First-Year Stories

Kristin Andersen

Hi! My name is Kristin Andersen, and I just finished my second year at Chapman University. I am double majoring in Studio Art and Art History. When I first came to Chapman, I joined a sorority on campus, which helped me to branch out and make friends with other people inside and outside of Greek Life. It also made me feel more comfortable on campus as a commuter student.

My advice to the freshman is to take every opportunity possible. You will enjoy college so much more if you get involved in a group, team, or club. It's a fun and easy way to be active at Chapman, to teach you how to prioritize and balance a busy schedule, and to make friendships that will last even after you have graduated!

Fall:
ART 110: Foundation Course in Design
ART 195: Visual Literacy
ENG 103: Transformation
FFC 100: From Plato to Freud
SCI 100: Fundamentals of Science

Interterm:
PA 101: Volleyball, Advanced

Spring:
ART 112: Foundation Course in Painting
ART 120: Foundation Course in Photography
ENG 104: Writing about Literature
POSC 110: Intro to American Politics
SPAN 102: Elementary Spanish II  

Erica Bannon

Hey!! My name is Erica Bannon and I just finished my freshman year at Chapman University. I am currently a theatre major, but I am also taking elementary teaching classes. I would like to be an elementary teacher and teach theatre on the side by opening up my own children's theatre. At Chapman, I got really involved with activities and organizations. I am on the leadership board of Disciples on Campus, and I am a member of C.A.S.T, Action in Africa. I am also involved with Greek Life, being initiated into a sorority. I work on campus at the Church Relations Office in the Fish Interfaith Center. I am the person who loves getting involved with everything.

My advice for the entire incoming freshman class is to get involved. The college experience will be as great as you make it. There are many various organizations on campus that one can get involved in. For me, joining organizations was a way to meet new people in areas of interest that I enjoy. It is a way to help get to know oneself and meet new friends besides the roommates and neighbors. College is a humongous transition, but by getting involved and meeting new friends it can be a smooth one.

Good luck with the year to come, and have fun!

Fall:
Introduction to Theatre Studies (Major)
Introduction to Voice and Movement (Major)
Beginning Jazz (Fun)
Lies You Learned in School (FFC)
Introduction to Sociology (GE)
Pre-Calculus (GE)

Interterm:
Cultural Anthropology (GE)

Spring:
Introduction to Theatre Technology (Major)
Acting Fundamentals (Major)
Social Problems (GE)
Writing about Literature (GE)
Forensics (GE)
Beginning Swing Dancing (Fun)

Alyssa Chaffee

Hey there! I'm Alyssa Chaffee, and I just finished my sophomore year at Chapman. I'm currently a Theatre major with a minor in Public Relations. I have had an incredible experience at Chapman. Theatre is a very intensive major, but I have branched out and gotten involved with other organizations on campus as well. My freshman year I was involved with G.I.V.E., a community service organization. Through G.I.V.E. I took multiple service trips to orphanages in Tijuana, Mexico. This past year I got involved with Global Medical Brigades, and this summer we took a trip to Honduras where we gave over 1,300 impoverished people medical care! This past semester I also got involved with Greek Life.

The most important advice I have for incoming students is to be open to new experiences. Give everything and everyone a chance. You will grow a lot as a person if you do this. Also, get involved as quickly as possible! It will make Chapman feel more like home. Lastly, get a Disneyland pass. You won't regret it.

My schedule for freshman year was as follows:

Fall:
Theatre Studies [Major]
Voice and Movement [Major]
FFC: Banned Books [GE]
English 103 [GE]
Math 104 [GE]
Flexibility and Strength Training [GE]

Spring:
Acting Fundamentals [Major]
Spanish 102 [GE]
Statistics [GE]
English 104 [GE]
Intro to Jazz [GE]
Intro to Psychology [GE]

Chelsey Coleman

Hey! My name is Chelsey Coleman, and I will be a junior this coming year at Chapman. I cannot even explain all of the wonderful memories I have from Chapman so far. I am sure that all of you will create some unforgettable, amazing memories as well. I am a Business Administration major with an emphasis in Marketing and Management. I have recently decided to get my minor in Communication as well. My major has varied slightly multiple times, so if you are not sure yet completely what you want to do, don't stress.

