Brothers Guillermo and Gabriel Acosta have just started their first semester at Stanislaus State as pre-nursing majors.
On the first day of school, Guillermo and Gabriel Acosta attended their initial philosophy class, then stood anxiously outside Bizzini Hall, waiting for their next classes to begin.
Like so many students at California State University, Stanislaus, the twin brothers, freshmen from Modesto’s Enochs High, are among the first in their family to attend a four-year university.
“It is a lot different than high school,” Guillermo Acosta said. “We are excited to see our friends and to get to know our professors.”
“I really like the campus,” Gabriel Acosta added. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to get an education and to know that I will have the skills to get a great job when I graduate.”
As of the first week of classes, there were 9,304 students enrolled for the fall semester, including 1,276 first-time freshmen and 930 transfer students.
Hailey Holm said she knew right away that Stanislaus State was the right choice for her. In fact, after visiting the campus as a high school senior, she cancelled all her other campus tours. Holm is currently a pre-nursing major and is also serving this year as the Vice Chair for the University Student Union. She said that returning to campus feels like coming back home.
“I love seeing all the new faces and seeing my professors again after the summer,” Holm said. “The one-on-one connections that you make on the first day of classes can really make the entire semester.”
For Cody Huntington, a communication studies major, the fall semester will be the last of his undergraduate career. Enjoying his last first week of classes, Huntington said that he is planning to stay involved even after he graduates.
“I feel like Stan State has built me educationally and socially and I am ready to spread my wings,” he said. “I’m planning to be involved in the alumni association after I graduate. I want to stay connected to my alma mater; Stan State is like a second home.”
Both Holm and Huntington were a part of the prevalent presence made by Associated Students, Inc. and the University Student Union on the first day of classes for “Get Involved Week.” Informational booths were set up at the entrances to nearly every building on campus with information encouraging students to get involved in campus activities.
Video: Get Involved with ASI & USU
There are a multitude of activities, events and organizations designed to connect students with resources on campus, to build a sense of community and to enhance the college experience.
ASI & USU also will be hosting “Stay Connected Week,” Sept. 8-11, with daily information, activities and giveaways to keep students engaged in campus life.
Greek life provides activities for students with a wide-range of interests and helps them create social and professional networks. Many students said that their fraternity or sorority feels like a home away from home. Activities for students interested in Greek Life will kickoff Sept. 11-14.
“The first day back to school is great — it’s nice to see our sorority sisters again and catch up after the summer,” said Libby Watkins, biology major and member of the sorority Phi Mu. “We are really excited for recruitment to begin.”