Making a home away from home

Danielle Eddy had a clear vision when it came to what she wanted in a college. Coming from the small town of Brandon, VT, she knew she wanted a place that was “like home, but not home.” Eight college applications and five campus tours later, she found what she was looking for at Plymouth State.

When she first visited Plymouth State in the fall of 2015, she came to visit friends from high school who were enrolled here. “They showed me around their dorm rooms, the academic buildings, and some of the classrooms,” recalls Danielle. “I really liked the laid-back atmosphere at Plymouth State. It made me feel comfortable. The campus itself was so welcoming.”

Danielle came back for an official campus tour where she learned more about the Plymouth State experience, academics, and checked out the rest of campus. She knew this is where she wanted to be.

But as sure as she was that Plymouth State was the right fit, Danielle was not immune to the freshman jitters so many college students experience. On Move-In Day, when the University welcomed Danielle and the rest of the Class of 2020—the second-largest incoming class in PSU’s history—she felt a bit overwhelmed in the sea of new faces and places.

Panther Days
To help first-year students better adjust to college life, Plymouth State launched Panther Days this year. It’s a weekend of events that acquaints students with living and learning at PSU, and helps them connect with each other. It was at a Panther Day event, a barbecue on Mary Lyon lawn, that Danielle met two of her newest friends. “I’m not usually so bold,” insists Danielle, “but I saw two girls sitting together at a table and went over and sat with them.” She quickly became friends with fellow first-year students Jaimie and Daria, and the three have been inseparable ever since, whether they’re skating at Hanaway Rink, shopping on Main Street, or just hanging out playing board games in Mary Lyon Hall.

With her first semester of college under way and two great new friends, Danielle is starting to truly feel at home at PSU. “I’m really liking it here. I have a routine with my classes, lunch and dinner with my friends, studying and then a little down time in the evenings. I’m in a good place.”

Now that she feels she’s got her feet under her, Danielle is excited to make her mark on campus through intramural sports, the Student Activities Office, and especially the Community Service Center. “In high school I received a citizenship award,” she says. “It is who I am and want to continue to be. I want to be a part of what’s going on, be a voice for my fellow students, and give feedback. I also want to get to know the Plymouth community. I hope I can make a positive impact on a few people and be remembered for making a difference.”

Without a doubt Danielle is well on her way to living up to the Plymouth State motto Ut prosim (That I may serve), and will definitely be one to watch as the Class of 2020 progresses through the years. But for now, this first-year student is making herself at home at Plymouth State University. –Michele Barney Hutchins ’07G

Michele Barney Hutchins ’07G, a long-time resident of Plymouth, NH, was very involved with community building in Plymouth. She now resides in St. Simons Island, GA, with her husband and daughter, but always looks forward to “coming home” to Plymouth.

 

Tags:  Class of 2020 Danielle Eddy first-year first-year student home Move-In Day Panther Days second-largest incoming class Student Profile