Freshman Scholars Was a Blast!

(Samantha was one of the two students who worked on the Buried Body Remains and Decomposition Rates project with faculty mentor Dr. David Nicholson during the 2nd annual Freshman Scholars Program in summer 2013.)

by Samantha "Girl Sam," Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

My time in the Freshman Scholars Program was a blast!  To be honest, I had expected it to be all business and not as much fun, but it was the complete opposite.  We did have a lot of work to do, but there was plenty of time to do things for fun. For example, we made midnight runs to Cook-Out or watched reruns of the show "Friends." I had such a good time with the professors and the other scholars and was really able to get to know each of them. The stuff that I enjoyed the most from the experience were the people, my research project, and the ropes course.

The research project that I worked on was with Dr. Nicholson on the rate of decomposition on a 12-pound pig. The funniest thing was that my partner's name was also Sam!  We had a Samuel and a Samantha, but everyone just called us "Girl Sam" and "Boy Sam."  Along with the pig, Dr. Nicholson also found a completely decomposed deer skeleton!  We spent time collecting the parts from that skeleton and putting the bones together, which was a fun challenge. Along with the deer, watching the pig decompose was definitely a cool thing to see. Overall, I loved working with Sam and Dr. Nicholson because it was a relaxed environment and the project was about a very interesting topic.

Another thing that I experienced during this program was the high ropes course. Now, I had done a ropes course before, but it was a lot easier than the one we went to. At the ropes course the scholars went to, there were 5 obstacles to get across - each very different. I'm not afraid of heights, but it was nerve-racking for many reasons.  First, it had been a few years since I had done a ropes course. Second, I had never done a ropes course quite like that before. Finally, I have horrible balance. However, it was better because I had an awesome partner - Alicia.  She's super athletic and she would go before me and show me techniques I could try to make it easier.   Then she'd show me how to get up onto the tiny platforms with her.  We were also the first people to go up, and normally, I'm not the type to do anything first. At the end, I felt like I accomplished something awesome, and as a reward, I got to do the zip line!

The best thing about the program was the people I met. I got along great with my roommate during the program, Jessica, and I also met my roommate for my freshman year, Hannah.  I also made new friends, such as Megan and my research partner, Sam.  I never expected to be comfortable so quickly with a group of people.  If anything, I was afraid of not having people to hang out with and being alone, but I loved it!  Before the fall semester started, I already knew the people who I'd be hanging out with the majority of my time at college.  I loved the professors during the program too. All of the Freshman Scholars professors are awesome, especially Dr. Nicholson and Dr. Goff.  They would eat lunch with us, talk to us equally, and joke around with us during activities or during our classes. I am very glad I decided to apply for the Freshman Scholars Program because I felt very prepared as far as already knowing people when I came back, already talking to some of my professors, and getting used to the campus and college life.

The Beginning of a New Family at Ferrum College

by Tori, Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

On Sunday, August 4th, 2013, I spent a two and a half hour car ride gripping my steering wheel way too tightly.  At the end of that car ride, I would be moving into a dorm with people I'd never met before and living with them for two weeks as a Freshman Scholar. I was terrified.  I spent quite some time thinking about everything that could possibly go wrong. Making new friends makes me anxious, and being judged by other people scares me. At some point in the drive, probably about ten minutes from Ferrum's campus, I told myself that I was just going to relax and let come what may.  I don't think I ever could have guessed the greeting I got.


I was welcomed into my dorm by an incredibly nice group of staff members. Other freshmen were in and out of the dorm, looking just as nervous as I was (which made me feel like I wasn't alone at all). By the end of the first night, I had already learned the names and personalities of most of the people I was going to be around. Within the next two days, I found myself in a group of friends who helped me through my anxiety.  I forgot about how people would perceive me, and instead spent my time having the most fun I could possibly have had during those two weeks. I laughed so hard I cried, I spent hours in stores for no reason other than to run around in the toy section, and I even shared a friend's birthday at a local restaurant.

Not only that, but the professors involved in the Freshman Scholars Program were all ready to help any way they could. Knowing that I am welcome in a professor's office any time I need them makes me feel like there isn't a huge gap between staff and students. And really, that's a quality I've seen throughout the campus so far.  We're a family here.  And I, for one, couldn't have picked a better group of people to spend the next four years with.

A Fun Experience with the Freshman Scholars Program!