My first year, I lived in the oldest dorm on campus. It was the best decision I ever made. It was the greatest community to live in because everyone had their doors open and was ready and willing to help anyone. Being a freshman from out of state, Braden was exactly what I needed to feel comfortable. The great thing about it was I ended up feeling comfortable all over campus because of it. I am part of Disciples on Campus, and I am a part of a sorority. This coming year I will be a guide to those girls who choose to go through recruitment, and I am so excited for it. I work up in the admissions office as well. It may be work, but my co-workers are the best. We're always having a good time.

My advice is to just get involved and possibly try something you never thought about. I tried out for cheerleading. I have never cheered in my life, and I quit dance when I was in sixth grade. I didn't make it, but it was fun to try out with one of my friends and make some new ones.

This is my second year as an Orientation Assistant, and I can't wait to meet y'all! It is going to be great!

Fall:
FFC: War and Peace
ENG 103
MGSC 208
SCI 100
ECON 200

Spring:
ACTG 210
MGSC 209
ENG 104
COM 101
PA
PSY 101

Cole Dawson Harris

Hi! My name is Cole Harris, and I have just finished my junior year here at Chapman University. My major is Business Administration with a double emphasis in Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

My freshman year was absolutely AMAZING. I was on the Chapman Baseball Team, got involved in the Greek community, and had my own freedom from home to roam and be responsible. I thoroughly enjoyed being here at Chapman with so many great people whom I have kept close to me since. I continue to be involved in Greek Life but after my freshman year, decided to stop playing baseball and focus my efforts on academics. Being involved here at Chapman is the best thing one could do. The people that you meet are amazing and end up as your closest friends due to the family-like atmosphere that we create. I remember Orientation Week when I first got here, and it was an experience that I will never forget and a large part as to why I became an Orientation Assistant. For the 2008 Orientation Week, I will be there helping the new students adjust to their new lives at Chapman University!!

I currently work as an intern for a company called iBank.com doing marketing research and website redesign. Internships are very important to get a taste of what life if like after college. No matter what field of study one goes into, internships are highly recommended.

I am sure you have heard that you should get involved over and over from many different people. To be honest, it's one of the best pieces of advice one can get. The four years that are ahead of you will be more fun, full of more memories, and full of absolutely no regrets. Another piece of advice...STUDY ABROAD!!! I did not do that while I was here and, after hearing the stories and seeing the pictures, it is my only regret. It is an eye-opening experience that will broaden your perspective on life and give you a chance to travel the world to wherever you desire.

Look forward to meeting all of you here very soon!!

Class Schedule From My Freshman Year: 

Fall:
MATH 104: Pre-Calculus Mathematics I
ENG 103: Seminar in Rhetoric Writing
ECON 200: Principles of Microeconomics
FFC 100: Darwin: Life and Infl on Science

Interterm:
COM 151: Intro to Mass Communications

Spring:
ECON 201: Principles of Macroeconomics
ACTG 210: Intro to Financial Accounting
SCI 100: Fundamentals of Science
SPAN 102: Spanish

Chris Helvajian

Howdy! My name's Chris Helvajian, and I am now a senior Public Relations and Advertising major. I've been involved in a lot of different activities, clubs, and events on campus like PRSSA, NSAC, and Ultimate Frisbee Club, as well as doing stand-up comedy from time to time, so I think I have a good feel for what's what. These past three years have been a fantastic blur to say the least!

Even though my first year was a while ago, one important lesson has stuck with me. GO TO CLASS! A big part of your grades is showing up and participating! And early class or one on a gorgeous day may be tough to get to, but making an effort and showing up ready to learn will always affect you positively.

Fall:
MATH 104: Pre-Calculus Mathematics I
ENG 104: Writing About Literature
FFC 100: Lies My Teachers Told Me
FTV 140: Intro to Film Aesthetics
FTV 130: Intro to Visual Storytelling

Interterm:
FTV 271: Location Film Making

Spring:
SCI 100: Fundamentals of Science
PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology
FTV 230: Principles of Advertising
BUS 100: Introduction to Business
ATPE 105: Ultimate Frisbee
COM 210: Intro Theories of Persuasion

Jonathan Katz

Hi! My name is Jonathan Katz, and I have just completed my second year at Chapman. I was originally a Film Production major, but after the spring 2008 semester, I have changed to the Screenwriting major as well as added a minor in Mathematics. My freshman year was the most fun I had since riding a roller coaster after eating seven burritos. I didn't actually do that, but if I had freshman year still would have been more fun. My roommates and I got along famously; we became the best of friends and will be rooming together for the third year in a row this year. I am from a mere 15 minutes away from Chapman, but this didn't hamper my new-found independence. I went home to do laundry and for the occasional dinner, but being close to home had no negative effect on my college experience.

