment as a college student. Jump in. Because I was 12 hours from home, I literally knew NO ONE when I came to Wesleyan. My first semester, I spent more time in my room than I did exploring campus and the people all around me. Although it can be scary to be somewhere new, I would have loved to be encouraged to jump into groups and things with my roommates. Waiting until second semester was (almost) too long. Keep up with your friends from home. Again, I was from somewhere far from West Virginia. Even if you are from Buckhannon or a surrounding county, you are now a college student. Life is different. You will be meeting new people constantly, living experiences incredibly different from those you faced in high school. There will be times that it feels like there is nothing in common between you and your “old” friends. No matter what, do your best to occasionally text them or just ask how their week was. It will mean a lot to them that you’re not forgetting them, and you won’t want them to have forgotten you when you go home for your first break. P.S. Parents, too! They really do want to make sure you’re alive and enjoying college life. You’re going to change. It’s okay. People change. All the time. It happens. I didn’t realize how much I would change in school. It definitely doesn’t happen overnight. Don’t be afraid of letting yourself find new strengths and qualities. Surround yourself with people you enjoy being around and wouldn’t mind being more like. Embrace it. I guess I just want you to know that college isn’t exactly what you expect it to be, and yet it is so much more. I hope you choose to connect with the campus, staff, faculty, and other people so you have something to miss when you leave.

Tony Lindeman, Alumnus, Trustee, ‘80 Forging Life-Long Friendships When my son went off to college, I sat down and wrote a letter to him that was based on my West Virginia Wesleyan College experience from almost 30 years earlier. I told him to enjoy himself, to be carefree and not take college too seriously and over time, he would look back one day and realize how special his college years were. I know I didn’t come to appreciate the residential college experience in a small rural community or being forced to take two semesters of humanities during my freshman year until quite some time after graduation. As a 19-year old Biology major, I thought I knew what was best for me. I mean really, how does reading and discussing books about Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Siddhartha, or The Art of Death and Dying benefit a science major? Complete waste of time…or so I thought. As much as I thought I was prepared for college, I found out within days of my arrival that my college studies were not going to be a walk in the woods and there were going to be many temptations that could have easily derailed my future. Even though you can anticipate and are aware there will be disappointments, personal dramas, heartaches, many opportunities for mischievous fun and time for introspection, I can’t tell you how well prepared you are or how you are going to deal with these experiences. However, I do know that you will grow and prosper from these many challenging experiences because you will be forging life-long friendships with your many newfound friends who will be there to help and look after each other. As I told my son, there are friendships and then there are genuine friendships. For those college friends who you grow with and learn to trust over time, their friendships will turn out to be the best because they are sincere and gracious. These life-long friendships will endure the test of time. Even though years may pass since the last time you all were together, you will find that you will be able to pick up right where you left off. Other words of wisdom include learn from your mistakes and failures; don’t be a quitter…quitting only gets easier if you don’t finish the race; learn respect, courtesy, and etiquette; learn to pray and enjoy the serenity; embrace honor and integrity; and make your family and friends proud of your commitment to use your college experience to strive for becoming a better person and leading a fulfilling life. Well, let’s face it, there’s still a lifetime ahead of you and your arrival at West Virginia Wesleyan College represents the beginning of a new chapter…so exploit every opportunity and make the best of it! 43

Alisa Lively, Director of Campus Life

Hello, my name is Alisa Lively!

Welcome to your new “Home Among the Hills!” I am the Director of Campus Life at Wesleyan and I am here to assist you with Housing, Residence Life, Student Programming, Outdoor Recreation, Commuter Student opportunities and Judicial Affairs! Wesleyan prides itself on its amazing and rigorous academic program, and also on the great co-curricular opportunities we offer outside the classroom. Becoming engaged in the Wesleyan community will make you a productive and well-rounded student, and that’s where my staff and I can help make you shine! I have worked at Wesleyan and lived in Buckhannon for 28 years, and I wouldn’t change a minute of the memories my daughters and I have made on this campus, and in this community. As a first generation college student myself (many years ago), I struggled with knowing the ins and outs of making the most of my college experience, but when I found out about the leadership opportunities, the diverse organizations, the fun events, the development of lifelong friendships and the networking with faculty and staff…I have never looked back! As a matter of fact, my engaging college opportunities laid the groundwork for my career in higher education today. So, in order for you to make the best out of your Wesleyan experience, I have a few challenges for you… I challenge you to attend all your classes and be on time, sit in front of the class, ask questions in class, attend a study session, attend a tutoring session, take advantage of the writing center, get a planner and mark all of your assignments in it, check your campus mailbox daily, respond to emails, know your faculty by name and where their offices are, utilize the study lounges in your residence hall, go to the library, read the mission statement of the college, read your student handbook, know your academic handbook, explore options of majors and minors, celebrate your first “A,” work harder after your first “C”…shall I go on? I also challenge you to join one organization, sign up for an outdoor recreation trip, explore the athletic venues and attend at least one game in every sport, get to know your RA, sign up for an intramural team, audition for a play, attend an Arts Alive event, attend a residence hall program, play Big Bingo with Bobcat Entertainment, sit at a table in the dining hall with someone sitting alone, volunteer with an organization in Buckhannon, attend a chapel service, make your bed every day, learn how to do laundry, stop in my office and introduce yourself…I can keep going!!! My point is…never hesitate to ask for help inside or outside the 44

classroom, absorb all the knowledge you can, try new things, become involved on campus, volunteer in the community and most of all, cherish the new adventure you are about to embark on! Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to meet youâ&#x20AC;Ś Alisa

Josh Lopitz, Student (Class of ’16) Freshmen, I’m a senior writing to you and I’m going to try my hardest to give you as much advice as I can to help you survive four years at your new home. First, go listen to “Everybody’s Free (to Wear Sunscreen) by Baz Luhrmann. It’s worth it and I’m going to draw upon it as much as possible in this letter. Life in Buckhannon is going to seem dull and boring your first semester. You’re going to be told there isn’t much to do and you’ll be inclined to stay in your dorm all day. Don’t. GO explore the river walk, drive to Shinnston to the drive-in theater (yes, they still have those). Head to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston; they have a really cool ghost flash light tour. There is so much to do in this state, I dare ya to explore it all. Leaving home can be difficult, trust me, I know. But it’s also the first step of you becoming more independent and learning how to become a person as scary and fun as it can be. Don’t forget your parents. Even if you have a rocky relationship with one or both…call them AT LEAST once a week. Believe it or not they miss you and you miss them. Understand that friends come and go, but there are a precious few who should hold on. You’re going to change and that’s OK. Don’t let anyone prevent you from becoming you. Explore WVWC. There is so much to do. So many clubs (70+) for you to take advantage of. Don’t come in close minded about Greek life. Give us a chance to give you a chance. I came in 100% against Greek life and now I’m the President of my fraternity. It’s a great experience that isn’t what the stereotypes claim. Give all fraternities and sororities a chance. If you want to make a change at Wesleyan, do it. Voice your opinion. One thing this school is great at is hearing our voices. They take into consideration our opinions. Stand up for what you believe in. Be the change you want to see. Enjoy your body, use it every way you can. Don’t be afraid of it or what other people think of it. It’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own. Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. My 63-year old mother is still figuring out what she wants to be. This school isn’t perfect—no school is. But I do love this school for the education and the experience it has given me. I’ve had my ups and downs…and I’ve learned a lot from it all. I wouldn’t change anything from 46

these past three years. WVWC is perfect for me because I made it so. The worst thing is, I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even told you 1% of what this school offersâ&#x20AC;Ś The most important thing you can do here at Wesleyan is find your voice and become someone. Opportunity is ready for you. Are you ready for it? See ya around, Josh Lopitz Class of 2016

William Mallory, Faculty (English) A Wesleyan Welcome As the child of parents who lived through America’s “Great Depression,” I would probably find myself today labeled as a “first generation” student—filled with high hopes and also with some hesitations. My parents had their own hopes and life plans dashed in the 1930s when they found the possibility of college well beyond their reach. Thus, the promise of education has always been valued in my family as the means to a better, more fulfilling and worthwhile life, and we children have always worked towards that goal. Congratulations to you for coming to Wesleyan and be thankful that you have been given this “gift” of higher education. This is a privilege that most of the world’s population will never have--and I urge you to take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Yes, you will be prompted, scolded, cajoled, and even badgered into going to class and studying perhaps more than you ever have in your life--and without your family standing over you or seeing you off each morning! Let me urge you, moreover, to accept this “gift” as the chance of a lifetime to learn all you can about yourself, about your world and about what place you want to take in it. You will certainly be challenged in the classroom, but don’t doubt your abilities and never give up on yourself: you can reach within yourself and find the ways to approach those goals you have set for yourself. You will also find numerous experiences at Wesleyan that will enlarge your view of the world and will open your eyes to opportunities and challenges that have hitherto been almost unknown to you. The culture of a college campus is defined by the life of the mind, and there are many activities and presentations that provide opportunities for you to encounter subjects in new and different ways. Stretch yourself and learn all you can! Go to out-of-class lectures and presentations, attend plays, view art exhibits, attend music concerts--all of these opportunities will be at no cost to you except for your willingness to try something new that may not have been a part of your previous background. Who knows, you may find something that will become your life’s passion, or you may find a new career goal! The gift of a college education is special! Come to Wesleyan and become a curious and fully engaged member of our world community.

James Moore, Faculty (Music) Welcome Future Graduate! I’m so happy that you’ve chosen WV Wesleyan College as your home for the next four years. I want to take just a quick moment to write to you and let you know what sort of place you’ve chosen for your college experience. While you’re here, especially during the first few weeks, you’ll hear lots of people talk about how “warm,” “friendly,” and “open” everyone is here. You’ll also hear a lot of talk about how your professors “really care” about you and will “go the extra mile” for you. In fact, you’ve heard all of these already, at Admission events, while talking to counselors, or perhaps from a student ambassador on a campus tour. Guess what? All of these things are true. I’ve learned that firsthand as a member of this faculty, observing how much each faculty, staff, and administrator honestly care about this place and all of the students (like you) that make it what it is. There are, literally, dozens of people at this small college who will do anything in their power to make sure that you are safe, well-fed, and challenged in the best of academic ways. Your success is our success. But…here’s the catch. You have to become an active participant in your own academic and personal growth. Speak to your professors, ask for help, get to know people outside of your major, and seek out experiences that will challenge you. Ask tough questions, and expect great answers to them. I believe whole-heartedly in the work that we at WV Wesleyan are trying to do on your behalf, and I’m so honored that you chose us. While I enjoyed a great undergraduate education, I didn’t go to WV Wesleyan. I can say truthfully that I wish that I had. You’ve chosen a place that is filled with people who truly care. Come see us over in the music building anytime.

