Welcome! We're excited for you...and jealous

Welcome to Yale! I still remember the summer before my freshman year so clearly. Every conceivable emotion ran through my mind: excitement, fear, uncertainty, confusion. I remember not knowing what to expect from Yale, or what Yale would expect from me. I had difficulty appreciating the sheer size of the University: more than 5,000 undergraduates, hundreds of course selections, and countless opportunities. Like you, I couldn't wait to see what sort of life awaited me in New Haven.

A little over a month from now, you will climb into a minivan, catch a plane, or get on a bicycle (for you really light packers), and begin your four-year journey through Yale. As I rolled down the streets of New Haven for the first time, I looked out my window in total awe of the gothic buildings around me, amazed at the bustling level of activity that surrounded the city.

Yet that initial impression is not what has stayed with me over the years. The part of Yale that struck me as most impressive was (and still is) its people. As soon as my family and I parked the car, what seemed like hordes of freshmen counselors and other helping students descended on me, all eager to shake my hand and welcome me to Yale. Not only did they help me lug a heavy refrigerator up three flights of stairs (I aided them by pointing out which room was mine), but they immediately treated me like an important member of the Yale community. Right away, I felt as if I belonged here.

You will meet so many different types of people once you arrive on campus, each with something different to offer. While I have learned much in Yale classrooms, my experiences with friends and classmates overshadow the academic knowledge. Whether it be debating politics until three in the morning, working at the Herald, or simply relaxing in a dorm room, sharing with Yale people is, by far, the best part of the University. Learn as much as you can from your history lecture and chemistry problem set--that, of course, is the primary goal of a college education. But save the majority of your learning for what you can gather from those around you. Such personal knowledge not only allows you to get to know others better; it will, in turn, teach you more about yourself than you could dream possible.

After two years here, I still can't tell you everything about Yale, nor could anyone else on the campus. There is simply too much going on here at any given time--it's often impossible to keep up with it. My advice: try anything and everything that interests you. Even if you are only mildly interested in a particular subject or activity, give it a try. You never know when you can discover a new niche for yourself.

And Yale is the perfect place to discover what you do best. You will have every opportunity to develop superb academic, social, and organizational skills. Two years ago, I entered Old Campus with interests ranging from sports to journalism. Now I'm captain of Pierson College's intramural softball team, and editor-in-chief of the Herald Freshman issue. With hard work, perseverance, and a little bribery (just kidding), you can achieve in those areas you enjoy most. All you have to do is identify your interests, and have fun while pursuing them.

"Fun" shouldn't be a problem. Sitting in the dining hall with friends for hours after you've finished eating, making a trip to a play, even lamenting the fact that you haven't started your economics problem set that's due in three hours (don't I know this one all too well)--every one of these experiences will be a blast, especially when you have good people to share them with.

I'm sure that you've already been inundated with numerous brochures, envelopes, books, and letters from various Yale offices, each telling you about a different aspect of the University. They have told you about your roommates, your residential college, and your future. Well, Yale could have saved a lot of paper and postage by just letting the Herald handle everything. Inside this 72-page behemoth, you'll learn so much about the University, you'll feel as if you are already a Yale veteran. Academics, extracurricular activities, sports--it's all here. We've tried to focus on the important choices you'll make during your first year at Yale. Hopefully, we can help you get started as you prepare for the next four years of your life.

Yale is a truly special place, a community you should be thrilled about joining. I, along with everyone at the Herald, wish you the best of luck throughout your college years. Just remember that this is the only time in your life you will be able to experience something like Yale. It is a unique blend of academic and social intearaction. Make all the choices you want; take all the chances you never thought you would. You will have successes and failures. Enjoy the successes, as they will become the sweetest memories of your life. Yet don't be afraid of failures--just never settle for them.

Back to the Freshman Issue...