Nola Reporter

While Monday marked the  start of the fall semester for thousands of students at the University  of New Orleans, on Tuesday the Class of 2026 got a welcome to campus  party in their honor. First-year students were feted during a  convocation at the UNO Lakefront Arena and later treated to a cookout at  the University Center.

The University’s tradition, which included faculty marching into the  arena in full academic regalia while Pomp and Circumstance played,  commemorates the start of the academic journey for new students with a  formal opening ceremony followed by ice-breaker games.

Members of UNO men’s basketball team also were on hand to welcome the newest Privateers.

It is in this same venue that these students will don their own gown  and mortarboard to conclude their undergraduate journey to a college  degree.

The students received free UNO T-shirts and orientation information  before heading into the arena for a short ceremony that included  speeches by President John Nicklow; Carolyn Golz, associate vice  president for student affairs and dean of students; and Student  Government Association president Angelo Charles.

First-year student Abril Espino of Chalmette, Louisiana, holding a  blue UNO T-shirt in hand, said she was nervous, but excited about  starting college.

“Coming from a small town and school, you knew everybody,” Espino  said. “Here, it’s like people are coming from Ohio, Oklahoma. I’m like,  ‘Oh, OK! I have no idea who you are!’

“But, it’s been good,” Espino said with a laugh.

Brendan Mott, a UNO graduate student and volunteer at the T-shirt table, remembers those first-year jitters.

“I was just really worried about meeting new people,” said Mott who  graduated last spring. “My advice to freshmen: Don’t be afraid to  introduce yourself and ask questions because, A, they might know the  answer to your question or, B, they’ll have the same question as you!”

Nicklow told the students that they should be proud of their academic  accomplishments thus far, and that they have taken “a leap toward  enrichment,” by enrolling at the University of New Orleans. However, he  told them much work lies ahead.

“I expect there to be sacrifice and even some struggle in your  future. Of course, there will be. We are learning how to live in the  continued presence of COVID-19, which brings its own obstacles and  worries,” Nicklow said.

“In addition to those, your intellect will be challenged. Make no  mistake; our expectations of you are high. That is not something to  fear. Embrace it and focus on your ability to persist; it is all part of  higher learning, and you would not be here today if we weren’t  confident in your ability to succeed.”

Golz shared that she understands the nervousness and worries that  some students might be feeling. Growing up in a military family, Golz  shared that she attended many different schools.

“I’ve been in your shoes a number of times,” Golz said. “As one of  four kids in a military family, I attended at least four different grade  schools; three middle schools; and two high schools. I was always the  new kid.”

To help adapt to the new surroundings, Golz encouraged the students  to step outside their comfort zones, ask for help and get involved.

“By participating in student organizations on campus, you’ll make new  friends, learn valuable skills that employers look for when hiring our  graduates, and you’ll be able to make this campus your own,” Golz said.

Charles encouraged students to stay focused and continue to believe  in their abilities no matter the difficulties they might encounter.

“So to the class of 2026, don't ever doubt your journey and how far you have come,” Charles said.

Original source can be found here.