My advice to incoming students is to not take any moment for granted. The first year of college is an incredibly formative experience, and it would be a loss if any moment was wasted. Get involved on campus: join clubs, go Greek, be in plays, attend events. Take classes that truly interest you. Meet as many people as you can during Orientation, and in there somewhere you will find a lifelong friend. Don't be afraid to reach and be the person you always wanted to be. A favorite quote of mine: "Change is inevitable. Growth is optional." The first year of college may be like nothing you have ever experienced, but what you make of it is truly in your hands.

Fall:
FFC 100: Puzzles and Paradoxes
MATH 210: Multivariable Calculus [I took this for fun and now I'm glad I did because it counts for the minor!]
FTV 229: Art of Story
FTV 130: Intro to Visual Storytelling
ENG 104: Writing about Literature

Interterm:
FTV 271: Location Filmmaking [If you are a freshman film major, take this class during interterm!!!!]

Spring:
FTV 227: Screenwriting Fundamentals
FTV 115: Editing I
MUS 101: Intro to Music
MUS 139: Film Music
FTV 140: Intro to Film Aesthetics

Katie Maresca

Hi! My name is Katie Maresca, and I have just completed my freshman year at Chapman University. I must say freshman year was very exciting as I met new people and transitioned into college! I am a Liberal Studies major, and I plan to teach second grade at a private school. I also intend to open my own dance studio so I am minoring in Dance as well. Currently I am in the process of creating my own minor in Language Studies consisting of Spanish, Arabic, and Italian simply because I enjoy learning different languages.

Although I lived close to school, I decided to live on campus, thinking that it would be an excellent chance to get myself acquainted with school. I am the type of person who loves to jump right in and get involved. I was selected to be part of the Chapman 7 of the Class of 2011. This is a group of hand-selected students who are followed by Chapman PR giving them updates. It is for the 150th anniversary of Chapman University when we graduate. Also, I joined a sorority in the fall and was elected to a position. I became close to all the members of Greek Life. In fact, I helped with one fraternity's education program acting as a "pledge mom." Work and school was a bit of a challenge, but I continued teaching dance classes at a studio and volunteering at my church. I taught classes every other Sunday and helped with some fundraisers for Project HOPE and CASA Teresa. My free time may seem as if there was little or none, but I had time for myself and throughout the year I became a part of the Chapman community.

Hopefully, you will enjoy your freshman year at Chapman as much as I did! There may be some speed bumps on your journey, but remember this is your first year. My advice to you: indulge in the opportunities offered, and be open-minded and optimistic. College is supposed to be the best years of your life because you really develop yourself as a person; I believe Chapman is an amazing school to begin your legacy!

Fall:
ENG 104: Writing About Literature [GE]
FFC 100: Individualism [GE]
POSC 110: Intro to American Politics [GE]
SPAN 202: Intermediate Spanish II [GE]
DANC 238: Intermediate Tap Dance [Minor]
DANC 130: Hip Hop [Minor]

Interterm:
PHIL 104: Intro to Ethics [GE]

Spring:
ITAL 101: Elementary Italian [Minor]
BUS 217: Business Writing and Communication
DANC 130: Hip Hop
DANC 134: Intro to Jazz [Pre-Req]
DANC 136: Intro to Ballet [Pre-Req]
DANC 276: Conditioning - Pilates [Minor]
DANC 338: Advanced Tap Dance
MATH 206: Mathematics for Elem Teacher [Major]
REL 329: Images of Jesus

Arian Navabian

HEY!! I am Arian Nabavian, and I just finished my first year at Chapman University. I am a Business Administration major with a minor in economics. As of now, I am unsure of my emphasis, but hopefully, as I take more classes, I will find my niche. During my freshman year I was involved with FYC, which is First Year Council. I highly recommend it for incoming freshmen because it is a club for freshmen with freshmen who run it. It's definitely a great way to meet other freshmen, and it's fun! I also joined the girls' lacrosse team, which was probably the best decision I made my freshman year. I met so many friends and people I absolutely adore. I encourage all girls to join - - - It's a blast! P.S. I had never played before, so don't be discouraged to join.

