If you have been to college before, you know that it can be a scary, exciting and a costly transition into young adulthood. This year’s incoming freshman have many things running through their minds as they get ready for the upcoming year and excitement and nervousness are among the top feelings their experiencing currently.
“I chose Cabrini because I loved the campus and the people I met on the tour,” incoming freshman Danielle Nagel said. “Out of the schools I applied to, Cabrini was by far the most generous with financial aid and scholarships.”
Nagel is nineteen, from Perkasie, Pa. and more than ready to start the next chapter of her life at Cabrini University. Nagel spends her free time drawing, reading, playing video games and swimming when the weather permits it.
“So far I’ve purchased a laptop, twin XL bedding, a floor and desk lamp, light bulbs and a first aid kit. I also treated myself to a cherry-blossom wall decal,” Nagel said.
She credits their longtime family friend, who has children of her own in college, for helping with certain important decisions.
“She was instrumental in helping me avoid some common pitfalls,” Nagel said. “I am excited for the academic challenge. I am nervous that I will have difficulty finding time for myself in a crowded dorm.”
“I am excited for a brand new experience in a location that I have never stayed overnight before,” freshman Elaina Loveland said. “I’m ready for change but also nervous about missing my mom too much. Other than that, I’m a very easy-going person and very very outgoing so I won’t be too nervous around new people for long.”
Loveland is not the first in her family to go to college. Her mother went to Rowan University and her sister went to California State Channel Islands. Her intended major is K-4 early education with special education K-8.
“I chose Cabrini based off of location and the generosity of the staff that have contacted me,” Loveland said. “I have been living with my grandmother since I was three years old and would never live too far from her. Cabrini is only an hour and a half from my house which is a perfect distance so I can come home sometimes.”
The New Jersey native has already bought everything for her dorm. A mini fridge, comforter, mattress pad, decor for her walls and several tapestries. Among her extensive list is under-the-bed storage, desk supplies, a first aid kit and more.
“My boyfriend and best friend, Cooper, helped me the most with my transition for college. He is a year ahead of me so he has already experienced things and has taught me the pros and cons of them,” Loveland said. “Cooper has been a great role model towards me and answers every question I have about college. He attends Lebanon valley college in Pennsylvania.”
“I spend my free time hanging out with friends and going to the beach,” Loveland said. “I love having lunch with family and friends, shopping and my favorite thing to do, nap.”
While some incoming students have already bought the essentials, some wait until they get to campus to buy everything.
“I haven’t bought anything so far,” freshman Nathalie Lalama, an intended biology major, said. “I have to buy my bedding, refrigerator, and storage solutions soon. I’m so unprepared.”
Lalama is from Kearny, N.J., and is the youngest child to go to college in her family. She is Ecuadorian and comes from a small family. The reason she picked Cabrini is because of its location to home, small community and because she has joined the rowing team. She will be living in Xavier Hall and encourages people to come say hello!
“I’m mostly excited about working in labs and being to row. Making friends is something I’m looking forward to also,” Lalama said. “In my spare time I watch a lot of Netflix. Dexter, Supernatural, Orange is the New Black and so many others that I binge watch when not busy. I think freshman year is going to be great, I’m excited to meet new people, get away from home and be in a different environment.”
