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Wearing big smiles, seniors Abbie Styran and Tesha Houston last week greeted incoming freshman outside of Pope Hall during move-in days at ����֮��.

“Pope Hall was my dorm for my first year at ����֮��, it’s exciting to help this year’s first-year students move in,” Styran said. “I even met the students who are now living in my old room.”

As the two resident advisors helped ����֮��’s newest Bears check in, Wrentham’s Hannah Holster, ’28, and her mom Kim pulled up in front of Pope Hall and began the task of unloading their car.

There were no tears from Kim, who was more excited than nervous about dropping her daughter off.

“I’m mostly happy for her,” she said. “She’s ready to start this next phase and Bridgewater just seems like a really good fit for her.”

For New Jersey native and senior Rowan Pregenzer, ����֮�� has felt like home since she first arrived on campus four years ago. As a resident advisor, she now looks forward to helping first-year students also feel like they belong.

“I know how I felt being from out of state as a freshman,” she said. “I didn’t know what to expect. I knew what New Jersey spirit was all about, but not Massachusetts spirit. But I quickly realized Bridgewater is a welcoming community.”

Tesha, who transferred to ����֮�� in the spring of 2022 was in a similar boat: she wasn’t quite sure what to expect coming to a new university, but soon learned she had nothing to worry about.

“I love the community feel here. It’s a very welcoming environment. I love the academic programs, the professors and advisors are really supportive and willing to guide you in the right direction,” Houston said.

While waiting in line to check into Woodward Hall, Francesca Paicopoulos, ’28, said she isn’t quite sure yet what she plans to study but is looking forward to figuring it all out.

“I’m not really that nervous, I’m just ready to get started,” she said. “I look forward to meeting new people and having new experiences.”

North Attleboro native Adam Hardy, ’28, plans to study business management and sees a ����֮�� education as a way to help him gain what he called, “a return on investment.”

“I’m excited (to be here),” he said. “I hope to find a good group of friends, get through class and have fun.”

And on those days when first-year students feel lost or need some guidance, Abbie and Tesha emphasized the importance of reaching out for help.

“Use all the resources Bridgewater has to offer. It can be hard as a freshman to know where to go to get help,” Tesha said. “Don’t be afraid to use your resident advisors to your advantage. We are here to help.”

“Exactly,” Abbie said. “At the end of the day we are also students and can offer that peer-to-peer support.”

It’s all about finding a balance, Tesha added.

“Make sure you put in the work for school, but also your social life, and practice self-care,” she said. “But most importantly have fun and enjoy the ride.”

Do you have a ����֮�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu