A week into the 24-25 academic year, first-years have begun to experience life at MMC.
Big or small, many encounter a change in environment.
“I’m from a Bible Belt city deep in South Carolina, so I’m definitely taking the time to acclimatize to life in New York,” said Enelly Entchev. Entchev, 18, is a fashion marketing major.
“My first week was interesting for sure, I had a bit of a roommate situation, but other than
that, so far, so good,” said Entchev.
For others, the travel wasn’t quite as far.
“I’m from New Jersey, but I grew up in Brooklyn. I’m used to New York, but I’m excited for my years in college,” said fashion marketing major Ari Alman-cole, 20. “My biggest challenge so far is getting back into the swing of things after a gap year,” Alman-cole said.
As each first-year adjusts to a new environment, many find themselves homesick, anxious, or fearful. Though difficult, no one is in this alone.
“The hardest thing for me has been leaving the people that I love back home. My family, my girlfriend, my friends, it’s been really difficult,” said Kylan Blacketer. Blacketer, 18, is an acting major from Texas.
“I’d love to know what others do to cope with stress and homesickness. Especially because I’m from Texas,” said Blacketer.
Moving away from family can be difficult, and Ashley Castillo, 18, has found it a big change to live without her parents.
“I’m very dependent on my dad, and the craziest thing to me is deciding what to tell [my parents], because they don’t necessarily need to know everything,” said Castillo.
Every student has a unique experience when transitioning into MMC, but one thing many agree on are the benefits of the city.
“I like how close we are to everything. Like, when you think about America, this is the city, and we are in it,” said Blacketer.
In the center of the Big Apple, MMC’s first-years have only had a taste of their new community and endless possibilities.
“This is an experience that I would never take for granted,” said Entchev. “It’s really just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