(Alison worked on the Population Structure of Pond Turtles and Relation to Urbanization project with faculty mentor Dr. Todd Fredericksen during the 2nd annual Freshman Scholars Program in summer 2013.)

by Alison, Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

For two weeks this summer, I spent all of my time with a group of twelve other scholars along with a group called FOCUS.  As an incoming freshman to college, I was nervous but quickly made a group of close friends who I know will help me succeed for the next four years. I was also intimidated because the reason that we had all come to the program was because we excelled at something. Whether it was math, science, psychology, or any other field, we were chosen over the other applicants for a reason and I didn't want to let anyone down or have my professor regret choosing me. It was definitely some of the hardest work I've ever done before, but it was also some of the most rewarding. I worked with Dr. Fredericksen to study the effects of urbanization on pond turtles, as well as how their environment in and around the pond affected the turtle population. We looked at the sex and age ratios, and we found that the pond with more nutrients had more turtles.

One of my favorite parts of the Freshman Scholars Program was that we earned college credit before even starting our fall semester!  Another favorite part of the two-week program was making connections and having awesome field trips and activities that we did together. While working on our individual projects, we also had time for a welcome picnic, a chance to visit a nationally-acclaimed zoo, and complete the low and high ropes course. We also had multiple game nights, a movie night, an optional worship service on Sunday morning, and a nature walk on the trail behind Dyer Hall.

We each gave a presentation after the first week to share information about our projects with everyone else in the program. It was really cool to see how everyone was doing and to get feedback on our own projects. After the two weeks were up, we presented our final posters to our friends and family. The bonds I made with everyone during the program will last forever and by the end of the two weeks, I couldn't wait to return to campus to hang out with all of these people during the regular school year.  I am even rooming with one of the girls I met in the program!  Having been a part of this program will help me socially and academically, which (as I've learned) are equally important and are directly related to your success at college.  I've also learned that your peers aren't just your classmates who are your own age; your professors are also your peers.  I'm glad that the professors I've met so far on campus are all really nice and are willing to talk to you and go the extra mile to help you with anything you need.  Enjoy the photos!

Great Company, Research, Activities, and Food - An Awesome Experience!

(Sam was one of the two students who worked on the Buried Body Remains and Decomposition Rates project with faculty mentor Dr. David Nicholson during the 2nd annual Freshman Scholars Program in summer 2013.)

by Sam, Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

The entire Freshman Scholars Program, including working with Dr. Nicholson and my research partner Samantha (also called "Sam"), was a highlight of my summer. When I arrived at Ferrum for the program, I didn't know what to expect. I knew no one and I was very anxious.  Thankfully, Dr. Goff welcomed me with a smile and I immediately felt better. Research with Dr. Nicholson and Sam began on Monday, August 5th. We studied the rate of decomposition in a pig along with collecting and rearticulating a skeletonized deer.  Throughout the week, I got to witness as maggots, along with a variety of other insects, decimated a 12.2 pound pig.  Not only that, but I got lessons in criminology, entomology, crime scene investigation procedures, and anatomy.  Up until I participated in that program, I had never had more fun in a class setting than I did during those two weeks!

Dr. Nicholson

I am a big eater, so naturally, I love good food. The Caf is a great place to find plenty of that!  The breakfast food over the course of the program was nothing short of great!  I have not once gone in the Caf and not seen something that I wanted. Not only is there a large selection, but there's a lot of healthy food too!

My class experiences were great during the two weeks of the program, but I also had a lot of fun outside the classroom.  We participated in the low ropes course at Ferrum on one day, and that was a blast!  It was a team-building experience in which I really learned a lot about my fellow scholars. Throughout the week, I played a lot of basketball and tennis - I'm a sports junkie.  The next week, we went and conquered the high ropes course!  That was another great team-building experience. The Freshman Scholars Program was an awesome and action-packed two weeks!

Family at Ferrum

by Wynn, Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

As someone from one of the largest cities in North Carolina, I was suspicious regarding the alleged compassion of Ferrum's staff; for years, I had been told how unforgiving college professors generally are.  However, I have experienced and wholeheartedly appreciated the true kindness and all-around positivity of each and every staff member I have met at Ferrum.  The staff earnestly works with students to resolve conflicts and pushes students toward success.  My high school teachers did not know me on the level that the professors here did after less than one week in the Freshman Scholars Program!  The activities in the program made me feel as if I know the professors on a personal level that stretches beyond what I have considered to be typical student-teacher interactions.

