I’ll start off first by giving a big welcome back for all returning UNH students, and an even bigger welcome to the incoming class of 2017! It’s hard to believe almost four years ago I was in your exact shoes, unsure about the college world and how it would treat me. It’s also hard to believe I graduated high school when all of you were still freshman (okay, now I feel old).

Seeing all the new faces on campus is a bit nostalgic, and makes me remember my first day all the way back in 2010. It was pouring rain…not the ideal condition for a girl with frizzy hair and no umbrella. And sitting under that big white tent in the quad? Let’s just say I picked the wrong day to wear flip flops. On top of everything, I was a commuter student, meaning when everyone left for their floor meetings in warm, dry residence halls, me and my fellow commuter minions ran for cover under anything we could find, finally accepting the mercy of a Bixler RA who let us chill in the lobby (whoever you were, you rocked).

Reflecting back on that day now makes me realize how lucky I was. This less than ideal experience made me want to try harder, it made me want to reach out and create the college memories I longed for. Getting involved with the various organizations on campus is one of the best decisions you could make as an incoming student. You’ll find other students who share similar interests, make friends, and maybe even rise to a leadership role.

If there’s anything you do this year, take advantage of the services and opportunities offered by UNH: join the student government and speak your mind, get your resume looked over at the Career Development Center, take a Zumba class, join REC Sports or other student organizations, study abroad or simply attend events. UNH maintains its status as a leader in experiential education by offering countless avenues for getting valuable work experience in your field of study.

Maybe even consider writing for The Charger Bulletin *wink wink, nudge nudge.* We accept students of any and all majors on our staff, no professional writing experience needed. It’s a great way of reaching your peers, meeting new people, and gaining experience in the field of journalism.

If you told me freshman year that I would be sitting as Editor-in-Chief of the student newspaper, I’d probably think you were crazy.

But that first day standing in the pouring rain did teach me something—that everything won’t turn out the way we expect. That the road that leads you to where you want to be isn’t always the straightest or the easiest. Life won’t be perfect, but you should also never let that “rainy first day of school” determine your entire future. Make the most of it and charge on!

Thank you for picking up the first issue of The Charger Bulletin for the year, and for your continued support of the official student newspaper of the University of New Haven since 1938.