Thursday, Aug. 15, Washburn University welcomed 920 new Ichabods to the on-campus housing. These new students were greeted by the welcoming faces from Washburn’s move-in crew that consisted of 258 volunteers from across the community.
Students volunteered for many reasons, such as Tanner McMillan, sophomore economics and accounting major, who volunteered because he enjoys helping people.
“I just love meeting new people, and my president, Caden Davis, told me I got to get my butt out of bed so I could be here to help people,” McMillan said.
According to Residential Living, McMillan was one of 10 Kappa Sigma members who volunteered to help move students’ belongings. Alongside from Kappa Sigma, the other organizations involved were Alpha Delta, Alpha Phi, Delta Gamma, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Zeta Tau Alpha, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), School of Nursing, the Education Department, University Libraries, the Memorial Union, Washburn University Foundation, Counseling Department, Math & Stats, Student Wellness and Recreation Center (SWRC), Student Orientation Counselors (SOCs), Strategic Analysis Research and Reporting (SARR), Men’s and Women’s Basketball, tennis, the Dancing Blues, the psychology club, We Are First, the Christian Challenge, Called to Greatness, and Topeka Baptist Young Adults.
Most of these organizations, aside from the non-Washburn affiliated organizations, can be found through Bods Connect.
Many students, such as undeclared freshman Jasmine Smith, felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as they moved their belongings inside.
Smith said that while she was a little nervous, she was excited to meet her roommate and learn about the college experience. Other students shared this feeling, such as Ethan Strong, freshman actuarial science major.
“I’m definitely nervous about meeting new people, but I’m excited to be here, it’s something new,” Strong said.
As most students who live in the residence halls are freshmen, this response is very common. Whether moving hundreds of miles from home or just around the block, a new environment with hundreds of unfamiliar faces can be intimidating, but with the right amount of time and resources, that new environment can feel like a home away from home.
So, welcome home new Ichabods! Here’s to a great year!