No faculty other than Ferrum's would put so much time and effort into a program like Freshman Scholars. This program offers something that generally only graduate students have the opportunity to do; Ferrum is allowing freshmen to gain valuable experience and credit hours in the process.  As if the Freshman Scholars Program was not incredible enough, when I had a crucial appointment scheduled during the two-week program, the professors worked with me and changed the schedule to accommodate my personal needs and ensured that I did not miss an essential meeting.  The way they worked with me was far above the call of duty and I am genuinely stunned at the generosity of this faculty; however, this is commonplace with the Ferrum staff.

The kindness of the staff does not end with the professors; the dining hall staff always greets every person with a warming welcome, and I have yet to walk past someone who doesn't smile or give me a friendly greeting. The cordiality of the staff creates an environment unique to Ferrum; happiness and comfort spread to the student body, easily allowing friendships to blossom as everyone quickly becomes a welcoming face.  It is this positive environment that makes Ferrum feel like a genuine home so soon after arrival.

The Beginning of a New Chapter

(Alicia was one of the two students who worked on the Origami and Mathematics project with faculty mentor Dr. Bryan Faulkner during the 2nd annual Freshman Scholars Program in summer 2013.)

by Alicia, Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

College is considered one of the most exciting, exhilarating, challenging, and memorable experiences of your entire life. You make new friends, you're in a new environment, and you discover who you are and who you are meant to be in life. As an incoming freshman, I had the privilege to participate in the Freshman Scholars Program held at what is now my school, Ferrum College.

Throughout the duration of the program, I met people who have the same goals as I do while also opening up my mind to accepting different people with different talents, along with their various views and outlooks on life. I had the chance to work with professors who understand who I am. I created a strong bond with them in order to have a better understanding of the curriculum and to gain a higher confidence in myself to get the assigned tasks done.

Dr. Faulkner, my professor, opened up my eyes to many things in the world of mathematics during the two-week program. He also helped me control my anxiety through the construction of origami and through the concentration and patience it takes to create the different shapes. My project demonstrated the unpredictability and uncertainty that lies in certain equations, thus giving me a broader understanding that math doesn't always hold a perfect answer.

Aside from the work on our projects, there were many other activities that Dr. Goff and the other faculty members scheduled for us in order to make our first-time college experience interesting and unforgettable. For example, we participated in many outdoor adventures, such as a low ropes course and a high ropes course.  The low ropes course taught everyone that communication, patience, and critical thinking are the key to success when working as a team. On the other hand, the high ropes course made us utilize what we learned from the low ropes course, which helped everyone make it through the challenging course safely and successfully.

It also intrigued me that the faculty members weren't afraid to take part in our outdoor recreational activities, which created a motivational spree throughout our entire group of scholars to be enthusiastic and willing to push forward through challenges that were at first viewed as "too scary" or "impossible."  This program proved to its participants, including myself, that nothing is impossible as long as you create a support system for yourself through teamwork with friends and your professors; with support, you can have the motivation to keep moving forward no matter the challenge or difficulty.

The Right Choice

by Hannah, Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

Anxiety runs rampant in my family, and I thought that I was the one who could avoid it.  Turns out that I can't escape it either. My first day of the Freshman Scholars Program went great. I was roaring and ready to go - ready to meet new people. I was feeling pretty good about everything.  I didn't sleep much that night, so I was really tired the next day. My first roommate wasn't really in the room much and I felt really alone for the first two days. By the third night, I had my first anxiety attack. It was one of the hardest things that I have ever had to go through, and as a result, I really struggled throughout the next few days as I learned to cope with my anxiety. I never imagined that these experiences would solidify that Ferrum College was the perfect place for me!

My extended family has always lived in Franklin County, and they only live about 20 minutes away from campus. I was able to lean on their support during my struggle that first week. They are the first reason that I think Ferrum College is the perfect place for me for the next four years - I be a part of their lives and they can support me.  Secondly, I also met some really great people during the program who gave me support as I coped with my anxiety. Both of the Sams (there were two in our group of 13!), Megan, and Jessica became really close to me and I really can't wait to see what the next four years has in store for the five of us. I never thought that I would meet people who I could relate to and who would understand me, but they broke that barrier and offered me support. The final group of people who were prominent in my journey during the two-week program are the faculty members. Being at a large college, you never really get to know most of your professors, but here, I have gotten to know my professors on a personal level. The relationship between the scholars and the faculty quickly grew into something that I never though was possible.  Drs. Goff, Nicholson, and Dahl each helped me out so much during my time of need and I will never be able to thank them enough.

