By Elizabeth Coss / Jambar Contributor
With Welcome Week in full swing, The Jambar hit the streets — more accurately the sidewalks — of Youngstown State University to see what visitors and students are most excited for, and to test their college knowledge.
For Rebecca Banks, a 2015 alumnus with a degree in general studies, visiting campus during Welcome Week holds a special place in her heart.
“There’s nothing like the first week of school,” Banks said. “Seeing all of your old friends, your new friends, just that feeling. I love campus, so I’m excited and I want to do some fun things, meet some people and feel the sunshine.”
Banks, a former tutor, advised new students to go to class, take notes, meet with professors during office hours and keep an eye on their schedules and syllabi. More importantly, Banks wants students to enjoy college while it lasts.
“My friends are all over the world now. They’ve graduated, started businesses and families, and I just kind of wish we did a little bit more together,” Banks said. “You don’t realize at the time how fast it’s going, so take pictures and do one thing together, but always keep school first.”
Artina Sabevaradeh is a freshman computer science major from Iran. While Sabevaradeh is still getting used to the campus, she said she was already interested in a couple different organizations such as the Iranian Youth Society and the Volleyball Club.
Despite being in a new country for the first time, Sabevaradeh said she’s enjoying making friends and seeing friends.
“I like everywhere around here. [Campus] is a beautiful place,” Sabevaradeh said. “I’ve made some friends … I’ve seen some friends that are from Iran.”
Many new students did not know a crucial fact about YSU’s mascot, Pete the Penguin. Many could identify the species, but his name was at a loss for two or more students. Many were also surprised to hear YSU’s gentleman of a mascot is married.
Pete put a ring on it back in 1986 and married Penny during a YSU football game. The happy couple renewed their vows in 2018.
Additionally, The Jambar discovered two or more new students not familiar with YSU’s fight song, a tradition that comes with football season. The Marching Pride and home crowds commonly sing the fight song at the beginning and end of each game, creating plenty of opportunities to learn.
Perhaps it was some first-day anxiety, but ’Guins also struggled to name their favorite Taylor Swift song from several recent albums. Off of “The Tortured Poets Department,” one student said, “The one about Travis Kelce.” Another student gave their thoughts on “Midnights,” as in, they have none. Regarding students’ opinions on “1989 (Taylor’s Version),” one student said their favorite song is “Shake it Off.”
On a different note, students do feel strongly about candy options on campus. Almond Joy and Mounds received some hefty criticism. In general, students seemed opinionated about coconut flakes in sweets.
Welcome Week activities will wrap up Sept. 5 with a Harvest Hangout by the Andrews Recreation and Wellness Center at 4 p.m.