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Today@Sam Article

Junior Shares Experience That Made Her 'Ultimate Bearkat'

July 31, 2012
SHSU Media Contact: Jennifer Gauntt

 

Chelsea Crane is a junior family and consumer science major from Montgomery who has been selected to serve as the student speaker for the 2012 New Student Convocation ceremonies. In the following, Crane shares her experiences at her own convocation and how that ceremony has impacted her collegiate career.

 

I ultimately wanted to come to SHSU because I knew I could succeed within these collegiate walls and beyond. In high school, I had the time of my life. I was a social butterfly, was involved in numerous organizations, and made great grades, but I wanted to go to college and push myself to have a more successful and fun four years. So I did just that! Weeks before school started, I became a new member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and had the opportunity to move into the house with the turquoise door on the hill. Arriving on move-in day with my parents and a U-Haul in tow, I quickly set up my room, gathered some sisters, and headed to the coliseum to attend New Student Convocation.

New Student Convocation is the ceremony that symbolically marks your starting point at Sam Houston. At convocation, on stage you look up to those who have had many successes in college and beyond; among you are your peers who will help you to succeed while here; and behind you is your family, the people who have aided you in the process of coming to SHSU. I wanted to go to New Student Convocation as a freshman, because I literally wanted to do everything! Looking back, I was slightly “dorky” in the respect that I was overwhelmingly excited to take part in the first activity of Welcome Week. Filing into seats in the massive coliseum, I was just in awe of all that was going on around me. The band, smiling volunteers, and orange everything was, in a weird sense, comforting. What I took away from convocation was the desire to become the ultimate Bearkat. I learned that making academic success the top priority, while still getting involved on campus and in the community, and making life-long friendships made the perfect equation for a rewarding four years at SHSU. I am so happy I chose to attend convocation and hope all new students have the same amazing experience that I had. It is hard to believe that was already three years ago and I will soon be addressing the freshman body about the amazing number of opportunities, possibilities, and successes of SHSU.

This year, because of the overwhelming number of incoming freshmen (which is awesome!) we will be having two ceremonies for the first time ever! We already have so many students and families who have RSVP-ed to be a part of this momentous occasion and share the excitement that I felt when in their shoes three years ago. As a student, my hope is that because of the ceremony, the class of 2016 will leave with a feeling of unity and Bearkat pride. The event will include a processional of university officials, an address from university President Dana Gibson, and a free dinner accompanied by a live DJ, as well as free prizes and much, much more! You will learn all about the exciting achievements SHSU has had in the past year and take part in a welcoming ceremony specifically designed to mark the starting point of your collegiate academic career. New Student Convocation is one of the most crucial tools that help you understand and appreciate your surroundings at SHSU.

Sam truly has become my home away from home. Here, it is easy to get involved, make personal connections with faculty and staff, create life long bonds of friendship, and simultaneously create a path to success in the years to come. As a junior whose first two years have flown by, I cannot reiterate enough how short and precious your time here at Sam Houston State University truly is. It is extremely important to take part in every activity you possibly can while enrolled as a student. New Student Convocation is the event to attend to kick start your soon to be amazing Bearkat experience!

 

New Student Convocation will be held on Aug. 25, beginning at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the Gaertner Performing Arts Center. Student participants are asked to RSVP online and arrive at least 15 minutes early.

 

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