Starting over is always overwhelming. It took you four years of high school to form that tight knit group of friends, learn how to manipulate your teachers and generally how to rule the school. Now suddenly you find yourself at the bottom of the social hierarchy, without the comforts of home, and lacking the security of the familiar.
We at the News-Letter are here to help. I know -- it's shocking. We have a little bit of experience and a share of mistakes that you can surely learn from. Some of us have already eaten that unidentifiable meatloaf from the dining hall and fallen victim to Hopkins' "throats." We, therefore, feel that it is our duty to help you avoid as many of those unfortunate and awkward moments -- though we can't guarantee that you can avoid them all -- that make up freshman year.
More than that, there is so much at Hopkins and in Baltimore that should be taken advantage of during your time here, and we don't want you to miss out. While we feel confident that you will find MSE on your own, we wouldn't want you to miss out on finding a great job or exploring Mount Vernon.
Instead of being terrified by your new beginning, realize that this is a chance to have a fresh start and try things you have neve done before.
No two people have the same experience here at Hopkins, and it is really up to you to define your own experience. Some of you will adopt a corner of D-level, sleep with your Orgo book by your side and secretly love every minute of it. Others might discover their inner politico while taking a comparative politics course. And maybe even a couple of you out there will begin your path to Bob Woodward-like journalistic fame here at the Gatehouse.
By no means do we expect you to go try everything we say. Rather, keep our information in mind as you attempt to navigate through your new world this fall. Above all else, we want to welcome you to Hopkins, and we hope you are excited for four of the best years of your life!
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