These three groups of people are the reason that I believe that I will succeed here at Ferrum College in the coming years.  If you would have asked me at the beginning of the program if I was going to be able to come back for college in the fall and be okay, I would have told you "no."  But through the support of people here and close by, I know I will have a college experience that I won't ever forget.  The Freshman Scholars Program helped me see that with the right kind of support and encouragement, you can achieve and do things that will surprise you beyond belief!

A Great Program for Incoming Freshmen!

(Jessica worked on the Population Density and Habitat Use of The Southern Flying Squirrel project with faculty mentor Dr. Todd Fredericksen during the 2nd annual Freshman Scholars Program in summer 2013.)

by Jessica, Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

The most important thing about the Freshman Scholars Program for me was to make friends, and I have certainly made five of the best friends anyone could ask for!  Everything about this college, this program, and the faculty are all just so welcoming and inviting.

I had so much fun working on my project with Dr. Fredericksen. He knows so much about everything. All of the professors, as a matter of fact, know so much about everything!  They are incredibly smart.  I love the fact that I was able to come to the Freshman Scholars Program and get to work with Dr. Fredericksen and the others one-on-one.  When I walked into a classroom on the first day of classes and saw one of their faces, I was able to sigh in relief at seeing a familiar face.

I had a lot of fun working with my friends on the low ropes and high ropes courses.  You might be panicking at the top of the high ropes course when you hear your friends cheering for you, telling you how to make it across, and when you get to the other side, you look down at them to see them smiling from ear to ear.  All around, I had an amazing time in the program and I would recommend any new freshman here to apply for this program!

The Challenge of the Ropes Course

by Daphne, Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

Hello!  My name is Daphne, and I'm from Pulaski, VA.  Coming into a program as a freshman can be extremely scary, but some of the best memories are made by overcoming challenges and doing things that once scared you. In the Freshman Scholars Program, we participated in a low and high ropes course. The low ropes course was on the second day of the program with the FOCUS and Freshman Scholars groups together. The low ropes course was a challenge to work together and to help each other as much as possible. Even if there were disagreements on how to complete an obstacle, we all made it through successfully.

On Tuesday of the second week, the Freshman Scholars went to the high ropes course. This part was when things got more frightening and some people had to be taken down in the middle of the course. As we stood down on the ground looking up, we saw the ropes were thirty feet up in the air. The first few groups who went up there did it fairly fast without many difficulties. A few of us below on the ground were cheering on the ones up top.

As my turn came, Jess was already up at the top of the thirty-foot pole. She cheered me on as I climbed up the pole. As I climbed, I felt my heart racing and my body struggling, but I finally made it to the top. Out of breath, I stabled myself on a small platform. I successfully made it through three different ropes!  On the next one, however, I slipped off the rope and fell into my harness, which felt really frightening and caused my anxiety to increase. I finally made it to the third platform with Max's help, and Max and Cari finally got me down to the ground without me panicking too much more.

Once I calmed down, Jasmine and I climbed up a separate pole (again) and embraced each other to slide down the zip line. We were both terrified and had to be taken down on the ropes. We finally went down on the zip line screaming the whole way down!  After I got down there, I felt so accomplished of what I had completed. So, even if you think you can't do something, you can!  Even though I didn't complete everything, I am proud of what I did do.

Not a Straight-Forward Science

(Bailey was one of the two students who worked on the Experiences of LGBTQ Adolescents and Young Adults in Rural Appalachia:  Identity, Risk and Resilience project with faculty mentor Dr. Angie Dahl during the 2nd annual Freshman Scholars Program in summer 2013.)

by Bailey, Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

For Peter.

When I heard of Dr. Dahl's study for the Freshman Scholars Program, I thought I was a perfect candidate. As someone educated and open-minded, I thought I was someone who would never judge someone, especially not about his or her sexual orientation. It is only now, looking back, that I see how ignorant I was of my own ignorance. I was guilty of making many of the same assumptions that others do.

In the weeks preceding the Freshman Scholars Program, Dr. Dahl asked myself and Hannah, another Freshman Scholar on our team, to read a book called "The New Gay Teenager." Before I was even on campus, I was learning more about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth than I had ever thought possible. I learned through my readings that research in the past has focused far too much on the negative qualities of being gay and have ignored many of the positive qualities of being gay and the resiliency of those who identify as LGBTQ.

In high school, I had a friend named Peter. We met in 8th grade at a debate about the pros and cons of The Twilight Saga.  I didn't see him much after that until high school. We talked every once in a while throughout high school, bonding over My Little Pony and the musical groups we were a part of, and even though we weren't extremely close, I still considered him a friend. One day, I heard rumors through our school that Peter was wearing a skirt. I stumbled upon him in the cafeteria, and it was true - he was wearing a pink-striped shirt with a pink skirt. I was proud of him for his courage (he definitely pulled it off). I learned later that he did it for three separate purposes:  first, to honor a friend of his; second, to gain self-confidence; and third, to determine how people would react.