Good luck! James H. Moore, PhD Associate Professor Chair – Department of Music

Ellen Mueller, Faculty (Art) SHORTER LETTER (this is probably more in line with my personality) Dear Incoming Freshmen, Don’t forget to eat, sleep, and exercise. Go to class. Join a club or organization. Don’t go home the first weekend - that’s boring. Good luck! Professor Mueller http://art.wvwc.edu LONGER LETTER (this is probably less in line with my actual personality, but it shows how to take key ideas and develop them into a longer piece of writing) Dear Incoming Freshmen, Welcome to West Virginia Wesleyan College. My name is Professor Ellen Mueller, and I teach in the Art Department. This is a thrilling (and scary) time for you as you navigate living away from home and managing your time on your own. Some advice right off the bat: In the whirlwind of excitement as you begin your college career, you might forget some basic life skills like eating, sleeping, and exercising. If you find this happening to yourself, take a step back and get those three items back in order, and you’ll find the rest of your college experience more easily falls into place. Eating and sleeping are pretty easy to correct, but if you need help adding some physical activity to your schedule, check out the Wellness Center, group fitness classes, or join an intramural sport. These physical activities will also give you a chance to meet some new people. Classes will be your next biggest challenge. Make it easier for yourself by introducing yourself to your professors. Stop by office hours and say, “Hi my name is ___ and I am in your ____ class.” Just doing that much will leave a positive impression, which positions you to do well in the course. You might struggle to stay on top of all your coursework. No matter what, make sure to keep going to class, even if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Everyone wants you to succeed (seriously, no one is rooting for you to fail), and it’s a lot easier to help out students who are present. You will also have the opportunity to join the many fun clubs and organizations on campus. Do that. For starters, join the club that is aligned with your major - for example, if you are an Art Major, join Student Art 50

League or AIGA. These organizations are not only fun, they will help you plan out the rest of your time at Wesleyan. Being a member of an organization can guide you towards opportunities that will build your resume and make you more competitive after graduation. Your time at WVWC will fly by, so make the most of it while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here. Jump into college with both feet - try not to go home on the weekends too often, or at least not for the first month or so that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here. That approach will not only help you get to know the campus and establish a routine but also (and most importantly) help you get to know people on your floor, in your classes, and in clubs and organizations. Good luck! Professor Mueller http://art.wvwc.edu

Jill Okes, Experiential Learning Coordinator, ‘09 Dear Students, My freshmen year at WV Wesleyan I came in excited for a new place and new friends. The opportunities were endless to join clubs that aligned with my passions, and to read books of which I’d never dreamed. I stayed up late nights talking with friends, playing volleyball in the quad, helping friends tie Christmas lights between their bedroom windows, helping friends untie Christmas lights when Campus Life staff found them. Needless to say, my enthusiasm was high and nothing could stop me. But halfway through the year something did. You see, I left my hometown of Parkersburg in a relationship. My boyfriend was still a senior in high school and the distance pulled us apart, or more likely taught us how poor of a match we were for each other. I spent nights crying and arguing over the phone in the hallway (that was where I got the best cell phone reception) as classmates awkwardly walked by and tried not to make eye contact. By spring semester we had broken up, and the Freshmen 15 gain in the fall became a Freshmen 20 drop. I went to class, completed my assignments, and filled every responsibility necessary, but the moment I had free time I crawled into bed and slept for hours. I would skip dinner and eat ramen noodles or popcorn in my bedroom. I felt hollow and broken. My friends didn’t know what to do. They would invite me to dinner, to hang out, to watch a movie, to DO SOMETHING, and I pretended I was asleep or shrugged them off. Nobody ever had a conversation with me about how I was feeling or if I was okay. They didn’t know how to have that conversation. It took me several weeks and months to recover from my heart break, but that isn’t always the case. Depression, anxiety, homesickness, the self-imposed pressure to succeed, and overwhelming stress that you cannot succeed are common among most college students. You may feel the urge to binge watch Netflix or play video games for days. You may turn out your light and pretend you aren’t home when a friend comes knocking. You may Snapchat a goofy photo, or post a smiling selfie to Instagram and pretend everything is going great, but hide the truth that you need a friend. You may lie through your teeth to every single person who asks, “How are you?” on the morning stroll to class. It’s okay to feel this way. In fact, it’s normal, and there are many more people experiencing it than your realize. Just know this, Wesleyan has a strong campus community of faculty, staff, and students who care for one another. You are not alone. If you ever feel depressed or stressed, or even suicidal, find someone you can trust and tell them how you’re feeling. There 52

are people who care about you, and you do not have to bear this weight alone.

Sincerely, Jill A. Okes â&#x20AC;&#x2122;09, M.Ed. Experiential Learning Coordinator Student Success Center

Angela Pittinger, Alumna, ‘15 Hello wonderful new Bobcat! Welcome to your home among the hills. This may not mean much to you now, but trust me…it will soon. There are so many things I want to tell you, but I’ll just share this one thing most important to me during my time at Wesleyan. Be intentional about finding your passion. Open your mind and heart to letting college be the time to find out who you really are and what makes you tick. You are going to be bombarded with a million different clubs and organizations, so check them out. Don’t commit your time to all of them, but focus on the ones that really speak to what you believe in. If you don’t know what that is yet, then take the time to intentionally explore different perspectives, viewpoints, and ideas. Through the challenging of your own beliefs or those you don’t even realize you have yet, you will find your passion that will drive you into the future. I found my passion at Wesleyan, and I can confidently tell you that you will too. Dive in and learn about your campus, community, and world. Whether you are from near or far, Wesleyan is a great place to learn about yourself in ways you could never imagine. I know you are probably completely overwhelmed right now, but be intentional about your decisions. Every step can be one in the right direction whether it feels like it at the time or not. Trust yourself and find your passion. Find your voice. Let Wesleyan be the place to mold you and make you into something more than you could ever imagine.

Angela Pittinger

Taylor Price, Alumnus, ‘15 Dear Freshmen, What I have to say is fairly basic and non-extravagant, but I hope you’ll find something useful among the words that I’ve written. College at Wesleyan was a toughening and enlightening experience at the same time. Everyone says that these are the greatest four years of your life or the time in college will fly by. Well frankly, I have to disagree with both of those statements. I have to say that although I have experienced some of my favorite moments at Wesleyan, I believe that taking the opportunities provided here and allowing them to blossom into post-college life, I will then experience the best times of my life. I guess it depends on the person and what they consider to be good times. I will say that the four years seemed to pass by pretty quickly at first thought, but when I look back on all that had happened and the trials I overcame, it seemed as if it took longer than four years. As a freshmen, especially early on, things were tough. Being the only freshman on the men’s basketball team, having no friends, and not knowing where to find people who shared the same interests was rough on me. The small-town atmosphere didn’t help either, being from Morgantown, a university city. My first big step was seeking out certain information. I am a Christian and my faith came first, so I found the Fellowship of Christian Students organization. This was a great boost for me because I met people like me and seniors that I consider role models and mentors of mine to this day. My advice to you is to reach out or seek opportunities that will help you feel more comfortable away from home. I had a focus coming to college, a goal, which was to excel academically and athletically while putting God and my faith first. Now, what I’m about to say isn’t just for a Christian; it’s for all who want to keep their eyes set on a path of success. Schedule early classes; don’t become a lazy bum and sit in bed until lunch every day. Cherish the day, use everything that is good or bad as a way to grow and become stronger. Stay away from opportunities that sidetrack you. Scripture says that the mind is willing but the body is weak; this applies whether it is a decision to stay in on the weekend or to spend time studying when you could be relaxing. Don’t be tempted by outside influences that will sidetrack you. If you don’t put yourself in the situation, then how can you give in? Don’t get discouraged. There are eight semesters in four years. If you mess up one during your freshmen year, it may make your GPA seem non-salvageable, but when the rest of your grades average out over your career, it’s no big deal. You do need to 55

consistently stay on top of academics though, because if you let it slide for multiple semesters then your GPA will have no chance. Lastly, be patient because the people you will find on campus and in the community will make everything worthwhile. The degree is nice, but the relationships built at a place like this are even better. The small town atmosphere, I came to realize, was a blessing and I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t trade it for anything. Sincerely, Taylor Price Class of 2015

Traci Probst, SSC Technology Coordinator

“Girls…..” I can still see him saying it. Mr. Jeffries, my high school English teacher. Grey hair, wire-framed glasses sliding down on his nose, and that blue argyle vest, the one that had been missing one button the entire two years that I’d been in his class - I’ll never forget him; he was stern, but my best friend and I adored him. He let us talk about the “ meaning” of literature. Ramonda and I talked too much in class, though. Way too much. Not about the missing button, although that led to many interesting conversations, as students always wonder what their “serious” teachers are like in real life; but we talked about what the best words were… We’d whisper, What’s a better word for stunning? You see, even though he couldn’t see it, we were serious, too. Now, I’m not sure it’s completely fair to say that my transition from high school to college was successful solely because of Mr. Jeffries, but he was the one who gave tests that were so difficult that I began studying two weeks in advance for his tests. That skill REALLY helped when I landed in college. Never wait until the last minute. I once read an article called “Secrets of Straight-A Students.” The one tip that made college easier: use the 10 minutes before class to study. Yes, so I was the one who had index cards in my texts and rather than chit-chatting before class, I reviewed those notes (and aced my quizzes and tests). Of course, now you’d be using an app like Study Blue for that, but back then, we didn’t have cell phones. I just admitted how old I am, didn’t I? This wise old lady would say that you don’t have to be brilliant to ace your classes; you just have to be determined. Once you set up your schedule, schedule your study time as well. Read, take notes, reread. Then, reward yourself and do something fun, like tweeting your old high school teachers…. (Are you STILL missing that button?) One other thing: balance is crucial! I can remember my father asking me if I was going to try out for cheerleader at college. I knew I was going to have to study harder than I did in high school, so I chose not to participate in sports. Bad decision? Probably. Yes, I graduated with top honors from college. However, I didn’t have those fabulous memories from the games. My darling vociferous friend Ramonda decided to cheerlead at Glenville. She later transferred to Wesleyan, and you know what happened? She had all those fabulous memories that I didn’t, yet we both graduated with the same degree, and we both became, yes…. English teachers. So while you are at Wesleyan, find balance. Study hard, play hard. 57

Form relationships with people. Ask for help. Laugh often. Don’t take yourself too seriously… but do make sure you have all your buttons, because buttons matter. Really. Lord Alfred Tennyson realized the importance of meeting people without buttons…. (Wasn’t that what Ulysses is about?) “I am a part of all that I have met…” the narrator says in that poem. When you leave WVWC, you will take with you all the experiences, all the knowledge, all the connections with professors, staff, and friends. Create a wonderful experience so when you are old, like me, and rocking in your chair on the porch, you can be proud the degree you earned, the fun you had, and the life you made.

