Actually, I have a few more things to say, as a single welcoming statement is not all that conducive to giving good insight into the life of an Honors College student. Incomers, here are some of the things I have learned. Do with it what you will, but I do hope that it helps make the transition from high school to college easier.

1. Actively search for different places to study. Don’t get stuck studying in the same place day after day; change it up! Tucker Technology, the Tom Brown/Pete Wright commons, and the Brite Divinity building are underused study areas that can help you break away from the monotony of the library basement and the BLUU conference rooms.

2. Go to as many sporting events as you can. Football is obviously the money maker here, but that does not mean that the “smaller” sports are less fun! Tennis matches, swim meets, and baseball games are great places to interact with different groups of people and further extensions of Horned Frog pride.

3. Fight for change. Don’t be complacent if there is an issue you are passionate about. Talk to SGA, the chancellor (He is incredibly approachable), and whoever else you can find if you want something to change at TCU. It may not happen immediately, but you as an individual can make your input be felt by the TCU community.

4. Establish strong relationships with your professors and other faculty members. These are the people that can help you the most in your most difficult times. TCU professors and staff will put everything on hold to help you any way they can when you truly need it. Don’t take this privilege lightly; this is not an atmosphere you can find elsewhere. Meet the staff in the JVR Honors College, Campus Life, Student Development Services, and elsewhere. These people will become some of the best mentors you will ever have.

5. Don’t let others change your style as a leader, friend, student, etc. The people around you are there to support you, not make you someone you’re not. Dress the way you want, sleep the hours you want, eat what you want, work out as much or as little as you want, study the way the best suits you, and ultimately work as hard as you want. Only you can define your personal success. With that being said, don’t isolate yourself. The transition to college is hard. Being away from home on holidays for the first time is brutal. Having to study for multiple tests that all are important on the same day is shocking. Do not let these difficulties bring you down. Delight in learning, be enthusiastic about TCU, be confident in your passions, and most of all, lean on the professors and friends around you for support when you need it most.

TCU is a special place. I don’t think you can find this kind of camaraderie and passion for excellence elsewhere. No matter what brings you to Fort Worth, the people and opportunities at TCU will make you stay. Hopefully these words of advice help make the transition easier. Most importantly though, welcome to the family. 

Wow. I’m just realizing how much I’ve learned in this 2012-2013 school year, and how much I don’t ever want to leave. It breaks my heart thinking about how I have to go three months without seeing the people who have become my family over the past two semesters. But I get butterflies in my stomach and my heart starts racing when I think about moving back next year and how I get to spend another three years at the most magical place on earth (sorry, Disney World). Well, all good thing have to end, and it’s your time now, class of 2017.

So, welcome to the family, and GO FROGS.

PS. Shout out to the one and only Sarah Murphy for helping me come up with this lovely list. Anything to procrastinate studying for finals, I suppose…

Part of the Honors approach to learning is opportunities we as students have to engage in learning outside the traditional classroom.  Honors recognizes that learning does not just occur when sitting in a desk, reading from a textbook, and taking notes off of a PowerPoint projected onto a screen.  On the contrary, some of the most life-changing, view-shaping, mind-molding learning takes place when you are not sitting in a desk.  It takes place when you are experiencing the world in a new and different way.

One of those new and different ways of experiencing the world is through travel.  In less than a year in Honors, I will have traveled with the college twice.  First, before I even stepped foot on campus as a TCU student, I traveled to Sevilla, Spain with the Honors Frog Camp.  On this trip, I learned more about myself than I ever had before—I learned about my love for different cultures, my immediate and almost innate connection with many other Honors students, and my ability to see things from another viewpoint.  As my pre-collegiate paradigms were broken down, I began to learn about the vast number of opportunities the Honors College would have in store for my next four years.

As I sit here today, I am 37 days, 10 hours, 52 minutes, and 41 seconds away from embarking on my second adventure abroad with Honors: Cultural Routes Five.  As I travel through Germany, Switzerland, and Italy with thirteen other Honors students and Dr. Pitcock, I will be learning about these cultures from much more than a textbook viewpoint.  Surely you can imagine the depth and breadth of knowledge gained from not simply examining Michelangelo’s ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in a textbook but instead actually gazing up at it, being blown away seeing the beauty of the art with your own eyes.  Imagine walking through the streets of Rome, the same streets that Julius Caesar walked, being able to practically feel the history seeping through the cobblestones.  Imagine the emotions experienced when physically standing inside Dachau concentration camp, observing through your own senses a place where so many fellow human beings were senselessly murdered.

Put that way, it is easy to see how this kind of travel would not only add to the purely academic knowledge of students, but would also broaden their worldview and affect the way they live their lives.  Beyond just seeing landmarks, each student experiences these Honors trips in tandem with other fellow students, so each and every person learns from each other, while developing bonds that will last, as cheesy as it sounds, for a lifetime.