There was a mixed reaction to Peter that day. To my surprise, I saw a lot of other students who made nice remarks toward him. However, there were negative remarks as well; I saw my friend being called derogatory names, and even though he didn't show it, I worried that he was hurt. The scary thing is, it also seemed like he was being judged by some of the school staff members. Overall, it was sad to see my school's reaction to Peter that day. There were other times when I saw him teased, and I thought that I was someone who completely understood him and who was completely non-judgmental, but I was wrong. When talking with him recently, I finally asked how he identified since I had not asked before. I had made the assumption of him being gay, and even though I was right, it wasn't proper of me to just assume without asking.

Since working in the Freshman Scholars Program, I have learned something about my assumptions. I now know that there is a difference between sexual orientation, sexual identity, sexual behavior, and gender identity. I now know that there are so many other terms besides lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and realized that individuals who identify as a sexual minority might not want to be put in a box with a label. The people in the gay community are no different than any other human being. They are just people. Peter is not simply a gay male. Peter is a male who is wonderful and funny. He is understanding and strong. The fact that he is gay doesn't define him - it's just a part of who he is, and I'm proud to consider him my friend.

I worry about Peter now that I have left home. I worry that people will try to label him; I worry that he will be misunderstood and that people may treat him badly. But I also know that he is a strong, resilient person who can survive and will thrive.  Yet, I shouldn't have to worry. Peter should be allowed to be who he truly is, without any fear.

During my work with the Freshman Scholars Program, I felt slightly separate from the other scholars. My work wasn't a straight-forward science. I didn't get to trap and track turtles or use fancy machines like some of my peers. My work didn't produce results as quickly as some of the other projects in the program - my work takes time. To be honest, there was a point where I thought my study wasn't worth it and that what I was doing wasn't as important as working toward understanding tuberculosis or finding the effects of urbanization on the turtle population of our local ponds.

Dr. Dahl helped me acknowledge that I was doing good work and helped identify the relevance of my study. However, the person who helped me the most was Peter. When feeling down, I asked for his help, which he readily gave, and when I told him of my study, his reply brought me to tears. He said that I "rocked for writing something so important."  He also shared his excitement when he said my study would help "change the world." That's when I realized - I wasn't doing this for Dr. Dahl, for the three credits, or even for me. I'm doing this for Peter, and for people like him, who deserve the chance to be who they are.

My Surprising Accomplishment

by Jasmine, Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

I was selected to participate in the Freshman Scholars Program here at Ferrum College. During this program, we have had multiple evening and outdoor social activities. One of the activities that stood out for me was the high ropes course. The high ropes course happened to be 40 feet off of the ground, and everyone was scared out of their minds!  This activity made me acknowledge how far I can go out of my comfort zone. This specific task involved a lot of trust in everyone in our group and especially trust in myself.  Only the brave went first, and I decided to gawk at the difficulty of the obstacles and the drive everyone had to make it past the first task. It felt good to see and hear our new friends and faculty members cheer us on.  I am really impressed at everyone who was able to get up there and complete the obstacles safely.  I did not complete the high ropes course because I began to panic once I climbed to the top platform for the first obstacle. When Cari attached me to the ropes to climb up the pole, I had already sufficiently talked myself out of it.

Everyone else's accomplishments went out of my head, and I decided not to motivate myself to go on. I felt bad because I felt as though I let my partner down.  There is a mutual trust and motivation you share with your partner, but she was scared too and I did not pursue the motivation. However, I was proud of myself for going as far as I did because after I called down from climbing up to the platform, I went zip-lining!  I could never explain how I got through zip-lining and not the high ropes course.  I felt a lot more relaxed when it came time for me to try the zip-line. I paired up with someone who also had trouble with the high ropes course, and we both loved zip-lining!

Finding My Niche at Ferrum College

(Megan worked on the cAMP Levels in Eschericia coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis project with faculty mentor Dr. Michaela Gazdik during the 2nd annual Freshman Scholars Program in summer 2013.)

by Megan C., Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

Hello!  My name is Megan, and I am from Yorktown, Virginia.  Let me begin with how much of a blast I am having here at Ferrum!  I am already finding my niche in this place, and I can't believe how awesome the people are here, especially the professors. They are truthfully the best. I really enjoy being around them, and (surprise) they are actually real people.  They all care so much about our education, and they want us to have the best experience that we can at college.

