NORFOLK, Neb. – Twas the Sunday before school started, and all through the campus, not a student was studying, not even the returning sophomores.
Instead, students were busy on Sunday, Aug. 18, moving into their residence halls – if they had not done so already -- attending a picnic to welcome international students, or attending ag orientation to learn more about having a successful collegiate career.
Those were among the activities taking place before classes for the fall semester resumed on Monday, Aug. 19. Last Friday, many of the first-year students went through orientation.
During orientation, they talked to their advisers, met other students during lunch, learned where buildings and classrooms are located and took part in a scavenger hunt.
Ellie Beaver, a sophomore business major, was among those who moved in on Sunday. The daughter of Tessie and Josh Beaver of North Bend was looking forward to another year of school, moving her items into Burkhardt Hall under light rain.
Beaver said she feels more comfortable heading back, having already completed a year at Northeast. Her parents helped her move her items, making quick work of it.
Logan Grimm of West Point is a second-year student who also works as a desk assistant (DA). She was bringing in a few remaining items, including some plants. The vet tech major already had moved the bulk of her items in about a week ago.
During orientation at the Chuck Pohlman Ag Complex on Sunday, ag and horticulture students had a day of fun that included a welcome from Northeast President Leah Barrett.
“It’s great to have you here,” Barrett said. “We want to welcome you. It’s a special place and we’re happy to have you here.”
Barrett also provided a welcome to students during an international picnic on Sunday evening.
Pedro Cidade Santos of Brazil was among those attending the picnic.
“Northeast is amazing,” Santos said. “It is like home to me now. The people here are very friendly. The people here are always willing to help.”
Santos, a business major who is in his second year, also plays for the soccer team. Santos speaks English, Portuguese and some Spanish. Santos said he is happy now to help some of the first-year students make the adjustment.
Pam Saalfeld, director of Global and Multicultural Engagement, encouraged students to play games and visit before and after eating at the picnic.
“We’d like to welcome you all to Northeast Community College and Norfolk, Nebraska, and the United States. We know this is the first time being here for some of you,” Saalfeld said.
Some residents of Norfolk who came from other countries and now work in Norfolk also spoke during the picnic, welcoming the students and encouraging them to visit others and make new friends.
Classes for the fall semester began on Monday, Aug. 19, with more welcoming events all week, including “Magical Monday,” which was to feature snow cones and yard games.
Sunday Before School Starts
Parents helping students move in while dodging light rain was a common scene off and on Sunday as the final students moved back to campus in anticipation of the start of fall semester classes on Monday, Aug. 19. (Northeast Community College)
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