My advice for incoming freshmen is get involved. It really doesn't matter what you get involved in, just do it. Do something you enjoy, something you are interested in, or something that might challenge you to break out of your norm. Getting involved really makes your Chapman experience more fun, memorable, and meaningful. You really become connected with Chapman and, more importantly, with other students. It also helps you meet new people, especially sophomores, juniors, and seniors that you otherwise wouldn't have met. My other advice has to do with living situations. Remember that you all come from different backgrounds, families, and experiences. Please be understanding that it may be uncomfortable living with people who you have never met, who are a bit messy, and/or those who aren't too fond of sharing. Please accept all our differences and know that if you feel uncomfortable, that probably your roommates do as well. Instead of getting angry and frustrated, put yourselves in their shoes and see if you can solve the problem. And do not get irritated by little, unimportant details. Be understanding. You might even become best friends with your roommates, you never know. I am living with both my roommates from last year this year, and I couldn't be happier.

Fall:
FFC: Globalization, Citizenship, and Consumption [GE]
MGSC 209: Intro to Business Stats [Major]
ENG 103: Popular Culture [Writing GE]
ECON 200: Intro to Microeconomics [Major]
DANC 103: Intro to Ballet [Fun]
SPAN 201: Intermediate Spanish I [Language GE] 

Spring:
ACTG 210: Intro to Financial Accounting [Major]
ECON 201: Intro to Macroeconomics [Major]
PA: Outdoor Soccer [Fun]
BUS 215: Legal Environment of Business [Major]
BUS 217: Business Communication - Writing Skills [Major]
BUS 218: Business Communication - Oral Skills [Major]
TH 110: Intro to Acting [Art GE]

Hannah Nickless

Hello, Dahlings! My name is Hannah Nickless, and I will be a junior at Chapman this coming fall! I am a Communications major and Leadership minor, and I am hoping to pick up a double minor in Spanish after I complete my semester abroad in Seville, Spain this coming spring. When I first came to Chapman, I was excited about all of the clubs and activities offered to students, but quickly realized that there was not time to do everything. So, I tried as much as I could! I made lots of friends, auditioned for the school mascot, joined crew (the rowing team), participated in the Peer Conduct Board, took advantage of my work-study award, and even applied to be a Resident Advisor! Every single experience has shaped who I am, and I am continually growing and changing to be the person I want to be. As a new Chapman student, I want to encourage you to try new things, even if they seem scary or like a lot of work. Everything good takes time and commitment, but you already know that... You got into Chapman! Also, you'll probably hear this a lot, but the lasting friendships you'll make will began at orientation! Be open, willing to meet others, and totally yourself... You never know who you will end up hanging out with! I can't wait to meet you during orientation; have a beautiful summer, and I'll see you soon!

Nicole Palomba

Hello all! My name is Nicole Palomba.  I am from Wyoming and am going to be a junior. I am a theatre/english double major, which is great, but I am incredibly shy and bad at small talk. When we broke off into our major groups during freshmen orientation, the girls who where the OAs for the theatre department were so outgoing and inspiring to me. I remember looking at those girls and thinking that if they could do it, I could do it. They were freshmen once too. They started a game of "little sally walker" in the middle of campus, and I distinctly can picture the moment when I just jumped in. I was so scared of what everyone was going to think, but now those people are some of my best friends, not just at Chapman, but in my life in general. It just goes to show that, if you take a chance, the people you are most scared of are probably going to be the ones who catch you. My biggest piece of advice and wisdom is that Chapman will be what you make of it. If something scares you, just dive right into it instead of running away. You will probably surprise yourself, which is ultimately the best kind of surprise.

Fall:
ENG 244: World Literature III [Major- Amazing! Any class with Dr. Van Meter, snatch up right away!]
HUM 200: Women's Realities [GE]
ITAL 101: Elementary Italian [Molto bene. Languages are fun.]
MATH 104: Precalculus [GE]
MUS 106: Voice Lessons [Elective]
TH 319: Building a Character [Major]

Interterm:
TH 350: London Theatre Tour [GO ON THIS TRIP! Even if you are not a theatre student, this trip was so incredibly eye-opening. I promise there is something for everyone.]