My favorite thing about the professors here at Ferrum College is that they are not only our mentors, but they are also our friends. I had only been on campus for a week and a half for the Freshman Scholars Program this summer, and I felt like I had known them my whole life.  They engage actively with the students, and even eat lunch with us sometimes. They are into pop culture, and they are just as quirky and amazing as we are.  The teachers here laugh and relate with the funny stories that we tell them about college life because (guess what?) they have been through it too!  Sometimes, I feel as if they know me better than I know myself because they have already done the exact same things that we are currently doing.

It's not just the professors here who are fantastic though. The students are really easy to get along with, and we have had so many awesome times together already. I am really glad that I participated in the Freshman Scholars Program because I was able to begin the semester with friends that I knew I could count on. These are people that I know I will keep around for a long time, and I love them all!  We are crazy, yes, and we will never forget this experience that we shared!

A Non-Traditional Freshman in Freshman Scholars

(Tonja was one of two students who worked on the Development of an Animal Model for the Cognitive Deficits Observed in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) project with faculty mentor Dr. Megan St. Peters during the 2nd annual Freshman Scholars Program in summer 2013.)

by Tonja P., Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

After many years of being out of school and in the real world, I made a decision to go back to college. I chose Ferrum College for this new chapter in my life for many reasons. For one, it is near the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and I needed to get away from the killer Texas heat. The second reason was that it offered the classes I wanted to study further. My goal is to become an Art Therapist for children with special needs, and Ferrum offers both Art and Psychology programs.

After enrolling, I decided to join the Freshman Scholars program. I wasn't quite sure at the time what this program involved exactly, but I did know that I would be working directly with a professor on campus and one other student. I thought this would be a good way for me to transition back into the school scene without getting too overwhelmed with feeling like the odd man out. It would also help me to further my education and earn credits in the field of study I was pursuing.

The first day of Freshman Scholars was an eventful and slightly overwhelming day. I met several other people who were 15 years younger than me. They talked of the latest trends, video games, what they accomplished in high school, how they would celebrate their 18th birthday soon, and of social medias that I have never heard of - like Snapchat.  I felt excluded and out of my comfort zone.  I thought that I had nothing in common with these people except that I was a student as well. At one point, I felt frustrated with my choice. I did not want to have to socialize with these people that I had nothing in common with, but I wanted to learn and excel instead. Then, class began and we got to meet with our professor and begin what I came to Ferrum to do.  Over the next few days, I realized that I had made the right choice.

Once the newness of everyone meeting settled down, the seriousness came out in the other students.  I felt more connected to them.  It was less about socializing and more about learning and sharing study tips and ideas.  Several offered suggestions for me in studying and helped me learn new tips on the computer. The professors were also very encouraging and positive. They have taken the time to get to know us personally and offered to help in any way.  I feel like I can call my Freshman Scholars team the start of my Ferrum family.

Freshman Scholars not only taught me a great deal about research in the psychology field, but it also taught me how to work as a team with another generation from which I first felt so disconnected. It has created a bond that would not otherwise be there in normal everyday life. I am excited about this new semester knowing I have the support of the other students and the professors!

My Work-Study with Ferrum Outdoors!

by Cari A., Panther Blogger

For those of you who read my blog regularly, you may have noticed that I mention the Freshman Scholars Program quite often. This is another one of those times where that program set in motion a lot of things I have now.  One that I am very proud and honored to have is my work-study position with Ferrum Outdoors. I was first introduced to the program when Aaron Conover and Dan Caston brought our Scholars group together to form a family.

During our time with Aaron and Dan, we were challenged to perform tasks that could ONLY be performed with every single member of our team. We as a team worked with balance, communication, problem-solving, and - my personal favorite - trust. We had all just met 11 new and different people, and this exercise not only tested our individual willpower to overcome our own limits, it also forced each of us out of our comfort zones to meet and connect with the 11 other people with whom we would be spending 2 full weeks. This event not only formed several friendships with people I still call friends now, but it showed me that this was something I wanted to do during my four years here at Ferrum.