These trips are just a few examples of the learning outside the classroom philosophy that Honors makes a priority.  This expanded learning also occurs on campus, through Honors events such as Big Questions and the Fogelson Forum, among many others.  Just looking back on this past year and how much I have grown, I know a great deal of that growth should be attributed to Honors.  Not only has this college expanded my academic knowledge, it has begun to shape me into the person I will be in the future.  I am so blessed to be a part of this wonderful program and all it has to offer, and I know it will only continue to push me to my highest potential through its various learning opportunities over the course of these next three years.

Recently, I’ve realized that everyone – parents, hometown friends, future employers – generally love TCU students. This was most obvious when my friend and I went to apply for a job at a summer camp to be camp nurses. They only hire 8 girls each summer, despite visiting over 20 universities around the southern United States. After a short discussion (I’m talking less than 10 minutes), they told us over and over how much they loved us and that they were excited for us to be at camp this summer. While this may seem like I’m boasting about my own suave conversation skills, one line stuck out to me in the conversation we had with the camp representative: “Man, I love TCU kids.”

Furthermore, I have had friends come spend a weekend with me from other universities – private, public, big, and small. Each and every guest has mentioned how welcoming the atmosphere is and how everyone is so genuinely excited to be here. I suppose I take for granted the love that every student has for this university, because that isn’t the case everywhere.

I am so blessed to be able to attend a university that makes people say “wow” when I tell them where I go. I only hope that I can uphold the image of TCU, because I’m pretty sure that played a big part in my summer job. Also, I hope I don’t accidentally hurt some kid this summer…I mean, I’ve only had one semester of nursing school and I’ll be working as a nurse for five weeks…wish me luck!

Awkward Family Photo

Are you nervous that life in the JVR Honors college will be boring? Do you want to be proactive in making sure that it will be one of the most exciting times of your life? Well then Hall Crew is for you! This group can make a huge difference in your freshman experience at TCU, so make sure you take full advantage of all that Hall Crew can do. While Milton is known as the “Honors dorm”, do not worry if you are in the Honors College but not living in Milton. Every residence hall has a Hall Crew, so there will be the opportunity no matter where you choose to live!

So I know you are wondering what this wonderful group I keep mentioning does. Well I could give you the proper resume answer, that Hall Crew is the social coordination organization that is responsible for ensuring the welfare and merriment of each and every resident. But I will just tell you that Hall Crew plans fun events for its dorm! As a member myself, I really enjoy the sense of community it provides to its participants, and ultimately the entire dorm. Each resident can run for a position on the committee, or opt not to and still come and contribute to the meetings. The Hall Crew meetings are a place to express grievances or excitement, or to come share any ideas that you would like to see implemented into your dorm life.

Milton Daniel Hall Crew has put on numerous events the school year. There are events planned to appeal to every taste. The largest event in Milton each year is planned by Hall Crew. It is the Yule Ball. This is a Harry Potter themed ball that is held in the Great Hall annually. Other notable events include an open mic night, basketball tournaments, ice cream socials, Valentine’s Day “candy grams”, Texas two-stepping night, and a purple pancake breakfast on game day just to name a few.

However, being from Louisiana, my personal favorite was a Mardi Gras celebration where we watched “The Princess and the Frog”, decorated masks, and ate King Cake! This really made me feel more at home and part of a community with each event, and you can be a part of this too! Remember, Hall Crew is for you!

My new son’s name is Remington (Remi for short), and he’s a 12 week old golden retriever. He’s probably the cutest and furriest thing I’ve ever laid eyes on, although I may be a little biased.

Don’t let the cuteness fool you, though, he’s definitely a handful. We’ve been He’s been learning to go to the bathroom outside, not to bite, and how to meet new people and other dogs. I actually think I’ve met about 80% of TCU’s female student body, too, which I’m completely O.K. with.

I’ve been through sleepless nights, play-dates, accidents in the house, taking him everywhere I possibly can, constant energy, and huge bills from PetSmart and the vet, but I’m loving every second of having a new best friend!

–Thomas

First off, what does the process require? Well, there is a set curriculum of lower division business classes to be completed, as well as an interview process, various workshops, and becoming certified in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. What had TCU highlighted in Business Week, and what I want to focus on, is the interview.

Interviews are a nerve-wracking thing. It’s intimidating to get in front of a panel of people and tell them why you’re better than everybody else. So, Neeley wants to give us practice, so that we can nail our real interviews in the future. So, last Saturday, I got all dressed up and headed across campus to Smith Hall, the home of the business school.

My interview was at 11, and as I sat outside the room waiting for my interviewers to come out and get me, I was at peace…for some reason. Well, out walked grandma to call me in. The woman had to have received her AARP card a while back, but she was just as sweet as you would expect any elderly Southern woman to be. I would love to be her friend.

I walked inside, and an older man with a large, white, broom mustache was already sitting. The two of them were so encouraging, and so helpful. My interview went great, and I am so thankful that two (most likely) retired Fort Worth business people would take their time to come support me and encourage me.