Robert Quarles, Director of Multicultural Programs & Services, ‘11 Welcome New Bobcats, I’m Robert Quarles, Director of Multicultural Programs and Services and a WV Wesleyan Alumni. I am so excited to be the first person to welcome you to this campus and talk to you about the great efforts we have made to make Wesleyan one of the most diverse college populations in the state of West Virginia and providing programming that educates and gives everyone a cultural experience. As an alumni, I am so excited to have this shared experience with you, and hope my quick note eases any anxiousness you may have! Be Present: Don’t just show up for class and expect that to be all you have to do! Join a club, attend a program, and make a friend. Be present in your relationships and see how quickly you can build a new bond with people you have never met before. As the Director of Multicultural Programs, I oversee our Black Student Union, International Student Organization, and Prism (Queer/Straight Alliance). These groups are open to all students and I encourage you all to take apart in those organizations. Call Your Folks: Carve out 20 minutes once a week, or if you’re like me, once a day to talk to your families. Your journey in college can only get sweeter knowing you have people rooting for you at home. I cannot stress enough that encouragement from all sides is the key to a directed and positive college experience. Adult Vs. Adulting: The training wheels are off, but don’t feel like you have to make all the world decisions right now. Seek out mentorship or relationships with staff and faculty on campus. It’s okay to have questions and issues after high school. EVERYONE feels different. Every staff and faculty has gone through these changes, let someone help you embrace it! Be transformational: Make a cultural shift in this world. Build an inclusive community that welcomes everyone to the table. God put you here just for us. Every person here is so excited to love on you and water that seed knowledge ready to grow. Be Uniquely Made: Wesleyan is such a diverse population which gives all of our students access to places all over the world. SOAK. IT. UP. Living in a 59

community where you can unapologetically be yourself, join a community outside of your own. So Many Blessings, Robert C. Quarles, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11, M.Ed Director of Multicultural Programs and Services

Caroline Rapking, Alumna, Trustee, ‘79 Welcome to WV Wesleyan! This greeting comes from a graduate of 1979. My grandfather taught at Wesleyan, my father graduated from Wesleyan in 1936, and I am one of four of his daughters who also graduated from Wesleyan. I spent time at Wesleyan during the summers attending United Methodist Youth Annual Conferences. I played on the campus as a child when my family visited friends who lived in Buckhannon. So when I came to the campus on my first day as a freshman, I felt like I was home. And because of that, I had many preconceived notions of what I would and wouldn’t do while attending Wesleyan. I was going to make Tour Choir like my sisters did (I didn’t – turns out I don’t sing as well as they do). I wasn’t going to join a sorority because I didn’t think I’d like it (I pledged Alpha Gamma Delta and enjoyed it thoroughly). I was going to major in Communications (I ended up with a major in English and a minor in History). I was going to run for student government (well, I ran a friend’s campaign for Student Senate President). And the list goes on. Why do I tell you this? Because even though I was probably more comfortable about attending Wesleyan than were many in my entering class, I didn’t let that get in the way of exploring all of the options that were available to me both academically and personally. I tested the possibilities and made decisions about what made sense for me at that time, and for the future. I embraced the opportunities presented to me. I found my voice. And I continue to find my voice through my service to WV Wesleyan as a member of the Board of Trustees. I am ever grateful that I pursued new challenges and embraced change while at Wesleyan; it has allowed me to be the person I am today. Take advantage of all that Wesleyan has to offer as you find your voice. You’ll be glad you did.

With best wishes for your success, Caroline H. Rapking, ‘79

Kimberly Reed, Alumna, ‘93 Thriving—Not Just Surviving—WVWC Growing up in Buckhannon, I was a 1993 West Virginia Wesleyan College graduate and now reside in Washington, DC. I chose Wesleyan because it provided a liberal arts education that encouraged you to thrive – and never “just survive” – in all ways possible. To give you a glimpse of what makes this fantastic educational institution such a great place to start your career, let me share part of my experience with you. I headed to college with the dream of becoming a doctor, knowing that Wesleyan had a 100-percent acceptance rate into medical school. While I was busy fulfilling my biology requirements, I also took a government class as part of Wesleyan’s general studies program. This decision changed the trajectory of my life. The course – which was taught by Dr. Robert Rupp (a wonderful teacher who still is at Wesleyan) – was called “John F. Kennedy and the 1960 West Virginia Presidential Primary.” We learned how Kennedy’s campaign victory in West Virginia was vital to his election as President of the United States. Dr. Rupp, like the other professors at Wesleyan, encouraged me to push the boundaries and take on assignments that I never could have imagined. Could I, as a freshman in college, imagine calling the sitting WV Secretary of State Ken Heckler, to request an interview with him on his experience with the Kennedys? “No,” but I did it. Could I imagine sitting in Secretary Heckler’s office in the WV State Capitol– just the two of us – engaged in a detailed discussion about the 1960 campaign? “No,” but I did it. During this course, I learned that Wesleyan was a community that encouraged you to thrive in every way possible, but it also was up to you to seek out the opportunities, push yourself beyond all boundaries, and achieve. I enjoyed Dr. Rupp’s course so much that I ended up majoring in both biology and government, and went on to law school. I’m now in a career that utilizes both majors and everything I learned and became at Wesleyan. I also now see that my success would not have been possible without Wesleyan. The school’s unique offerings allow you to thrive in whatever ways you choose, so be sure to focus, take advantage of all opportunities, and have fun. I encourage you to spend your college years at Wesleyan developing your leadership potential. Try something new each day. Take a class outside your of your major. Serve in a leadership position in an 62

organization or student government. Go to special events that you might not typically attend. Study abroad. Do an internship. Volunteer in town. Get a guide of the sites and history in the area and explore. Have a meaningful conversation with someone you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know very well. And, most importantly, open your eyes and heart to the world around you in our home among the hills. I hope you take advantage of every opportunity before you so that you, too, may thrive! Kimberly Reed WVWC Class of 1993 Biology and Government Double Major Chemistry Minor

Kim Riley, Service Center Coordinator Hello, my name is Kimberly Riley. I work in the Service Center here on campus where most of the campus printing is done. I am also taking classes to become a graphic designer. I interact with students on both professional and student levels. I love our beautiful campus. We have so many trees and green areas to enjoy during any season. Ok enough about me. I would like to give you some ideas on what you should bring with you to school and why. First, you will need clothes for warm weather and for cooler weather. Well, really from really hot weather to really cold weather. Our temps can vary more than a few degrees in the spring and fall. All of the buildings and classrooms are heated and cooled differently so you will have to learn how to dress to be comfortable. Some buildings are always hot, so you will need fewer layers; some are always cold so you will be want more layers. The second thing that I suggest you bring are cold meds and allergy meds as spring and fall are prime seasons and bothers me even for me living here all of the time. Okayâ&#x20AC;Śback to me for a moment because I also think this next point can help you. I am a very shy person as a rule, but I have learned that talking to people around you even if it is just to say hello or give a smile can brighten anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day. This also makes for a much easier time in the classroom where we all feel uncomfortable when talking aloud. So, my advice it to always try to talk and ask questions in class and speak to people that you normally would not talk to. You can really meet some of the greatest people this way. I hope you have a wonderful and fulfilling college career here at West Virginia Wesleyan. Sincerely, Kim

Leah Ripley, Associate Director of Admissions Dear New Students, You keep hearing that you’re about to start a new chapter in your life because everyone you talk to tells you repeatedly. You’re probably feeling excited, anxious, and likely have no idea what that means or what to expect. What it means is that your life is about to change drastically in the next four years. You’re going to learn and grow as a result of your academics, of course, but it’s much more than that. Life is about to happen. You are about to be exposed to people from all over the country and the world with different beliefs and ideals as you. Be open-minded, learn from them, and respect them. You’ll be exposed to temptations that you may never have had to deal with before. How are you going to handle it? You’re going to be challenged mentally, physically, and emotionally in a way that you have never experienced both in and out of the classroom. You may end up in a relationship with someone that you end up marrying. The possibilities are endless. The potential for growth is endless, but so is the potential for failure. It’s going to be important that you discover who you are as an individual. College can be the greatest experience in your life if you allow it. You will falter and you will fail, but that’s how you succeed. Learn from your mistakes, don’t repeat them. Your life is yours to live so don’t change your journey so that it matches someone else’s. We need to walk different paths so that the whole world can be explored. Revel in the differences of you and your peers. Discover yourself and when it feels scary to jump, jump anyway. Fear means you are moving in the right direction. You’ve got this!

Leah Ripley (College grad who failed a lot and grew even more)

Rachel Ritchey, Alumna, ’15 ‘17 Dear Freshmen, I’m not sure how exactly to put into words everything that I’ve learned during my time here at Wesleyan. I will tell you that every day, every new experience, every practice, every class you will grow without realizing it. Whether it is academics, sports, Greek life, or any other extracurriculars there is a place for you here. Be open to where you might fit in and explore what Wesleyan has to offer. You can’t expect things to just fall onto your lap while you sit in your room with your door shut. You have to engage yourself and enter with an open mind. At Wesleyan around 44 percent of students are athletes, and this is where I fit. So here goes my encouragement in that area. Student-athletes, this is not high school anymore. This is the next level. Many of you came from high schools where you were probably the star, or among the best players on your team. The reality is college gets way more competitive. Yes, it will vary from sport to sport, but there are only a slim handful of athletes that will come in and make a huge impact in their sport as a freshman. It’s going to be frustrating; you might not start, you may or may not get a lot of playing time, or you might not even make the dress list. You’re probably going to get discouraged at some point, and you aren’t always going to agree with the decisions your coaches make. Every athlete no matter the sport faces these types of frustrations throughout his or her career. No matter what though, the rewards you will experience will always out-weigh any of the struggles you will face. There will be times you just have to swallow your pride and keep working even when it gets rough. Hang in there, your time will come! If you aren’t playing, chances are your coaches are developing you into key players for the future. Trust me: the pressure of school and your sport will get rough at times. There will be days when you’re overwhelmed with classes and deadlines and the last thing you have time for is practice. Time-management is key. The earlier you plan and prioritize the less stressed you will be! Many times I had away games and the joy of an exam or a paper due the next morning. For these days my advice is please, please plan ahead, or you won’t like yourself when you get back at midnight exhausted from your game. If you choose to bail on classes, studying, or assignments it will come back to bite you. If you DO NOT keep up with your classes and grades you WILL NOT be eligible to play your sport! Also, if you do not maintain your grades you can lose scholarship money depending on the terms of the scholarships you are so privileged to be receiving. So you see, it comes full circle. You are not an 66

Athlete-Student. You are a Student-Athlete. Eventually in my career I learned to use practices and games as a time to let go of the stress of school/life, and instead clear my mind of them and release any tensions. When you find your own routine it will soon just become part of your daily life without question. With practices, lifting, and other training at different times of day your schedules are going to be pretty packed sometimes. If you miss meals because you’re swamped, go to Cats Claw or Sunny Bucks and grab some food and a smoothie with your teammates. These places will come in handy when the cafeteria closes and you get hungry later in the evening. If you’re in a hurry, order your food to go, or ask for a to-go box in the cafeteria. Looking back, I am so thankful for the way athletics kept me grounded throughout college, and even more thankful for the relationships I have made through all the blood, sweat, and tears. The truth is, everyone that comes through Wesleyan is going to have his or her own unique experience. Keep your mind open and attitude positive; you will find your way soon enough!