Since this past summer, I have been hired with Ferrum Outdoors as a recreational leader and have been leading events such as caving, scuba diving rock climbing, kayaking, and most recently, skiing and snowboarding. These trips are all things that appeal to me in different ways. Being a pre-med major, most of my time is spent in a lab studying chemistry or biology, so to get the opportunity to step back from that and go completely out of my major is absolutely keeping me sane!  Through working with Ferrum Outdoors, I have met a whole different part of the campus population here because this activity is so far out of my element. I am very glad that I found Ferrum Outdoors because it has been a major component in keeping me involved at Ferrum and enjoying every minute of being a student here!  Taking the time to relax and take a break from the class work is exactly what every student needs.

- Cari

Greetings from Ferrum College Student Blogger, Cari!

by Cari A., Panther Blogger

 

My name is Cari. I am freshman here at Ferrum, and I am from Salem, Virginia. I have big goals in life: I plan to complete my undergraduate studies, attend medical school, and become a doctor. I am not exactly sure what kind of doctor just yet, but I know it’s what I want to do.

Being pretty local, I knew about Ferrum College but never thought to apply until my high school guidance teacher suggested it. I would look at pictures of the campus and some of the activities, and I knew that Ferrum's location was drawing me in. I was born in the city, but my whole family is from Oklahoma, so I am a country girl deep down. I also saw and read about some of the things that go on in the community and activities that students do for their community to help out. I have always been inclined to help others as if it were a second nature. I am a Virginia-certified Emergency Medical Technician, and I love every minute of it.

I love Ferrum's small campus and class sizes; after only a few weeks of school, I feel like my professors already know my name and are getting keyed into my habits. Unlike Virginia Tech or University of Virginia where there are 300 plus students in a class, having only 20 or 30 in a class is less overwhelming and you can feel more comfortable with asking questions and getting engaged in the discussion. I can already tell that the level of education that I will have obtained after my four years here at Ferrum are going to help me immensely in my studies to become a doctor.

This past August, I was selected to be a Freshman Scholar, and that is where I really found my passion for the outdoors and when my eyes were really opened to my potential work-study job. Because of my time as a Freshman Scholar, I am now an employee for Ferrum Outdoors. I am also on the Rock Climbing Team here. You may say… we have a rock climbing team? Well the answer is YES! Yes, we do! It’s brand new and we are ready to represent Ferrum College. I am also a part of the Rec club and the Minds-n-Medicine club. I am currently taking a SCUBA diving class, so if you see a girl in a wetsuit walking around campus, it’s probably me! I haven’t been at Ferrum very long, but by far, my favorite memories are from the Scholars program. The opportunity to work with 11 other students and 9 professors for 2 weeks really leaves you with a lot of lifetime memories and friends.

Out of My Comfort Zone

(Ajarah was one of two students who worked on the Institutional Readiness for Online Education project with faculty mentor Dr. Karl Roeper during the inaugural Freshman Scholars Program in summer 2012.)

by Ajarah N., Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

The whole time I was at the Freshman Scholars Program, we did many events that I would have never done at home. When we went to climb the rock wall, I surprised myself by climbing it. I am so afraid of heights, but I still decided to repel off of the rock wall. I was excited as I was climbing up the ladder, but when I got up there, I wanted to turn around. Everyone up there kept encouraging me to just try it, so I did. While I was leaning back about to repel, all I kept saying was "I'm going to die!"  Then I let go and started easing my way down. I was so excited at what I had accomplished.

The Freshman Scholars Program helped me get out of my comfort zone and do things I never thought I would do in a million years!

 

Freshman Scholars: A Life-Changing Experience

(Blake was one of two students who worked on the cAMP Levels in Eschericia coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis project with faculty mentor Dr. Michaela Gazdik during the inaugural Freshman Scholars Program in summer 2012.)

by Blake S., Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

The Freshman Scholars program at Ferrum College was a life-changing experience for me. Throughout the course of the two-week program, I gained valuable insight on the profession I plan to pursue, made friendships that will last a lifetime, and grew stronger as an individual. Having the opportunity to work in a lab and perform research that may one day be used to stop a widespread disease is something very few people get to experience. Thanks to this program, I have been able to realize how passionate I am about helping others and how I can do so through laboratory research.

Alongside learning and gaining experience for my future career, I made a friend in each of the other scholars in the program. We created personal bonds with each other while participating in various activities, such as the ropes course, rock climbing, canoeing, and eating in downtown Roanoke. I know that I now have eleven new friends that I can go to if I am ever in need of some help.

The most important aspect of this experience for me was growing more as an individual. I've learned how I can make a difference in someone else's life and that being myself is easier and much more rewarding rather than trying to fit in with the crowd. Through this, I have become a more determined and stronger individual who is focused on achieving each of my dreams and aspirations. Thank you to all of those who played a part in the Freshman Scholars Program at Ferrum College for helping me to grow and learn more than I could ever imagine.  

