As we begin the 2024-2025 school year, we remember the Class of 2024 and the big shoes they left for the Class of 2025 to fill. Considering they all went their separate ways, I reached out to a couple of Class of 2024 alumni to check on their college experiences so far.
First, we have Ava Bernard ‘24 who decided on The University of Mississippi. I took the opportunity to ask her about her first few weeks of college and her sorority rush experience.
Q: How was moving into college, and how has your college experience been so far?
A: Moving into college was so much fun! I got to meet so many new people in my dorm and loved meeting my roommate for the first time. My college experience has been great so far and I have made so many new friends! From going to football games to dinner, I love it here.
Q: Tell us about your recruitment week: what did you expect?
A: For recruitment, I was super nervous and didn’t know what to expect. After the first couple of days, I wasn’t as stressed as I was originally. I got the chance to talk to so many amazing girls, and I loved talking to every single one of them!
Q: How was your bid day experience and what house did you run home to?
A: Bid day was one of the best days of my life: I ran home to Delta Gamma and I couldn’t have been happier! I was so nervous when they handed me the envelope with my bid, but once I opened it I burst into tears of joy! Running home to my bid day buddy was a BLAST, I took so many pictures and was excited to meet everyone!
Q: Any advice for Royals looking to rush?
A: Some advice I have for girls looking to rush is just to be yourself. This is your new home away from home and being comfortable in the conversations you have is the best thing you can do!
Secondly, I got the chance to ask Hannah Dunton ‘24 about her study abroad experience with Loyola Marymount University.
Q: When did you decide to study abroad, and how did you decide the location?
A: I decided to study abroad when it was offered to me by LMU earlier this year. I chose London because I thought it was really pretty and since there would be no language barrier, it would make it easier for me to adjust. My mom also lived here 20 years ago, so I was biased.
Q: How would you say the studying abroad experience is so far?
A: I would say the experience is great so far. I’m having so much fun meeting people from all around the world and hopefully making some British friends soon. I love exploring the city and the cities surrounding London! I also love seeing the differences between living here versus living in the U.S. and although I miss my car, I get to take the double-decker red bus every day.
Q: Any advice for Royals who might want to study abroad?
A: If I could give advice to any Royals wanting to go abroad I would say, do it, do it, DO IT. It is a big adjustment, but it is so worth it. In my opinion, if you’re unsure about what you want to study or what college you want to go to, doing a year abroad is a good option to consider.
Hannah also provided some interesting fun facts that she has learned, such as: the police in London are called “the bobbies,” you can’t buy a knife until you’re 25, and healthcare is free in England.
We’ll wait for the Royal Reporter to update on the Class of 2025 next year, but, for now, good luck to the seniors on the college application process!