Rachel Ritchey Women’s Soccer :] Student Success Center Graduate Assistant

Beth Rogers, Coordinator of Reference & Instructional Services (Library), ‘97 Welcome to Wesleyan! If you’re anything at all like I was twenty years ago, standing where you are now, you’re feeling a bizarre jumble of emotions that don’t seem to make sense – excitement, anticipation, apprehension, maybe even a little homesick already. You may even be wondering if you made the right choice. Are you ready? Are you sure? Can you do this? Well, I don’t know you yet, but I do know if you’ve made it this far, plenty of people think you can do this. Everyone who wrote you recommendation letters – teachers, coaches, employers, and everyone at Wesleyan – admissions counselors, coaches, advisors – believes that you have what it takes to make it as a Bobcat. And more importantly, no one is expecting you to make it alone. College can be a scary transition; no one denies that. I still remember the near panic attack over my first major college research paper. But I wasn’t alone then, and you’re not alone now. As Wesleyan’s reference librarian, I’m here to help you when those research assignments seem overwhelming. Whether you’re researching wetland conservation, behavior modification, or images of women in Gothic fiction, I’ll help you find the tools and resources you need to make those assignments great. And you don’t even have to come to the library for help (even though I certainly hope you will!) Our librarians are available through email, text, and online chat to answer your questions. But it’s not just me. Wesleyan is filled with passionate and engaged people who care about our students and who want to see you succeed. We want to support and guide you on this new journey you’re about to undertake. We want to watch as you find and develop the gifts and talents we know you have, to see you become not only a productive and successful student, but a thriving and confident lifelong learner ready to make an impact on the world around you. I don’t know you yet, but I can’t wait to meet you. See you soon! Beth Rogers Reference, Intruction, and Outreach AMP Library

Folashade Sanni, Student, Class of 2016 Hi My Name is Folashade Sanni and I am senior at Wesleyan. When I first got my acceptance letter, I thought to myself do I really want to go to a college in small town almost 5 hours away from home, where I don’t know anyone? I received a lot of scholarship money, which made Wesleyan affordable to me, but I thought, is this the place I really want to get my bachelors degree and spend my four years? When I came to Orange and Black day, I saw how beautiful the town was and realized that I could really see myself here. Looking back today, I realized that it was the best decision I made for myself. It has been tough. It was not easy at first being here. You will soon learn and see this town does not have that much diversity. This college is not a big university where there are endless amounts of events and a huge variety of activities. At the same time, this is part of the reason I stayed here. The campus creates an environment for students to concentrate on what’s really important for them and what they want to do in life. There are events and organizations to get involved with, but there is a happy medium where you won’t have to sacrifice your studies for. Throughout my time here at Wesleyan, I have encountered many different experiences. Being a person of color, I have gotten stares because some people in town just aren’t used to seeing people of color. While shopping I’ve gotten stares like I have to be watched just to make sure I am actually buying something. I am not going to lie and say it is easy being a person of color at this school or in this town. But, what I realized halfway way through my sophomore year is that I cannot keep running from my problems. Yes, I could have ran back home and gone to an HBCU where race would not have been an issue. However, staying here has made me a stronger person and has taught me a lot about myself and life. I’ve helped integrate my culture into a town that isn’t very used to diversity, and contributed to a school that encourages diversity. I have learned how to deal with challenges and uncomfortable situations and my character has evolved stronger because of it. As much as I hate to admit it I fell in love with the town. Although I have been through some problems relating to my race and color, I’ve seen the goodness in this town and region. While there may not be a mall close by, your favorite restaurant, or the food that you’re used to eating, there are things here that can make it a fun and comfortable place. Little things I’ll look back on are the late night Walmart trips with friends, going to the small skating rink, or going bowling where you actually have to calculate your scores. While, this town may not have everything larger cities have, this town has the ability to make you feel at home. If you give this place a 69

chance, I promise you at the end of your time here at Wesleyan it will be something to remember. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have grown and learned from it, and come to know as your home among the hills. Folashade Sanni Class of 2016

Chris Scott, Chaplain/Director of Religious & Spiritual Life Greetings First Years, and welcome to West Virginia Wesleyan College! My hope is that you find Wesleyan to be a place where you grow, learn, thrive, and discover who God is creating you to be! My role here at Wesleyan is to walk alongside you as you go through life’s many transitions, challenges, and joys. Whether you’re Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, atheist or agnostic, “spiritual but not religious,” the door of the Religious Life Office (right behind Wesley Chapel) is always open to you. You may come through Wesleyan knowing exactly what you want to do and who you want to be. Like so many others, you may have absolutely no idea! Some who feel so certain about their purpose now may change direction as they continue along their journey at Wesleyan. There’s an old Quaker saying that goes: “Let your life speak.” When I say “Quaker,” I don’t mean the oatmeal company! Let your life speak. Your life speaks to you all the time; the important thing to do is listen. Life speaks to us most clearly in those moments where you find deep joy in what you’re doing. Life speaks in those times where you find yourself babbling excitedly about something you learned in class, and your friends are tired of hearing about it. Life might speak to you through an art or design project that fills you with creative excitement. Life might speak to you while mentoring others and something inside you comes alive. Pay attention to those moments. Listen to your excitement and your passion. Those moments of joy will help guide you to your calling and purpose. I encourage you to find as many opportunities as you can to learn more about yourself. Get involved in extracurricular activities and student groups. Explore projects and activities you didn’t imagine you could ever do. In those moments, your life will speak to you more clearly. You will learn more about your own passions, your own interests, your own joys, as well as those places where your life says, “Eh, that may not be for me.” In the year ahead, let your life speak. Listen to what your life is saying to you. Sometimes the people around us hear what our lives are saying before we do. Seek out professors, staff, and upper class students for advice, guidance, or a listening ear. We as Wesleyan staff and faculty take great joy in helping you hear what your life is saying to you. It’s why we do what we do! Welcome to your new “home among the hills.” Blessings on our journey ahead! Grace and Peace, + Chris Scott Chaplain/Director of Religious and Spiritual Life 71

Austin Shell, Student (Class of ’17) Why? I was always the neighborhood child that asked this. Throughout my childhood, I was always intrigued by numbers, but I wanted more. It was not as simple as one plus one equals two for me. Why? Why does one plus one equal two? I wanted to know more. I wanted to know how these problems worked. I wanted to dig deeper. It was then that I realized numbers would be a wise career choice for me. I grew up next door to a man named Tim Reinhard. He worked from home most days, but occasionally went into the office. He was a Certified Public Accountant. I would go over to his house after school and play with his children, who were my age. Around my sophomore year of high school, I really took a notice to his work. He worked diligently and with a passion that I had never witnessed in anyone until this point. I began to question him about his job. He has inspired me to help others through accounting and to never stop asking “Why?” I want to be a Certified Public Accountant. Another outlet that has taught me about life is basketball. I picked up a ball when I was five and haven’t put it down since. Throughout my years of playing basketball, I have learned life skills that I believe aid in my success as a student at West Virginia Wesleyan College. Arriving thirty minutes before practice, balancing basketball with my academics and job, and arriving at games early has taught me time management skills that are crucial to my success in the classroom. Basketball has also taught me about diligence and perseverance. The harder I worked in practice and in off-court training, the more it paid off on game day. I got out of it exactly what I put into it. This is also my philosophy about learning. The more I study and the more effort I put into taking notes and completing homework, the more I will succeed in class, and, in turn, my career. When I take my Certified Public Accountant exam after graduate school, I will also use this skill. Effective communication is another asset I have gained through playing basketball. My years at West Virginia Wesleyan College have also nourished this skill. I also believe that I can do something and put all of my efforts into it, but if I do not have a passion for what I am doing, it will be for nothing. Just as I had a passion throughout my years of playing basketball, I have a passion for understanding numbers and succeeding in my career. Because I am passionate about my future career, I am passionate about learning. It has been an honor to play basketball here at West Virginia Wesleyan College, and it will be an even bigger honor to receive admission into Wesleyan’s Master of Business Administration program. Although I 72

transferred here last year and have only been here for two years, I am drawn to continue my studies here because of the dedication of professors to their students. I have had the experience of professors laboring with me for hours over homework I did not understand. Wesleyan is the third college that I have attended and I have never had this experience of professors that genuinely care at my previous two colleges. Wesleyan is also my first choice for a graduate school because I enjoy being challenged to think critically and creatively as Wesleyan professors have taught me to do. This life skill will take me far in my career as a Certified Public Accountant. My adolescent curiosity stays with me today. I still carry the hunger to learn why and how things work. However, by including the question â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why not?â&#x20AC;? in my philosophy, I have noticed an increase in my opportunities. Why not demonstrate citizenship through service to my community via the career choice of Certified Public Accountant? Why not help others understand their finances? Why not give others the same zealous I have about asking why? Why not make seemingly stressful financial conundrums stress free for my clients? Why not help others through my passion? Why not?