Spring:
BIO 102: Forensics [GE- This class counts for a lab science, so you don't have to take two classes. It's a good class for people who want to double major and don't have time.]
ENG 240: World Literature I [Major- also incredible. Dr. Glaser is incredible.]
ENG 256: Intro to Literary Theory [Major]
ITAL 102: Elementary Italian II [GE]
TH 212: Theatrical Makeup [so much fun; should be for majors only]
TH 316: Acting Shakespeare [Major- changed my life]

Mark Perring

Hello, and welcome to Chapman. Please keep all arms and legs out of the box for the entirety of the ride. Please hang onto all personal memories, and be ready to make new ones. As you can clearly see from the large, bold lettering above, my name is Mark Perring, and I'd like to tell you a story. Well, this is a story all about how my life got flipped, turned upside down. And I'd like to take a minute just sit right there, I'll tell you how I loved my first year here. When I first wrapped my head around Chapman, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I started out as an International Business major and eventually added a Public Relations minor to top off the personalized business cake. However, while academia did its part at Chapman's cardinal and grey halls, I needed more, I needed something else. There seemed to be these other people here. Some call them hoodlums... some call them students. I call them peers. I needed to branch out. For me, getting involved is the most important thing at Chapman, because not only do you connect with many fantastic people, but you grow inside as well. Whether you're into student government, sports, Greek Life, newspaper... Whatever your smoothie we've got the bananas. And read real closely now...I'll tell you a secret...You're an unripe banana. Yes. There it is, you may not know it yet, or you may be perfectly comfortable now, but let me tell you, Chapman will change you. But don't worry, it will be abrupt, scary, rambunctious, cunning, intense, interesting, fascinating, motivating, and exciting.

In my first year at Chapman, I got involved, sure. But it was not until the moment I put down my pencil during my last final that I realized how different I had become. Following my first year full of Disciples on Campus, Greek Life, and academia, I will also be an AS Senator and a Chapman Ambassador. The drive that this place instills within people is phenomenally unique in the colleges of today. And if you take nothing else from the minutes it has taken you to read through this, remember this: You cannot plan it. You cannot get it all the first time. You cannot please everyone. You cannot have more hours in the day. All you can do is keep an open mind and an open heart. This Chapman family will take care of the rest.

Fall:
POSC 120: Introduction to International Relations [This is an incredibly interesting class that takes much dedication and diligence. Class lectures are formulated on news content from previous day, which makes it incredibly useful.]
FFC 100: The History of Political Philosophy [This is a class for philosophy majors only. I do not recommend unless you are severely motivated by the subject.]
MGSC 208: Math Analysis for Business [Kaan is a very good teacher--funny and interesting, in a subject that would otherwise be dull.]
ECON 201: Principles of Macroeconomics [not the best class I've taken]
BUS 215: Legal Environment of Business [I recommend Cameron Jolly, who makes the class interactive and fun.]

Interterm:
COM 210: Theories of Persuasion [Interesting class, good for business majors to see this side of business]

Spring:
MGSC 209: Intro to Business Statistics [Depending on the teacher, information can be very valuable. My class learned little about Business Statistics.]
ITAL 101: Elementary Italian I (Very good class. Good first look at the language in a style that is much more unique than any style taught in high school.]
ECON 200: Principles of Microeconomics [Much more interesting to me than Macro, but again, teachers are important when choosing classes.]
BUS 218: Business Comm - Oral Skills [Fascinating class in which hands-on experience truly builds public speeking skills in a business setting]
BUS 217: Business Comm - Writing Skills [also good prep for real-world experiences]
BUS 216: Business Ethics [Decent class, much better because it only happened once a week. Good to hear for that amount of time only.]
BIOL 102: Forensics [not as good as it sounds. Because science is required, I advise you to take chemistry if you are not a science person. Forensics is much more information and much less hands-on experience than you think.]
ACTG 210: Intro to Financial Accounting [This is a very good class if you have the right professor. Adler is helpful, witty, and an incredible teacher. One of the highest recommendations I can give.]

** I also recommend not taking this many classes. Although it's still only 18 units, it's too much work to balance with other things outside of academia.