Basically, this seems like an intimidating process, but I know that it has prepared me better than any of my friends at other business schools. I feel like I could go into the business world and be successful now with all that I have learned, and I can’t wait for what I learn in my final two years.

Choose Neeley. Choose TCU. It is a great experience.

PS Here is the link to the Business Week article: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-02-15/at-tcu-business-majors-must-pass-the-interview-test

I was experiencing déjà vu as I looked out on this group of promising students, the best and brightest of their high school classes, who had all been invited to TCU to interview for full tuition Chancellor’s Scholarships.  Last year was the first time TCU had utilized an interview process, so my class was the guinea pigs for what turned out to be a great success.  I remembered being in their shoes, so nervous and worried, but also excited at the prospect of attending an institution like TCU, especially when it boasted such a prestigious Honors College.  I don’t know about the students this year, but I was sold the moment I stepped on campus last year.

The students were welcomed in the Great Hall, and they were able to talk to current students, Honors faculty and staff, admissions officers, and even Chancellor Boschini.  After the party in Milton broke up, and potential Chancellor’s Scholars were introduced to their host students (me being one of them), we all split up.  My student and I participated in a fun find that many of the freshmen put together, which sent students all over campus.  After that, we attempted to teach many of the high school students how to two-step in the Great Hall, giving them a little taste of what TCU (and Texas) is like, before heading to bed for the night.

Waking up bright and early, we were at breakfast at 7:30 in the morning, as the students had a full day of Experience TCU ahead, consisting of tours of campus or Fort Worth, mock classes, breakout sessions, etc.  After Experience TCU wrapped up, we began to get ready for the Chancellor’s Scholars dinner that night, one of my favorite events.  At dinner, we were serenaded by the Frog Corps, a male singing group who perform in purple sport coats to spread school spirit, then served a fantastic meal, during which current Chancellor’s Scholars put on skits, cracked jokes, and were entertaining to say the least.  And to wrap up what was already a memorable evening, Dr. Pitcock gave a speech highlighting all that TCU and its students have to offer, and when he finished, I think he had instilled in every single student in the room, both prospective and current, a desire to change the world.  He made it feel like a tangible possibility instead of some idealistic, naïve thought always too far out of reach.  As Mike Marshall put it, if that speech didn’t inspire you, nothing would.  After the night spent with impressive high school students, my fellow current students, and TCU faculty and staff, I was reminded of how much I loved my school, and I proceeded to text my mom to tell her that I had definitely chosen the right place to be.

The weekend culminated on Saturday when the actual interviews took place.  I went with the student I was hosting to the BLUU Ballroom, where everyone was waiting to interview.  It was easy to see the stress and tension of some faces, so one of my friends, a current TCU student, took to the piano, and we attempted to lighten the mood with an impromptu karaoke session.  As prospective students joined in and I saw the smiles on their faces as they interacted with one another, there was no doubt in my mind that I was looking right into the faces of the future of my school.

At the end of last semester, I had finished my lower-division requirements. I went to my Honors advisor, lost and in need of a next step. She talked to me about doing both tracks (awesome idea), which landed me in a class this semester called Nature of College Life.

So, I know you’re asking yourself what happens in a class called Nature of College Life! And I could tell you the vague answer…that we study the nature of college life. But that doesn’t define the greatness of the class. We are taking an in depth look at the diversity, spirituality, academics, etc. of college culture and how the choices made within this culture affect future years.

That’s so sweet to think about: let’s sit in a room of intellectuals and analyze each other, especially how our decisions are reflective of TCU and how they will affect our futures.

I can guarantee that none of my high school friends are taking a similar class at their universities. And they’re jealous (at least I assume they are, I haven’t actually asked). This Honors program offers such a variety of classes similar in nature, and I can’t wait to invest my time into as many as I can.

Hey, how are you? (This is the most common question that is followed with the most generic answer.)

Hey, I’m good how are you?

Why did you choose TCU? (This is a favorite during sorority recruitment, in interviews, and talking to any adult.)

Well, a lot of my family friends had gone here and they urged me to take a look. The minute I stepped on campus, I knew this is where I belonged and it had everything I could want in a school. It’s been such an amazing experience already and I can’t imagine myself anywhere else. (This is normally said in a very cheery voice with a big smile on my face.)

What’s your major?

Nursing, with a minor in Spanish for Health Professions

Follow-up Question: Oh…you’re a nursing major? Are you ever not studying?

Yeah, there are a few occasions (maybe once or twice a week) where I’m not in the library cramming muscle actions and bone protrusions.

Do you want to go eat at the BLUU?

I’m already there!

Do you live in Colby?

I realize I am a girl, but I actually don’t live in the all-girls dorm. I live in Milton-Daniel!

Do you want to go work out at the Rec?

Um I walked to class today, so I’ve already worked out. Thanks anyway!