Conclusion of Freshman Year Discussion
In the heart of Worcester, Massachusetts, the Holy Cross campus is buzzing with energy as the class of 2028 settles into their first year. Three freshmen, Emily Carbone, Matt Hollatz, and Ashley Stracco, have been making waves in the community as members of the student government.
Emily Carbone, the Features Editor at Holy Cross, has been a driving force in advising freshmen to immerse themselves in social, extracurricular, and academic opportunities. Matt Hollatz, the treasurer of the class of 2028, has emphasised the importance of individual discipline and self-control for academic success. Ashley Stracco, the class president, has become more of an extrovert and honed her leadership skills during her time at Holy Cross.
The transition to college life has been a transformative experience for these students, helping them establish their goals, find their place in the community, and settle into their academic and social rhythms.
The Holy Cross community fosters a strong sense of camaraderie through a combination of shared faith-based practices, inclusive social events, supportive environments, and service opportunities. Consistent communal prayer, weekly Mass, and religious services like Adoration and Reconciliation provide freshmen with opportunities to bond through shared faith experiences.
Community-building social events, such as traditional celebrations, casual gatherings, and recreational activities, create welcoming opportunities for freshmen to meet peers and develop friendships. The campus offers upgraded facilities like the Hart Center and Field House, providing indoor practice areas, meeting theaters, and event plazas that host athletic, social, and large-group activities.
Service and outreach programs engage freshmen in activities that connect them with others and emphasise collective responsibility, reinforcing community values. These elements help the Holy Cross campus feel more like a cohesive community for incoming students, contributing to their sense of connection and belonging.
Michael Kieyah, Vice-President of the class of 2028, has engaged in the Holy Cross community by staying involved in clubs like SGA and BSU. He has also learned to be more open-minded during his time at Holy Cross.
The three freshmen have found support from their friends during their first year at Holy Cross. They have made many amazing friends and had wonderful experiences, from participating in Choir and Theatre to attending events like Battle of the Bands and Noche Latina. They look forward to what the next academic year has in store for them.
Ashley Stracco has learned that while academics are important, they aren't everything. Matt Hollatz has learned to be more self-manageable and organised. Michael Kieyah has learned about himself and what he wants to accomplish through college.
The Holy Cross community has been instrumental in their personal growth and academic success. These freshmen are testament to the power of a supportive community in shaping the college experience.
- Emily Carbone, as the Features Editor at Holy Cross, encourages freshmen to take advantage of social, extracurricular, and academic opportunities for personal growth.
- Matt Hollatz, the treasurer of the class of 2028, underscores the significance of self-discipline and self-control for academic success.
- Community-building events, such as casual gatherings and recreational activities, enable freshmen to meet peers and develop friendships on the Holy Cross campus.
- Service and outreach programs foster a sense of collective responsibility among freshmen, reinforcing community values at Holy Cross.
- The Holy Cross community, with its combination of shared faith-based practices, service opportunities, and inclusive events, plays a crucial role in shaping the college experience and supporting students' personal and educational development.