My Date with the Red-Eyed Rat

(Caitlyn was one of two students who worked on the Development of an Animal Model for the Cognitive Deficits Observed in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) project with faculty mentor Dr. Megan St. Peters during the inaugural Freshman Scholars Program in summer 2012.)

by Caitlyn T., Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

I stared at the plastic box in Dr. St. Peters' hands as if it was the fourth horseman of the apocalypse, carrying with it my inevitable demise. Red eyes gleamed from behind a helmet of white fur, and a wormy tail thrashed about wildly so that I could barely make out the number written there in black marker. I knew that hidden beneath the small nose and long whiskers, razor sharp teeth were awaiting my unsuspecting fingers.

I am going to die, I thought.  Right here. In this lab.

I heard Dr. St. Peters' voice, but knowing that a thin sheet of plastic was all that separated us, I could hardly focus on anything but the white pile of fur in front of me. Suddenly, its tiny claws made their first appearance, and I quickly averted my gaze. I was just in time to hear my mentor explain to us how to handle the scurrying creatures, and I realized that my time had come.

Why am I doing this?  Right. Because I'm an idiot.

At that moment, I wanted to tell my mentor that I had been wrong all along:  that I couldn't work with rodents, that I hadn't understood how scary they actually were, and that everything sounded different when she was on the other end of a telephone conversation. But I could tell by the expectant look in her eyes that I wasn't going to be getting out of this. So with a deep breath, I stepped up to the container resting on the smooth black countertop and tried to suppress the urge to run straight out the door and onto the street.

Hesitantly, I stroked the rodent's soft fur, mentally preparing myself for what I would have to do next. Then, before I could talk myself out of it, I latched my fingers onto the base of its tail before lifting it into the air. For a moment, the animal was flailing, its tiny claws slicing the air in every direction. A shrill squeak escaped its fuzzy body as I plopped it onto my outstretched arm and jerked it toward my body while my mind was still screaming to run for my life and never look back.

And then it was in my arms, nestled against my chest. Looking down at the small creature, I began to notice things I hadn't before -- the softness of the hair, the way the nose would twitch periodically, the fluffiness of its ears. Even through the latex gloves, I could feel the fragility of the little rodent I was holding. 

And suddenly, I wasn't so scared.

The rat wasn't going to hurt me. He hadn't made a single move to bite me since I first grabbed him by the tail.  He had never been a threat. The only part of me that had suffered was my pride. I had just let myself be frightened by something not much larger than the hand that was now holding it. I laughed at myself as I realized that I had just made a new friend -- the red-eyed rat.

Learning from a Great Mentor

(Shannon was one of two students who worked on the Investigation of Natural Product Biosynthesis project with faculty mentor Dr. Laura Grochowski during the inaugural Freshman Scholars Program in summer 2012.)  

by Shannon B., Freshman Scholar and Guest Blogger

Being a part of the Freshman Scholars Program was a great experience. Having the opportunity to meet a majority of the professors before classes started, staying in the dorms, and meeting people from the incoming freshman class were all beneficial because I had a better idea of what to look forward to when the fall semester began. I also already have a group of people that I know will always be there for me.

During the two-week program, there wasn’t anything I didn’t enjoy doing, but the best part of my day was working in the lab with Rachel and Dr. Grochowski. When I first arrived at Ferrum, I had no idea what we were really going to be doing; after listening to Dr. Grochowski give us an overview on all the material we were going to be looking over, I never thought I’d be able to truly understand what we were researching. Although I asked endless questions and made mistakes along the way, Dr. Grochowski continued to explain everything thoroughly so I understood it and assured me that I would catch on to things quickly.

Throughout our first week in the lab, we learned a variety of ways to use the different instruments to either measure out compounds or to create methods on the computer that would run our samples. After the first week of the program, I was more confident in knowing the information we were researching, and I was able to work the various instruments we were using, like the Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Mass Spectrometer, and more.

During our second week, Dr. Grochowski trusted Rachel and me to work together without having to constantly remind us what to do next when using all the different instruments to make the samples and programs we needed for our experiments. We even started to come up with new experiments and ideas to expand our research on our own.

Dr. Grochowski was an amazing mentor to have during this project because of her positive attitude and outlook on our research and for never giving up on us when we were lost or confused during any part of our studies. This fall, Rachel and I plan on working with Dr. Grochowski and some of the other mentors in the Freshman Scholars Program to continue and expand our research around Ferrum.