Liz Short, Alumna, ‘09 Hello Freshmen, My name is Liz Short, and I’m currently an Assistant Director of Regional and Affinity Programming at the University of Delaware in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. I have my skills, my friends, and a promising career because I attended West Virginia Wesleyan College. When I started at WVWC in 2005, I was a first generation college student out of foster care with very little support from home. I am familiar with the struggles that many first generation college students have—but can say that I didn’t experience all of them first-hand because at Wesleyan I was surrounded by caring faculty and staff, starting with Alisa Lively at a summer camp the summer before I started college—through Angela Gay Kinkead, who threw my graduation party for me in 2009. I came as a Communication Major and took advantage of a specialized Freshmen Seminar/COMP 102--Family Communication. My professor was then chair of the Communication Department, Dr. Kathleen Long. She was an incredible professor (as most, if not ALL WVWC professors are). Now that I’ve worked at a few colleges and universities, I can assure you that Wesleyan professors and staff care more than anywhere else (I’ve been a lot of places, and the places I haven’t been, I’d wager a bet that WVWC cares more). Dr. Long got to know me. She offered me advice. She let me cry in her office. One day, she’ll be in the front row at my wedding (along with several other WVWC folks). She introduced me to other professors—and she helped direct my enthusiasm to groups and experiences that aligned and utilized my passions, skills, and interests. She encouraged me to get involved in Student Government and C-92. Thanks to my involvement in those groups, I built strong relationships with greats like Pete Galarneau, and Julie Keehner. These experiences helped me land my first jobs—and essentially started my upward career trajectory. Regardless of your background, the key to success at WVWC is getting to know your professors, administrators, and staff. They are the best—and the community is small enough that when you network the right way, you can achieve ANYTHING on that campus. There were two statements that I’ve heard about Wesleyan that I think best capture some perspective on WVWC: The first was at one of my first Homecoming Convocations. An alumna giving a sermon, said that WVWC was like Wonderland—where we all get to be Alice—and that it’s over too soon. The other was my good friend Mike Bush who said that one of the things that make Wesleyan so special is that while you’re there, you know it’s special. 74

They are both right. I hope it’s special for you—and I hope that you have the curiosity and sense of adventure that Alice had. Get involved. Try things you’ve never done before. Do something that makes you a little uncomfortable. Sign up for everything you can! Ask all the questions! Please know that that college isn’t like a loaf of bread on a shelf at a grocery store with other similar loaves—where you pick out what you want, pay for it, and check out. College is a quilt; the people are the fabric, shared experiences are the threads, and actively participating sews these things together. As a student, I left lots of patches of myself there, and connected to so many people and things. As an alumna, I come back, leave more of myself, and gather warmth that cannot be matched by any other blanket. It’s about more than the classes. It’s about connecting to people; it’s about learning the material; critically analyzing the world around you; and harnessing and perfecting your strengths and talents. Then, you use all of that to make your world and community a better place. As a student at WVWC, you have a responsibility to make campus, and Buckhannon, and West Virginia, and the world a better place. Have some fun while you do it—not that you need that reminder. I look forward to returning to campus, seeing the contributions you’ll make to our quilt, and perhaps one day we’ll have a shared experience that will directly connect our fabrics. I hope you find Wesleyan to be the Home Among the Hills that it was and is for me. With Bobcat Pride, Liz Short ’09 Assistant Director Regional & Affinity Programming University of Delaware Direct (302) 831-7193 Main (302) 831-2341 lshort@udel.edu

Jesse Skiles, Track & Field Coach When I think of Wesleyan, academic excellence is the first thing that comes to mind. In reflecting upon my 23 years of coaching track and cross country at WVWC, the post-collegiate success of our student-athletes has been the most enjoyable and fulfilling aspect of my time here. It is true that we have a beautiful campus...it is true that we have enjoyed athletic success, and it is true that our campus sits in a beautiful small town in the mountains. But it is our faculty that is the true backbone of the college. We have a great faculty...period. Wesleyan students are challenged in the classroom, are able develop personable and close relationships with their professors, and they leave Wesleyan in a solid position to attack further pursuits, whether it be graduate school or straight into the professional world. With all of this being said, the scenic campus is quite a boon to WVWC. It looks like a traditional liberal arts college should look, and it is very neat place to come to work to every day. I am very proud of this institution.

Jesse Skiles Head Coach West Virginia Wesleyan College Track & Field

Tre’vante Taliaferro, Student (Class of ’17) FRESHMAN! FRESHMAN! FRESHMAN! FRESHMAN! DO SOMEHTING CRAZY! DO SOMETHING CRAZY! DO SOMETHING CRAZY! DO SOMETHING CRAZY! KEG STAND! KEG STAND! KEG STAND! KEG STAND! (Asher Roth) Well. As freshmen, you guys have a lot to live up to don’t you? Or so it seems. Freshman year is not about cutting loose and showing the older students you know how to party even though that’s what the media portrays. Freshman year in college is nothing like high school. In high school, your overall goal was to find yourself. Figure out who you wanted to be and whatnot. In college you shall take your newly found self and mature it into a character suitable for life in “the real world.” Transitioning to college for me was simple. My high school had about 900 people and Wesleyan is around 1500, so the class sizes are the same. The faces of other students get to be very familiar. The teachers and faculty will know you. It’s just a great environment to be in. You will have quite the variety of classes as a freshman. Your courses haven’t yet been specifically funneled to your major. My advice after switching my major three times is to major in something that you like. If you take a course and absolutely love going to class and learning the material, make it your major. I want to be a doctor so I figured my major should be in the sciences. I later came to learn that these science fields tend to have a lot of hours necessary to get the major and some of the science majors required courses I knew I would hate which aren’t essential to medical school. I loved my freshman Ethics class and sophomore Philosophy class, so I changed my major to Philosophy and am minoring in Human Biology and Chemistry. My schedule got to be comprised of classes I wanted to take and my GPA improved. All and all, it was a great decision. That’s all I have for now, but yeah, even if you don’t use the advice of your peers, you should ask them questions just to get those pro tips. I wish you guys the best in your journey into Wesleyan…See you around.

Clifton Taylor, Alumnus, ‘01 My name is Clifton Taylor and although I graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College more than a decade ago, I’ve been in your position. As a first-generation college student, the expectations were high and I did not want to disappoint. As a result, I made one of my first decisions as a young adult regarding where I would spend the next four years of my life learning as well as maturing. Being exposed to several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) via a college tour I was exposed to West Virginia Wesleyan College during a choir visit. Walking along the campus, I instantly felt a connection and after a few months made the decision to enroll. I entered college in the fall of 1997 as a Biology major with a Theatre Arts minor. Ever since childhood I wanted to provide medical services to children but as I learned more about myself and my interests, I decided Communication and Theatre Arts were more aligned with my passion, so I changed in the second semester. As a native Washingtonian, I was used to accessibility and being a part of the majority within the city however; choosing a rural setting would place me at a disadvantage and I would have to adapt outside my comfort zone. This prompted me to engage in creating friendships with others unlike myself and take advantage of programs offered at the institution. As one of two African-American theatre majors, I participated in a production that showcased my talents as a stage actor. As a performer, I was able to travel to Europe with Dr. Larry Parsons, who was instrumental in assisting me and other minorities through chorale. Additionally, I am still connected to the college through my work as a member of the alumni council. As a minority, my collegiate experience was filled with both rewards and challenges and I’ve learned from both. Life is such an interesting journey and you must allow change to exist. Choosing Wesleyan was a risk just like any other decision you’ll make from this point forward; therefore, be open to individuals from all walks of life and new concepts and ideas. Do not be afraid to communicate your differences but also celebrate your similarities with others. Do not let social norms hinder you from creating new paths. For instance, I gained a friend during freshman seminar and unlike many who created bonds through living in the same room, I created a bond through stepping out of my comfort zone. Nearly 20 years later, we still get together occasionally. As a Wesleyan graduate, I am grateful for the opportunities presented during my tenure. The education I received both inside and outside 78

the classroom was valuable and I am confident you will experience the same

Good Luck, Clifton Taylor WVWC â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;01

Alice Teets, Library Associate, ‘95 Dear You, I am so excited to see you as a freshman at My Home Among the Hills. Yes, you – even though I have not met you yet, I’m excited that you are coming to Wesleyan. From the first time I stepped on campus, I could never imagine attending college anywhere else. I was the first one in my family to attend college. My daughter came to WVWC last year as a freshman. It was her choice, but I’m so glad it was the one she made. My parents did not know how to help me navigate the waters of applying to college, asking for help in funding this journey, even how to go about buying books! I’m thankful that I came to a place where it was okay to ask for help. I’m thankful that I was able to help her a little bit with these questions, and I’m hopeful that I can be the person you ask for help sometime. Here are some thoughts that I shared with her and that I have for you: • Be grateful. To everyone. From the bottom to the top, you need everyone. Remember to be nice to the people who feed you and clean up after you. • If you have questions, ask. Although there are stupid questions, no matter what your grandma said, I believe you know the difference between good questions and bad. If you are confused by something, chances are someone else is, too, and they may not have the guts to ask. • College is hard. Some make it and some do not. The ones who make it want it more than most – try hard, work hard, dream big. • Remember that it’s hard on your parents, too. And your siblings. Things are changing. Change is good, but it is also confusing and scary. Your family will give you room to grow as long as you give them something in return. Hugs are nice. • Not everyone is going to agree with your opinions. You’re not going to agree with everyone else’s, either. That’s okay. As long as you can have polite discourse, you can disagree. • Just because something is true does not mean you have to say it out loud. 80

• On that topic, just because you can say anonymously doesn’t mean you need to say it. Actually, I believe if you can’t own it, don’t say it at all. • Remember to receive, you have to give. Say hi first. Write the first letter. Volunteer to be the guinea pig. You will gain a lot out of it. • I regret what I did not do a lot more than anything I did do. Travel while you can. Join groups. Try something new. • And lastly… This is YOUR journey. Just because your parents did it one way doesn’t mean you have to do it the same way. Just because everyone else is doing it definitely doesn’t mean you have to do it. Keep walking your path. The friends who accept you as you are, are the friends you need to keep. Look to the future, but don’t forget where you’re from. Welcome home, Alice Teets Class of 1995 Alumna, Staff, and Parent of a Wesleyan Bobcat

Lori Thompson, Director of Counseling Services Dear Freshman Student, Welcome to the beginning of your adult/college experience. My name is Lori and I’m the Director of Counseling here at WVWC. I just need a minute of your time to tell you a few things that I think you should know. Actually, 20 things. Here goes… 1. Residential living is wonderful. Remember that your behavior affects those around you so please be respectful. 2. Yes, the squirrels are everywhere. They own the place and you are just a visitor in their world. 3. Go to class. Even when you don’t feel like it. Go to class. 4. Keep your expectations in line with reality. 5. Someone helped you get to where you are today. Call them. Thank them. 6. Step out of your comfort zone and say “hi” to new people. If you need help with this, come see me. 7. Know your limits. That 7th drink won’t make you feel any better than the 6th one did. (See #4) 8. Big fish, little pond. Little fish, big pond. Think about it. 9. I love chocolate. There is an empty mailbox hanging outside my office door. 10. You have but one life. Find your passion. Design your life around pursuing that passion. Smile. 11. You will receive the grade you earn. Missed 5 assignments? Skipped class? Bombed a test? – Expect a grade reflecting your effort (See #4) 12. You may miss someone. You may feel anxious. You may get discouraged. Come see me. 13. Balance your life – always. Study, eat well, exercise, HAVE FUN. 14. You are surrounded by professionals who will happily help you with anything. ASK for help. If you don’t know where to start, come see me. 15. Please leave me a parking space in front of the Health and Counseling Center. I wear heels most days. 16. Set goals for your academic and personal development. Work hard. Don’t talk down to yourself if you make a mistake. Come see me. 17. You can stand anything that won’t kill you. The food is fine. It rains, buy an umbrella. A “B” is still a good grade. Not everything is a catastrophe. (Again….#4) 18. Sometimes life is hard. I know some secrets on getting through it a 82

little easier. Come see me. 19. Music is food for the soul. 20. I want you to learn, to be challenged, to expand your world, to be happy. I want you to become who you want to be and then go out into the world and do your thing.

