Hear it from a freshman

Hey there, this is Anna Kaiser and I am a current freshman at Ball State University. I have decided to major in journalism education here at Ball State. I was fortunate enough to get a job as one of the new staff workers in the Journalism Workshops office and have taken full advantage of the opportunities it offers. Ball State is a great school, with an amazing journalism program, and I am very excited to share with you all my experience as a freshman in the department.

Coming from a large high school with a journalism program that was essentially nonexistent, I was nevertheless extremely nervous to enter a nationally-ranked journalism program. I had no clue what to expect. Reoccurring questions kept circling my mind. Will I be able to keep with the curriculum? What will the teachers be like? Do I have enough experience or skills? And even though I was editor-in-chief of my high school’s paper, will my writing be good enough to be printed in a college paper? However, once I finally arrived to Ball State’s campus these fears were put to ease.

Walking down the hallways of the Art and Journalism building on the first day of school was really intimidating, but Ball State’s Journalism department made the transition from high school to college easy and enjoyable. First off, unlike high school, they offer a variety of classes that touch all aspects of journalism. Coming from a school that offered just one journalism class, I was excited, and a little overwhelmed, to be able to take classes I knew I would like and be able to use the new skills in my future journalism career.

These classes are, however, challenging. The classes that my friends and I have taken have had many projects, papers and quizzes that make up your grade. It takes time and work to get a good grade, but it is not impossible. Ball State is fortunate to have teachers that enjoy teaching and are willing to help their students. They are generally pretty clear in giving directions and what their expectations of you are in class, but if you are even a little confused, never hesitate to email them or stopp by their office. If I ever had any concern on a paper or project, I would email my teacher and within no time, he would reply to me. The combination of hard work and communication with my teachers was why I was able to succeed.

One of my greatest fears, like in high school, was that I wouldn’t make any friends in my classes. I’m a shy person, so coming to a large university and only knowing four other people was really nerve-racking. But I quickly came to realize that every freshman on campus was in the exact same situation that I was in. Everyone is embarking on this new adventure, and looking for new friends and my journalism classes were best place to find them. Most freshmen take the same journalism classes, so you are bound to see familiar faces in your classes (especially since you will be with these people for the next four years). And luckily, the classes are not too large, so you actually get to know most of the students in the class.

Coming to the university, I knew I wanted to get real journalistic experience. The first week at school, I walked into the Daily News, Ball State’s newspaper, and was welcomed by the staff. I was assigned my first story and by the third week of school, I had three published articles. The editors are willing to work with your schedule, and will let you write as much or as little as you want. Even though they may seem intimidating at first, they will help you improve your writing and become a stronger journalist. However, attending Ball State’s journalism workshops was a key reason why I was able to enter the newsroom. Getting to know the atmosphere of the newsroom two summers earlier in the Daily News Experience was extremely helpful and one of my most rewarding experiences.

The journalism department puts on a “Super Party.” Each semester they put up booths and show off opportunities the department has. Students can sign up to be part of on-campus organizations that will help them get more involved or sign up to be on publications like the Daily News or Ball Bearings. While some high school publications are ranked and rewarded for their work, these collegiate organizations and publications are what will count in when it comes time to look for a job. They offer real experience; you will be put under pressure trying to hit deadline, it may be stressful at times and you won’t get as much guidance as you did in high school, but the experience will be worth it in the long run.

I am extremely fortunate to have had such a successful first semester. From the first day I knew Ball State was the place for me. I have multiple bylines in a college paper, I am part of the Journalism Education Association organization and I have succeeded in my classes. With so many opportunities, great teachers and ranked publications, Ball State is an excellent place to start a journalism career.

That has been my experience as a freshman in the journalism department so far, but here are some general tips that I would have liked to know before I came to Ball State. Hopefully these will help you in the future!

• Go to one of the earliest orientation dates. You will be more likely to get the classes you want, at a time you want.
• If you get the opportunity come to one of the early start programs. Chances are you will get to move in early (that way you can pick the side of the room you want first) and you will meet so many people that you will become friends with.
• Go around and find where all your classes are before the first day of school actually starts.
• Go to campus events (especially welcome week events). 1. They are free. 2. You will mostly likely get free food. 3. You might get free things like a t-shirt. 4. They can be really fun. 5. You might even learn something there.
• Take advantage of any clubs or organizations you think you might like. Give a couple a try. You might find something you are really interested in and could benefit you in the future. Be involved.
• Find an on-campus job. Some can be really fun, and the extra cash doesn’t hurt either.
• Leave your door open and get to know the people on your floor. It will make the dorm experience so much more fun.
• Even if your parents drive you insane, talk to them at least once a week. They just want to make sure you are alive.
• Make sure you have a refrigerator and microwave in your room.
• Girls, don’t bring all your purses or bags. Chances are you will not use them and they will just take up space in your room.
• Bring as many storage bins as you can fit in your dorm room. These will be essential to keeping your room organized and they are great for taking your belongings home in.
• Bring an umbrella, rain boots and raincoat.
• If you decide not to loft your bed, buy bed risers. They give you an extra five to seven inches of height and creates more storage room.
• Bring air freshener for your room.
• Bring bottles of hand-sanitizer for your room and travel size bottles to keep in your backpack or purse.
• Bring cleaning supplies for your room. Even if you hate to clean or dust, you will want to at least have Clorox hand wipes to wipe down your room when people on your floor are starting to get sick.
• Invest in a good, sturdy backpack.
• Bring pictures and posters. The walls in all the dorm rooms are extremely bare. Bring color into your room and it will feel more like home.
• Subscribe to a magazine or try to have someone at home send you mail regularly. Getting mail will be a highlight of your day.
• Buy, order or reserve your books early.
• Make sure you have a good shower caddy. And most importantly, bring shower shoes. Always wear shoes in the bathroom!
• Bring two sets of sheets if you can. That way, you will have at least one pair of clean sheets around.
• Bring multiple fans for your room (this does not apply to those who are lucky enough to have air-conditioning).
• Bring a rug or a large piece of carpet for your room.
• Bring your favorite movies.
• Put the phone numbers of your favorite delivery places in your phone. That way when you are starving and don’t want to go get dining hall food, you are not searching all over for the Jimmy Johns’ number. It will just save you time.
• You don’t have to be best friends with your roommate, but make sure you respect each other. If you don’t, it will make for an extremely awkward school year.
• Find a good group of friends. They will become your family.
• You do not need a printer in your room. It will just take up space.
• You will need a winter coat.
• College will be one of the greatest experiences of your life. Take advantage of it. Work hard, get good grades, but make sure you are having fun!