Annie Portwood

Hi! My name is Annie Portwood, and I will be a sophomore this fall. I am a Television and Broadcast Journalism major as well as a Communication Studies major. So far my experiences at Chapman have been phenomenal. I can't wait to get things rolling again in the fall. As a freshman I was involved with Greek Life, Women's Track and Field, and giving campus tours. I have had so much fun getting to know my peers and the Chapman community... I'm sure you'll love it just as much!

My best advice to you would be to stay open-minded and be sure to use your resources. Chapman has so many incredible items to offer you. Trust me, what you put into it, you'll get out so much more.

Fall:
FFC 100: War and Peace [GE]
COM 100: Intro to Communication Studies [Major]
COM 110: Intro to Public Speaking [Major] (TAKE IT!)
FTV 114: Intro to TV Production [Major]
ENG 104: Writing About Literature [to improve my college writing]
PA 114: Weight Training [for track!]

Interterm:
COM 110: Interpersonal Communications [Major] (Take it!)

Spring:
COM: Mass Communications [Major]
FTV 103: Visual Storytelling [Major]
MGSC 210: Math Analysis [GE]
ENG 204: Creative Writing [GE] (Take it!)
LEAD 101: Introduction to Leadership [GE]
PA 157: Women's Track team (Ladies, if you're interested, come out for the team. You'll love it!)

Danny Pugh

Hey, everyone! My name is Danny Pugh, and I'm entering my junior year at Chapman as a Film Production major, Psychology minor. I love to throw myself into new experiences, so when freshmen year came around, I found myself extremely busy even during the first week. I joined the rowing team, an amazing experience, and later decided to join a fraternity. The Greek community at Chapman allowed me to enjoy countless philanthropic experiences with a closely-knit group of friends. I quickly became involved in campus-wide leadership, planning philanthropy and large-scale social events like Red and Gold Week and formals.

After taking Intro to Psychology, I fell in love with the subject and decided to make it my minor. After taking Research Methods and getting getting my paper, entitled "Empathy and College Success," accepted to the Western Psychological Association Conference, I learned a lot about how people interact and care for one another. My research inspired me to increase my scope of interests even further until I found myself on a ten-day Buddhist Retreat during interterm and later decided to study abroad in Costa Rica. My latest discovery has been Chapman Medical Brigades, a chapter of the world-wide organization with a mission to create sustainable health care in underdeveloped countries, now focused primarily in Honduras. Our group of about 40 students traveled to Honduras in May 2008 and treated over 1,300 patients. I never knew how much influence I could have on so many people's lives.

Some advice: take advantage of all of the incredible opportunities that Chapman has to offer! Some of the best programs are not always loudly advertised, so keep your eyes open and ask around. Do something you've never tried; take a dance class, go on a retreat, or join an organization for which you can use your strengths to their fullest extent. You'll never know what you love until you try it, so never let an opportunity pass you by!

Fall:
FFC 100: Freshman Foundations - Individualism [GE]
FTV 140: Film Aesthetics [Major]
ENG 103: Writing and Rhetoric [GE]
FTV 103: Visual Storytelling [Major]
SPAN 201: Intermediate Spanish II [GE, and for fun!]
PA 158: Crew Team [great way to meet people]

Spring:
FTV 227: Intro to Screenwriting [Major]
FTV 247: Cinematography I [Major]
FTV 133: Audio Techniques [Major]
SCI 100: Intro to Neuroscience [GE]
PSY 101: Intro to Psychology [GE]
TD 139: Intro to Ballroom Dance [for fun]

Ian Rice

Hi! My name is Ian Rice, and I just finished up my sophomore year in college. I am a film production major, and I recently decided to take up a minor in advertising. (It's never too late!) When I first came into Chapman University I had a great time, but was hardly involved with any clubs on campus. That quickly changed when I became an Orientation Assistant, as I soon became involved with other clubs on campus. So my advice to the freshman coming in is to get involved as much as you can. It's worth it. It doesn't even have to be at Chapman, but perhaps in teh community around Chapman. It's a great way to meet new people and keep up your hobbies that your major may not touch.

Fall:
FFC 100: The Enlightenment
ENG 103: Pop Culture
FTV 130: Visual Storytelling
FTV 140: Film Aesthetics
FTV 229: Art of Story

Spring:
SOC 101: Introductory Sociology
MATH 110: Single Variable Calculus
ENG 104: Writing About Literature
FTV 237: Cinematography
FTV 133: Audio Techniques

Ria Sakraney

Hi! My name is Ria Sakraney, and I just finished my sophomore year at Chapman. I am a communications major with a public relations emphasis, and a nutrition minor. My first year I took a communications class and a nutrition class and fell in love with both! For that matter, I have thoroughly enjoyed my classes at Chapman. ALL my professors here have been very understanding, helpful, and approachable through the past two years. I strongly recommend getting in touch with your professors and getting to know them! They truly are great people!