Lucas Trovato, Student (Class of ’18) Welcome to the West Virginia Wesleyan Family! Now I know you’re probably a little nervous, maybe a little anxious, but that is okay! It is tough to get a gauge on what exactly college will be like with all the movies and shows that make it look like a circus. It’s not like that; don’t worry. College is first and foremost an education place. You are attending to get an education. Okay, now that I’ve said that, I can move on, because if you simply go to class, eat and study all the time, you’re going to go insane. You need the other aspects of college to keep yourself in good physical and mental shape. You are about to embark on adventure; that’s what college really is. It is 4 years of adventurous growth. You change as a person. You are able to settle into the person you truly want to be. Buckle up, because here it is: College is the beginning of the rest of your life. I said it, and I meant it. You are getting older. You finally have some responsibilities, but with those responsibilities you have sweet, sweet freedom. These are some of the best times in your life, but you need to understand how to survive them. College can be looked at in a few lights. I belong to the school of thought that you are able to choose your own path in college. From the minute you step on campus to the moment you leave, you are able to decide if you want to be someone who studies a lot, someone who parties a lot, someone who works out a lot, someone who is always with their friends, someone who is always alone…it is truly your choice. None of those things are independent from the others. You can be all of those things as long as you have a small definition for a lot. Through all of this there are two extremely important things to hold on to… Number one: Easily the most important thing to do in college is to make sure you attend class. Attendance in class is not always mandatory, but it is vital to ensuring you are successful. You would be amazed how many things you hear in class that will be on the test that might not show up in the notes you get from your friend. If the teacher is having class that day, whether it is rain or snow or sunny or windy, you should be in class ready to go. Number two, college is yours. You are required, by law, to attend high school, but not college. College is your choice. You should act like it. Study like you are studying for your future, because you are. Make friends with people you truly like, not the people you hung around in high school. Try new things, but most importantly, do everything that you do for yourself. If someone wants you to try something, only do it if you truly want to. There are plenty of new opportunities in college, but all of them 84

are contingent on you being comfortable and smart with the choices. So, to wrap it all up, welcome to college! These will be some of your most memorable times. You will grow and change. You will become smarter and stronger. At the end of these 4 years youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll step out of the shadow and into the real world. If you ever feel overwhelmed, or need any help, feel free to get in contact with me or anyone you see, because we have all been through the things you are feeling. One day you will look back and think how silly you were for being nervous about the best years of your life. Lucas Trovato

Destinee Tunstall, Student, ‘17 Dear Wesleyan Freshman, I am Destinee and I will be a senior here at Wesleyan. I am a proud First Generation student who is the first in my family to attend college. I didn’t have an older sibling whose brain I could pick, and I had no idea what to expect. College is an entirely different experience than high school, and it is a time of your life in which you will experience tremendous growth coupled with great joy and great discomfort. I want you to know that TODAY is the first day of the rest of your life. You are probably experiencing many emotions at the moment, fear being the most prevalent. “Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears,” said Les Brown. You will encounter many obstacles in college. I want to give you some advice that I want you to have “in your back pack” to carry with you when you walk through those doors and throughout campus: 1) Friends come and go, but the ones who are true to you and love you for who you are will be there when you need support. When you find those friends, never let them go. 2) Always strive to achieve YOUR best. If you need help, ASK! Failure is not an Option! 3) Never become influenced by NEGATIVITY. You never know whose watching you and a positive attitude is intoxicating. Most importantly, never be anyone but YOU! Never change for anyone (boys, friends, etc.) in order to feel accepted. Always stick to your beliefs and faith, which will be the driving forces behind every decision you make in college. Stay true to yourself, even when everything changes around you. Respect yourself, even when you think that people around you aren’t doing the same for themselves. Love yourself, even when you have your doubts. Remember to be the best YOU, you can be, get involved, and be a leader knowing one day you will be a productive member of society. Sincerely, Destinee Tunstall Class of 2017 “I am Destinee and I am planting seeds of faith, beauty and creativity” 86

Doug van Gundy, Faculty (English), Honors Program Director How to be a Student (with apologies to Wendell Berry) I.

Show up hungry. Leave your high school jacket at home. Say hello to everyone you see.

Go to parties and mixers and movies and ice cream socials. Go to the gym.

Walk to Walmart. Sit with strangers at lunch. Fall secretly in love

most weekends. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go home until midterms if you can help it.

II.

Make learning your career. Go to work every day. Entertain ideas that are different

from your own, or those of your friends and parents. Consider the possibility that you might be wrong

about everything. Voice every question that crosses your mind, no matter how embarrassing or small;

your name. They will be grateful you were listening. Be sure to be listening.

III.

There is no such thing as useless knowledge. There is only knowledge.

What you are learning now you may not need now, but you will need it later, so learn it

with the cafeteria food. Complain about it anyway. Make the campus your home. Stay there

your classmates may be too shy to say the thing you ask aloud. Your professors will remember

now. Knowledge is sacred; treat it with respect and a skeptical reverence. Make yourself

essential to this place so that in four years it will hurt like hell when you have to leave.

Fall in love with everything. Try to get enough sleep.

Jessica Vincent, Leadership & Service Program Assistant, ‘12 Dear Bobcats, Welcome to the town I’ve called home my entire life. Its beauty and creative are lurking everywhere and now you have the chance to experience it too! In the heart of Buckhannon, Wesleyan is not just another a piece of my home, but where I’ve learned, developed life-long friendships, and shed more than my share of tears. Now, it is time for you to have these same experiences and more! Being from the local area, you would think that I would regularly make the seven-mile venture for home cooked meals, peace and quiet, or a family night, but I chose a different path. My first semester in college I only went home to pick-up winter clothes and for Thanksgiving break. My mom was a little beside herself at my lack of visits, but I was out on the road trying to be an independent woman; just like she wanted for me, right? She asked me why I was so busy. I pondered the list in my head, but then I started down through my class schedule, homework times, upcoming tests, weekly community service work for my scholarship, a Greek picnic that all my friends were attending, a study session, a group project meeting, and registering for spring classes. At the moment, we were both in a little disbelief about how much I was cramming into a few days. I was good at managing my time in high school, but I had really had to change up my style because that 8 AM class wasn’t nearly as easy to roll out of bed for as I thought. Over the years, my mom learned to accept my busy schedule, and even though it was hard for both of us, I know my post-graduation transition of officially moving away from home wouldn’t have gone nearly as easy. Reflecting back on the strengths and challenges of my collegiate days, there are definitely clear experiences that will follow me for the rest of my life. Community service was something I have enjoyed from a young age, but in college I was able to work directly with Upshur County residents in need through the Parish House. I learned about the bigger picture of poverty, developed my own opinions, and wrote off the stereotypes. I developed leadership skills through my service involvement and Greek Life. There were some long hours spent in the School of Business with friends laboring through projects, studying countless hours, and making the decision that I would complete my MBA in four and half years. At the time, each moment seemed to never pass and then at graduation, I felt like it had gone so quickly. Savor your time. Invest in opportunities that support your future. Never be afraid to ask questions. 89

Anticipate challenges and celebrate the wins. Be the person you will be proud to share with your future employer and always, have a heart for your home among the hills.

All the best, Jessica Vincent â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;12

Eric Waggoner, Faculty (English), ‘92 Dear incoming students: I don’t know you. But I’m looking forward to meeting you. You’re about to walk into my classroom, and for the 150 minutes a week or so that we’ll have together, it’ll be my job to create a space in which you can learn, and explore, and get stronger, and improve, and (yes) screw up sometimes. That’s my responsibility: to create that space, to manage it, and to give you enough help and guidance at the beginning so you can feel confident— more or less—doing it on your own by the time you walk out. Some people—you’ve met them, and you’ll meet more of them while you’re here—think of college and university primarily as a place where you learn skills that will make you competitive on the job market. And college work does prepare you for paid work, no doubt. But I promise you, the people who come into college thinking of it as essentially a series of boxes to check on their way to a degree are the ones who have the worst time of it while they’re here. They hate their classes. They gripe and complain about the workload. They struggle endlessly, and they can’t figure out why they’re not getting it, when they’ve never once asked a professor to give them any individualized assistance. They get frustrated because they don’t understand, or have never been told, that in college, it’s not my responsibility to make sure you learn. It’s your responsibility to make sure you’re taking advantage of the opportunities you’re given while you’re here. Do that, and you get all my help. If you’re here only to check boxes, you’ll probably come out the other side with a degree. Congratulations: So will everyone else. But if you take active responsibility for your learning—if you show up each day ready to work, if you listen in class, if you take notes on the conversations we’re having, if you ask questions (please, please ask questions), if you listen to the answers I give and think about them and ask more questions designed to help us all think more carefully—then I promise you, you’re going to get every second of the time, and all of the energy, at my disposal. And your time here will be rewarding, even the challenging parts. When you finally move into your paid career, you’re going to have become the kind of person who keeps improving, because you’ll know what it’s like to be challenged, and to problem-solve, and to imagine the world through viewpoints that aren’t your own. And your life’s work, no matter what it is, will make you happy. The work you do will be a natural extension of the kind of active, intellectually engaged person you’ve made yourself, out of the raw material of your passions and talents. 91

Because that’s more important than checking boxes: the life you want to create. If you can make the life you live as much like the life you want as possible, you’ve won. Take responsibility for your learning, and this is where you can figure how to make that happen, no matter your field of study. Looking forward to meeting you. Now let’s go to work.

