ANDRE’ JOLICOEUR

Movin’ OnNew students talk about missing mom, forgetting necessities and more

George Bush was in the White House when most of Northwestern’s 300 new freshmen were born in 1990—George, Sr., that is. This fall they’ll “Rock the Vote” in their first presidential election. But first they participated in another rite of passage: leaving home for college. Classic staff asked how the transition is going.

Classic: What is the most important thing you brought with you to college?

“I can’t imagine coming to college without my Joe Jonas poster.” Ashley Christians, George, Iowa

“I brought my new acoustic-electric guitar—it was an amazing deal!” Alissa Abeler, Coon Rapids, Minn.

“My blanket is pretty important. I got it when I was 5 and still sleep with it all the time.” Angela Petrie, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

“As cheesy as it sounds, I think the most important thing I brought to college is a good attitude and an eagerness to get to know all these new people I’m encountering.” Aaron Bauer, Frost, Minn.

Classic: What from home are you missing the most?

“I miss the mountains.” David Johnson, Yreka, Calif.

“I miss my dog Panther—he’s my best friend and cuddle-buddy during storms.” Becca Smidt, Kanawha, Iowa

“I’m from Arizona; I miss Mexican food.” Collin Johnson, Tucson, Ariz.

“Ever since my brothers and I could walk, it seems, we’ve all been involved in lots of different activities that keep us really busy. But each evening at suppertime we’d all sit at the table as a family and talk and laugh about the adventures of the day. I miss that.” Kristen Menchaca, Columbus, Neb.

Classic: What’s on your list of things you wish you’d brought?

• Air conditioner
• Bike
• Blankie
• Bookends to keep my textbooks from falling off my shelves
• Bowl, spoon and fork
• Car
• Chair
• More clothes
• Room decorations
• Fan
• More food
• Light for my bed so I can read when my roommate’s asleep
• Printer for my computer
• The remote for my DVD player
• My retainer
• My robe!
• Robot to read all my assignments
• More pairs of shoes
• More pictures
• My Social Security card
• Storage boxes
• Towels
• Bigger trash can
• TV—I missed the end of the Olympics!
• Winter coat—I’m sure I’ll wish I’d brought one

Classic: What’s the best advice you got about starting college?

“Don’t bring too much.” Elizabeth Stevens, Ord, Neb.

“Get organized and don’t procrastinate.” Jacklyn Brooks, Sioux Falls, S.D.

“Never change who you truly are just to fit in.” Lisa Walters, Zeeland, Mich.

“Study your buns off!” Amber Taylor, Sioux Falls, S.D.

“Check your oil and tire pressure because Dad won’t be doing it anymore.” Anna Cloeter, Lincoln, Neb.

“Come home often—but not too often.” Erica Graber, Marion, S.D.

“Give it time.” Collin Johnson

“My sister told me college is scary at first, and you feel out of your comfort zone. But now that she’s a senior, she’s so excited to return to college and see all her friends. I hope that happens  for me too.” Jenna Van Oort, Orange City

“Get to know people with allergies because they get to have air conditioners.” Matt Negaard, Sioux City, Iowa

“Enjoy it because it’s the time of your life.” Courtney Goeldner, Clive, Iowa