Being A College Freshman in the Pandemic (And What SAA Did to Help)

By Anonymous -

Hi everyone! I hope this blog post finds you well. My name is Sophya Hargenrater, and I am currently finishing up my spring semester as a freshman here at Virginia Tech. Although my freshman year experience wasn’t normal, I still was able to find ways to make my year as memorable as possible. 

It didn’t begin that way though: I walked on campus for the first time as a freshman with high expectations. I thought I was going to make a close circle of friends (my “future bridesmaids” - I’m sure you’ve heard that a ton), get a 4.0 GPA, and explore all Virginia Tech has to offer. The truth is, I stuck with my friends from high school because that was the safe thing to do. I did join a few clubs, like the Big Event, but everything was over Zoom so nothing clicked there. Plus, we weren’t really allowed to socialize in the dorms, and I didn’t really click with anyone in my hall either. My school work also threw me for a loop. As an engineering major, classes were more difficult than I was expecting. In high school, I was used to getting good grades and understanding all of my coursework. And let me tell you, physics last semester really kicked my butt. I was finding it really hard to adjust to my life here. 

Winter break rolled around, and I finally got to go home and relax to enjoy the holidays. Something was looming over my head though: should I go back to campus for the spring semester? It was an option Virginia Tech was allowing us to make, and I am a horrible decision maker, especially if it is a big decision. I went back and forth on it for a while, but finally decided to give it one more try. I figured that the only way for me to adjust on campus and make friends was to actually be there. 

I finally returned, dreading leaving my family and friends but also excited for what this semester could hold for me. Classes started up again too, so that was keeping me busy, but I was also keeping my eyes open for more opportunities to get myself involved on campus. While mindlessly scrolling through Instagram one day, I saw a member of The Big Event committee I was in on the SAA page (shoutout Jimmy Knepper). I was intrigued by this club that I had never heard of, so I decided to check it out, and it turned out that they were taking applications! I bit the bullet and applied, and got in! I was (and still am!) so excited to be a part of the 100 Most Spirited Hokies on campus. 

Since being part of SAA, I have realized how closely knit and genuine this club is. Everyone has a deep passion for Virginia Tech and I have felt so welcomed by everyone that I have met so far. SAA has also provided safe opportunities to meet new people in person, like the new member photoshoot (yay Roshana!!) or the stream clean-up. SAA has made a huge impact on me and it has brought me closer to Virginia Tech and it’s amazing community. 

Even though my freshman year started off rocky, I did not allow myself to give up. I took a leap of faith in applying for this club, and I am forever grateful that I did. I can’t wait for what next year will bring, and I am excited to start my sophomore year as a part of SAA: welcoming new freshmen on campus and hopefully inspiring them to join this amazing club too. 

If any incoming freshmen are reading this, please get involved on campus and follow your interests. That is what brought me to SAA, and I am confident that it will bring you to wherever you are meant to be. I know that sounds cheesy, but I truly believe it. If you are a current freshman reading this, and you are also struggling, know that it does get better. Feel free to reach out to me if you need any advice or additional information! You got this! 

-Sophya Hargenrater 

Class of 2024 

sophyah@vt.edu

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