Dr. Eric Waggoner Chair, English Department

Lindsey Wagoner, Student (Class of ’18) Dear Future Wesleyan Student, Your first year in college will be one of the best, yet most challenging, times of your life. The biggest piece of advice that I could give you is to make good friends. I don’t know how many late-night talks I have had with my friends about relationship issues, classes, sports, religion, etc. So…don’t be afraid to branch out and meet new people. I know you will hear this a hundred times, but it’s true. Some of the people you meet on your first day at Orientation will be your best friends and the people that will get you through the year. You might not think it at first, but your Freshman Seminar class will be one of the closest-knit general education classes that you will have. Give everyone a chance and don’t be afraid to be social. Trying to get through college alone is a lot harder than you think. Here are a couple tips I have figured out: • Sometimes you just won’t want to study, so making a study group will help motivate you to go study, because you can’t let your group down. • The library will also become your best friend. If you find yourself with a bunch of work, but you can’t focus, go to the library find a spot by yourself, and don’t leave that spot until you are done. • Study for an hour and take a quick break. Taking breaks will help you be able to study longer without going brain dead first. • If you are involved in a sport and you are having complications. Don’t be afraid to go talk to your coach, but don’t wait until you are drowning. Go talk to them at the first sign of complications. While they may seem intimidating at first, they are actually very understandable people. They may also be able to find you some help. • Your teammates and the people in your major will be your biggest advocates in life. USE them and don’t be afraid to ask questions. • Your professors actually love questions. Go to their office hours if you need any help at all. Make good relationships with them, because they can help you out later in life when you are one point away from that A, B, or C. • Lastly, while college involves a lot of hard work, there is time to have fun. In fact, having fun in college is a necessity. So go out with your friends and don’t be afraid to try new things. Yes, you will probably screw up something in college, but don’t worry; I promise it won’t be the end of the world. Surround yourself with good people and make Wesleyan your new home! You get out of college what you put into it. Believe it or not, the end of the year is not the hardest because of finals, but because you won’t be ready to leave your new family. 93

Jessica Walter, Alumna, ‘15 Hey, freshmen! Welcome to your home among the hills! I’m so happy that you’ve chosen to attend Wesleyan and I hope that you’re excited about all the great experiences that you’ll have over the years here. As a recent graduate, I’ve done a lot of reflecting on the wonderful time that I had at Wesleyan. There is no denying that college is a rollercoaster ride with many ups and downs. However, what I learned during my time at WVWC is that it’s what you make of it. Thriving, not just surviving, is key to having a great experience at college. It is a combination of keeping a positive attitude, becoming involved and invested in the community, as well as knowing when to ask for help and guidance. First, one of the best ways to thrive in college is to become involved in the Wesleyan campus and Upshur County communities. Take time to explore the diverse campus organizations, such as WE LEAD, Student Senate, Black Student Union, PRISM and more. They are great places to meet new people, have fun and learn more about your interests and passions. Next, there are countless service opportunities through the Center for Community Engagement and Leadership Development. Whether you’re interested in helping local elementary students develop healthy lifestyles, volunteering at the animal shelter, or participating in a meal-packaging event to benefit international school-feeding programs, there are many different ways to serve. As well, local organizations in Upshur County are great places to lend a helping hand, such as at the Upshur Parish House, Stockert Youth Center, and elementary schools. Through service, even if just a few hours a week, I promise that you will form a special connection to inspiring community members and develop a greater understanding and appreciation for Upshur County. And finally, always ask for help when you need it. This is an invaluable piece of advice that I learned at Wesleyan and one that is a lifelong lesson in knowing your own physical and emotional limits. Whether it’s asking an upper classman to help you find a classroom, a professor for extra academic help, a supervisor for advice, or a teammate for guidance about course registration, go ahead and ask. Know that everyone at Wesleyan is cheering you on: professors, peers, friends, coaches, administration staff, the Aladdin cafeteria servers, alumni and everyone in between. Everybody is on your side, wanting the very best for you and hoping that you succeed. If you stumble, they are there to help re-direct 94

and encourage you. And when you succeed, they will be there to celebrate your accomplishments and growth. Take some time to get to know these people. It’s what makes Wesleyan truly feel like a home away from home. Above all, enjoy every moment. Have hope when you face a dversity, and don’t forget to celebrate both your small and large accomplishments! “Take pride in how far you have come, and have faith in how far you can go.” – Christian Larson Sincerely, Jess Walter Class of 2015

John Waltz, Admissions Director, Vice-President for Enrollment ‘01 At this time of year, College administrators write a lot of reference letters. As I type this, I’ve just finished several. There are many things I hope that we can say about you when you graduate in such a letter—that you worked hard, that you were very involved, that you will be an asset to any company or graduate school (you will be, right??). Then I wondered… What could be said between the written lines of a reference letter? Here are a few things I hope we can say about you when you graduate West Virginia Wesleyan, in no particular order. 1. That you fell in love. With someone else. Or with yourself. The two aren’t mutually exclusive but worry most about the second one. It will help with the first one should you choose to engage in it. 2. That you screwed up. That will happen. But I’d like to say that you learned from it. 3. That on Chicken Nugget Day at the cafeteria you asked for more than the prescribed 7 nuggets. Because YOLO. (If you don’t eat chicken, or meat, or whatever: Don’t worry. You can take some for a friend. Or for me.) 4. That you met someone from another country, state, or of a different race or sexual orientation and broke down a stereotype you’ve held. It happened to me here. Let it happen to you. It’s life-changing. 5. That you embraced being yourself, including but not limited to: dressing how you want, loving who you want, joining what organizations that you want, and making your own opinion on issues. This excludes saying you like or enjoy the Baltimore Ravens. At least not to me. That’s not cool. 6. That you gave of your time. Help someone. Go to the Center for Community Engagement and find out how you can fix an issue or learn more about one. Simply, if you see someone that needs something, help. 7. That you did something silly. No college experience is without some embarrassing story. Embrace it. 8. That you asked for help. You won’t know how to do everything. That’s what we’re here for. Just ask. 9. That you fell down. I fall down a lot. This is only to make me feel better about being clumsy. However, the best thing about falling down is that you can learn to pick yourself back up. 10. That you left this place better than you found it. I’m so glad you’re here. I apologize if you love the Ravens and I’ve offended you. It’s not your fault. You’re obviously confused. You can do and accomplish 96

anything you want here. I believe in you and I’m here to help along with all of my colleagues. Let’s get this done. And if nothing else, I hope you can procure a few extra nuggets. Now go change the world. Or your views. Or your hair color. You get the idea…Best, John Waltz, WVWC Class of 2001 Vice President for Enrollment 304-473-8518 waltz_j@wvwc.edu @johnwaltz

Will Wasson, Student (Class of ’18) Dear Incoming Freshman, Hi! I am currently a Freshman History and Political Science Major here at West Virginia Wesleyan College! I’m glad to tell you that, you have made one of the best decisions you’ll ever make by becoming a Bobcat! Sound exactly like every other letter you got from colleges over the past year? I thought so too. When I came to Wesleyan, I was mildly excited to finally leave High School and enter into the “adult world” (whatever that was). But, after time went by, I realized that I had sincerely decided on a college that was better than the rest. This is not a campaign trick, I am a real person actually enrolled in Wesleyan in the year 2015, and I am telling you the absolute truth; Wesleyan has become a second home for me. In an effort to help you feel the same way, I’m going to give you some advice! First Piece of Advice: Stop listening to everyone’s advice. Sound contrary? It is! I had two sisters who both graduated from college and they talked my ear off about how I should live and what I should do. This was really beneficial for me, but some of what they said didn’t ring true. In the long run, you need to be yourself! College is all about finding yourself and understanding who you are as a person. So, who cares if other people were in this or that club? You do what you’re interested in because college is what you make of it. You can either follow advice that might not apply to you or you can have fun and do as good as you can. You have to pick! Second Piece of Advice: GO. TO. CLASS. This will be told to you from Day #1 again and again and again. I’ll tell you why; because it helps! You, or at least someone, is paying a great deal of money for you to come get an education, so don’t waste it by skipping class! It doesn’t matter how sick, hung over, or confused you are in class, being there is better than not being there. This advice also goes towards events on campus. Go to them! Because some of them might seem silly, but I promise you’ll have fun. Third Piece of Advice: Talk to your professors. One of the absolute best things about Wesleyan is the personal relationships you can have with your professors. So, if you’re interested in something, stay after class and talk about it! They’ll love your enthusiasm and you might make a really useful connection for later in your college career. Along with this, ask for help! Most of the people here are very nice, and will always be willing to give a helping hand! Go to the Writing Center, talk to your Advisors, and reach out to upperclassmen. We’re here to help! 98

I hope this letter will help you transition into the college life! I will be more than happy to continue our correspondence; you can email me at wasson_wa@wvwc.edu. Cheers, Will Wasson Vice President of the Freshman Class (2014-2015) President of Alpha Lambda Delta 2015-2016 Resident Assistant President of the WVWC Young Democrats Member-at-Large on the Student Senate Student Liaison to the Enrollment Committee for the Board of Trustees Secretary of the Frisbee Club

Zach Williams, Lecturer (English), ’09, ‘13 Dear Freshmen, There’s no sense in giving you some idealistic advice that you could’ve gotten from a Hallmark card, so I’ll just stick with realistic observations. College is hard, but college isn’t as hard as some things. It’s all what you make of it and how you approach it. After all, you could be doing back-breaking labor for eighteen hours a day and very little pay like some teenagers in other parts of the world, but you’ve earned the opportunity to get an education that can affect the rest of your life. So, let’s keep our heads up. Yes, college is demanding. You have to put forth effort to get results. There are no shortcuts. Subpar effort leads to subpar work, and your professors can tell when your effort is lacking without much more than a glance at your work. Don’t cheat yourself out of an opportunity to learn something by being lazy. Your grades are earned, not given. The same goes for your education. The lectures and lessons won’t simply sink in – you have to put forth the effort if you want to do well. Now that the serious stuff is out there, let’s switch gears to something lighter. College is fun. College is really fun. You have to enjoy yourself or you will lose your mind. Of course, it can’t all be fun. Pick your spots. When it’s time to work, do your work so that you can have fun when it’s time to have fun. I’d say it’s all about balance, but that would be misleading. Most of your time will, and should, be devoted to your studies and any other commitments (sports, service, scholarships, etc.), but it’s essential that you give yourself some time to cut loose every now and then. Finally, Wesleyan is a special place with a strong campus community. Take advantage of that. Your professors will know you. Staff members will know you. You will know your classmates and recognize people around campus very quickly. Embrace the close-knitted environment, and use the resources that are available at a small college. We want each of you to succeed, and while you have to do most of the heavy lifting yourself, there’s always support to be found around you. The training wheels are off. It’s up to you to keep upright and moving forward.

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Best regards, Zach Williams, ’09, ’13 English Department

Colin Winkie, Alumnus, ‘15 It’s hard not to be cliché with letters or speeches like this. It seems everyone in the world has something to say on the matter and ultimately the messages are all nearly identical in meaning. “You can succeed. You can make new friends. You can overcome homesickness. You can become the person you always wanted to be.” We are all very privileged to be attending college – to have the opportunity to try to live up to those motivational quotes, but perhaps, it is this privilege that hurts us the most. We think of ourselves as invincible. I know we’ve all said at some point in our lives, “That’ll never happen to me.” However, the reality of life is that anything can happen to us – anything is possible. This is both a burden and blessing to us. While we are not invincible from disease or misfortune, at the same time, we are just as likely to experience opportunity and promise. We have little control over many of the events of our lives, but we are not powerless. We can determine the probability of certain events happening. We can minimize the bad. For instance, we can avoid receiving a poor test grade by choosing to study one night over going out to party. We can choose to save our work on the computer obsessively, so that if the computer dies all of the sudden, we don’t have to start over (Seriously…save your work continuously!). When we do go out with friends, we can choose to be smart and not climb on buildings a few stories above the ground, walk on the train tracks, or throw rocks at windows, etc. These all sound like common sense, but they are all things that people have done at some point. These brief moments of lack of judgement significantly decrease the probability of that individual succeeding in the future, for what we do today defines us tomorrow. People often reflect on college like it’s a separate part of life. They talk about it like what happened there was something completely separate from their lives now – injury, permanent records, and resumes would say otherwise. However, we can also make choices that put us in the position to succeed. We can keep our goals in mind at all time and continuously take steps towards completing them. Opportunity will almost never “just happen” to us. Of the people we see in positions of high esteem, we may think that they are lucky to have those positions – that they were in the right place at the right time. More often than not, they were in the “right place at the right time” because they planned it to be so. They were there because they worked to be there. We have little control over the events in our lives, but we can affect the probability of certain events happening. This means that our choices 101

today matter. Be cautious but also ambitious. Use college as a foundation for your future, and live up to the expectations of the clichĂŠ motivational posters. Colin Winkie Class of 2015

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Mason Winkie, Student (Class of ’17) Dear Freshmen, My first day of class at Wesleyan was possibly the most unforgettable day of my college career thus far. Upon waking up that day, I rushed into the shower then promptly headed to the cafeteria for an enormous breakfast. After eating more breakfast food then I probably had in the past year, I made a meaningful stride to my first class of the day where I promptly sat for 30 minutes waiting for the start of class. The other, normal students did not walk in until only a few minutes before class actually began. If that was not bad enough, after my other classes that day (I was finished by noon) I had no clue on what to do and felt some urge that I should be doing more. I remember sitting in my room thinking there had to be something else to do or prepare to do. I thought to myself, should I look over my books or rewrite the day’s lecture notes in a more legible fashion? Truthfully, recounting my first day is rather embarrassing and reminds me of how stressful and unnecessary it was. I found as the classes progressed, I became acclimated to the new workload and responsibilities college life conferred upon me. I was comfortable in my new environment and was able to use my time more wisely by becoming involved in campus life by joining Student Senate, leading freshman through the B.O.O.T. camp trip, and being fortunate enough to be selected as a peer leader. These experiences have been some of the most rewarding things I have done since coming to Wesleyan. I eventually became acutely aware of the fact that all my previous experiences – from high school, various jobs I held, and my parent’s guidance – prepared me for life as an independent student at Wesleyan. College has not been a scary experience, nor has it been one exemplified by endless amusement or ease, but it was an event I was prepared to handle. Wesleyan accepted me knowing I was ready for the next step and provided a strong community (faculty, staff, and fellow students) to ensure I would reach my full potential.

Mason Winkie

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Krysta Rexrode Wolfe, Alumna, 10 I agreed to write this letter for the purposes of putting two pieces of advice out there. First, never wear pajamas to class, or a party, or a restaurant (not even Sheetz). Your dignity is worth the time it takes to get dressed. Second, never be the people making out in class. It’s distracting and unnecessary, and also, cooties. But as I write this, I’m also reminded of an important conversation I had recently with fellow alum, sorority sister and overall awesome person, Jill Okes. We were talking about the ways consumerism is taking shape in higher education. There is a rampant assumption that students are consumers of education, and, as such can choose how much they will engage in college culture. Students pay to be there, after all. However, economic terms limit the impact of a college education. If you choose to think of it as more than that jug of laundry detergent you bought the other day, you may find, as I did, that it is more than a set of assignments—it can be relationships, travel, networking, discovery…it can be home. In fact, while living in Buckhannon I registered to vote in its city elections. I spent 10 out of 12 months of the year there, and thought it best to become immersed in every part of the college’s atmosphere. But, let’s say you are interested in economic terms. I remember once figuring out that if my tuition paid for individual classes alone, and I was taking a 15 credit-hour semester, for 14 weeks, each class would cost about $400.00. If I did not ask questions, complete an assignment or slept through a class I would waste some portion of $400.00. As a first generation college student, I was determined to get every bit of the education for which I paid. It seemed to me, that I could pay for an education that was full of life, activity, and learning or I could slide by and get a degree on minimum terms. During our discussion I said it to Jill this way, if two (legally aged) people pay the same $8.00 for a pitcher of beer, you wouldn’t expect one pitcher to be watered down while the other was served a crisp, dark ale. You would want the same quality for the same price. You wouldn’t let a bartender cheat you out of the best experience. Don’t do it to yourself. I’m now a minister in the United Methodist Church and I felt prepared for graduate school and my career because I tried to take advantage of the opportunities ripe at a liberal arts college. There will be no other time in your life when you can enjoy exposure to the arts, history, music as well as science, environmentalism and physics all while sharing a bathroom with your best friends. Live it. Love it. Respect it. Challenge its boundaries. Find a mentor. Find a community. Find yourself. 104

Sincerely, Krysta Rexrode Wolfe, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;10 Minister, Cheat Lake Charge, Cheat Lake, West Virginia

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Conclusion (or another beginning…) If you write a Freshman a letter, she’s going to want to connect with you. When you connect with her, she’ll probably ask for advice. When she’s taken in your words, she’ll ask you for reassurance. Then she’ll prepare to walk out of your office. When she starts to walk out of your office, she’ll spy a book on your shelf and ask to borrow it. She’ll read the book. She might get so excited about what she discovers that she’ll want to read more on the subject. She may even want to write her own ideas! When she’s done, she’ll probably need a break. You’ll remind her that we all need a balance between academics and the rest of life. She’ll ask what you mean and you’ll explain that part of becoming Who She Is is expanding not only her intellect and ideas, but also exploring relationships, including with her self. She’ll nod her head and leave for break. When she returns from break, she’ll stop by your office and regale you with what she’s discovered about herself. She’ll do this again over the next four years. When she’s in her final semester, she’ll order her cap and gown. After she orders her regalia, she’ll start filling out applications for graduate school or employment or both. Looking at the applications reminds her that she needs a letter of recommendation from you. And chances are when she comes to your office to ask for a letter, she’s going to tell you how grateful she is that you reached out and connected with her when she came to Wesleyan as a Freshman.

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Thank you! ...to our alums, faculty, staff, and current students who took time to reflect and write to our incoming students.

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Index - Topics of Interest Beauty of Campus and WV. . . . Intro, Hinkley, Lopitz, Price, Riley, Skiles Believing in Yourself / Encouragement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro, Bentley-Colthart, Clausen, Hinkley, Hinton, Jones, Lindeman, Lively, Propst, Quarles, Ripley, Rogers, Taylor, Teets, Vincent, Wagoner, Waltz, Wasson, C. Winkie, Wolfe Campus Involvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro, Balch, Bentley-Colthart, Carter, Frame, Frederick, Hill, Hinkley, Kurfman, Lively, Lopitz, Mallory, Mueller, Pittinger, Rapking, Reed, Short, Vincent, Walter, M. Winkie Class Attendance and Participation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro, Balch, Aloi, Brissey, Lively, Mallory, Mueller, Price, Quarles, Thompson, Trovoto, Wasson Community Engagement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro, Bentley-Colthart, Danko, Frame, Vincent, Walter, Waltz Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sanni, Taylor, Quarles, Faith/Spirituality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Price, Scott Family/Relationships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro, Akers, Bentley-Colthart, Clausen, Frederick, Kurfman, Lindeman, Okes, Price, Probst, Quarles, Short, Teets, Thompson, Tunstall, Waltz, Finding Balance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro, Probst, Thompson, Trovoto, Waltz, Williams First-Generation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balch, Creasman, Bentley-Colthart, Greene, Hinkley, Jones, Mallory, Short, Taylor, Tunstall Getting to Know Your Professors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro, Aloi, Bentley-Colthart, Carter, Danko, Frederick, Mallory, Moore, Reed, Short, Skiles, Wasson Health & Wellness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro, Lopitz, Mueller, Okes, Price, van Gundy, Thompson 110

Index - Topics of Interest Homesickness/Missing People Back Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro, Bentley-Colthart, Hinton, Okes LGBT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carter, White Managing Emotions. . . . . . . . . . Intro, Bentley-Colthart, Okes, Thompson Meaningful Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro, Creasman, Brissey, Frederick, Galarneau, Pittinger, Rapking, Reed, Ripley, Shell, Taliaferro, van Gundy, Waggoner, Waltz, Williams, M. Winkie, Wolfe Meeting New Friends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro, Akers, Bentley-Colthart, Danko, Hinkley, Hinton, Lindeman, Riley, Thompson, Van Gundy Mental Illness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cunningham, Demaria Overcoming Adversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creasman, Jones, Okes, Short Sense of Belonging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Intro, Bentley-Colthart, Clausen, Lindeman, Quarles, Thompson, Van Gundy Student-Athlete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hinton, Price, Ritchey, Shell, Wagoner Study Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro, Balch, Aloi, Wagoner Support on Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro, Aloi, Bentley-Colthart, Clausen, Danko, Hinton, Kurfman, Lively, Moore, Okes, Rogers, Thompson, Trovoto, Walter, Williams, M. Winkie Time Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro, Bentley-Colthart, Brissey, Ritchey, Thompson, Williams, C. Winkie, M. Winkie

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