Orientation was the best week of my time here at Chapman! I encourage all of you to attend orientation week! Also, I have realized how important getting involved on campus is. I work at International Student Services, and at the Admissions Office as a Campus Tour Guide. I am also president of the South Asian Student Organization, as well as the House Representative for the club. Getting involved on campus was the best thing I did here!

Fall:
COM 151: Mass Communication
FFC 100: Charles Darwin and His Influence on Western Thought
FSN 200: Human Nutrition
MATH 104: Pre-Calculus Mathematics I
PA 120: Swimming Activities
SPAN 101: Elementary Spanish I

Spring:
COM 101: Public Speaking
MATH 110: Single Variable Calculus I
PA 120: Swimming Activities
PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology
SCI 100: Fundamentals of Science
SPAN 102: Elementary Spanish II

Lindsay Sanders

Hey! My name is Lindsay Sanders, and I will be entering my senior year this fall. It is crazy to think that it is my last year at Chapman when I can remember just starting freshman year. Orientation was an incredible way to get started because I had faces of orientation students to look forward to seeing as I started school. I remember wanting to find ways to get involved so I could fill my time with other things alongside my academic work. I think it is really important to do this because I found myself loving Chapman after being involved in such things as Greek Life and clubs like G.I.V.E. I also think it is super important to get to know your professors, especially in your major, because they are a huge resource and a great help. That is what is great about Chapman because I have professors who enjoy their office hours and enjoy seeing their students visit and ask for help. I suppose that is all for now. Just remember to give everything a chance because there is a lot you can do, and it will make college all the better.

Whitney Standring-Trueblood

Hello! My name is Whitney Strandring-Trueblood, and I will be a junior next year at Chapman. I am a political science major with a communications minor. I can't believe I am already a junior; I don't knwo where the last two years have gone!

As soon as I got to Chapman I started to get involved. As a freshman I was a member of Associated Students' First Year Council, which is a great opportunity for freshmen to get involved with student leadership! My sophomore year I was Director of First Year Programs for the Associated Students' Cabinet. I am currently involved in a sorority (Greek life at Chapman is UNBELIEVABLE!), Chapman Ambassadors, Associated Students Senate and, of course, Orientation.

My advice for your first year is to explore anything you might be interested in so you spend your first year getting a taste of all that Chapman has to offer. Getting involved will open so many doors, as far as meeting people in the Chapman community and truly making the most out of the four years you have at Chapman! Your experience begins the very first day of orientation, so take full advantage of every minute you have as college students!

Fall:
SPAN 102: Elementary Spanish II
SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology
PA 114: Weight Training
FFC 100: Great Plays Revisited
ENG 104: Writing About Literature

Spring:
COM 101: Public Speaking
REL 110: Religion and Values
POSC 120: Introduction to International Relations
PA 107: Cross Training and Flexibility
POSC 210: Political Research Design
MATH 104: Pre-Calculus

Ashley West

Hey! I'm Ashley West. Next year I'll be a junior, continuing to pursue my major in public relations and advertising. I've had some great classes at Chapman that include NSAC (a student-run advertising agency), as well as public speaking (for my communication studies minor). Although I'm not sure what exactly I want to do after I graduate, my hope is that it has a creative outlet for me. I'm passionate about photography and hope to incorporate that innovative mindset into my future career.

Because Chapman is a small school, it's easy to become sheltered in this little bubble of a city. GO EXPLORE! College is a time to grow. Expand not only your mind, but find something that you can really attach to. Try new hobbies, meet new people, and take classes that sound appealing (even if it's not your major). This is a lesson I've learned in my first two years, and even though I still feel naive to so many things, life continues to teach me and to open my eyes to new people, places and ideas.

My advice: be different. Maybe do something you wouldn't normally do. Stay true to yourself, of course, but let others challenge you and help shape you into the person YOU want to become.

Fall:
Advertising Design
Principles of Public Relations
Internet Communications
Desktop Publishing