Discussion about Final-year Freshman Reflection
At the College of the Holy Cross, student government members Ashley Stracco, Matt Hollatz, and Michael Kieyah have shared their insights on what helps foster a strong sense of community among first-year students.
As the heads of the class of 2028, Ashley Stracco (President), Michael Kieyah (Vice-President), and Matt Hollatz (Treasurer) have experienced the college's vibrant campus life firsthand.
Residential Life and Freshman Dorms
The freshman dorms, such as Clark Hall and Brooks Hall, offer lively living spaces that provide opportunities for first-year students to connect with their peers, helping to build early bonds and a communal atmosphere.
Campus Engagement Platform (myHC App)
Holy Cross offers a dedicated app, myHC, which allows students to find and register for events, join groups and organisations, and stay connected with campus happenings. This digital platform facilitates social involvement and helps first-year students immerse themselves in the campus community quickly.
Events and Shared Experiences
Programs like the Worcester Public Schools Transition Program create opportunities for interaction, shared learning, and building friendships across diverse groups of students, contributing to a welcoming and inclusive environment for newcomers.
Ashley Stracco attributes the sense of community at Holy Cross to events like Battle of the Bands and Noche Latina, while Matt Hollatz encourages first-year students to put themselves out there and try new things. Michael Kieyah advises first-year students not to be afraid to try new unfamiliar things.
Personal Growth and Development
Through their interviews, the student leaders placed emphasis on getting involved in campus clubs and activities. Ashley Stracco has become more extroverted and improved her leadership skills, while Matt Hollatz has learned to be more self-managed and organised, and to balance his time for himself and others. Matt Hollatz attributes his wonderful circle of friends as his rocks throughout the school year, and Michael Kieyah has learned about himself and what he wants to accomplish through college.
Appreciation for the People
The Holy Cross student government members expressed appreciation for the people they met through their involvement, with Emily Carbone '28, the Features Editor at Holy Cross, also joining the conversation. Ashley Stracco advises first-year students to put themselves out there socially, extracurricularly, and academically, while Matt Hollatz encourages them to try new things and take advantage of the opportunities available on campus.
In conclusion, the class of 2028 student government members have reflected on their first year at Holy Cross, highlighting the importance of residential life, technology-enabled engagement, and inclusive programming in fostering a strong sense of community among first-year students. Their transitions to college have proven to establish their goals, help them find their place in the community, and allow them to find their rhythms in their academic and social lives.
- Ashley Stracco, Michael Kieyah, and Matt Hollatz, as the heads of the class of 2028, have experienced the college's vibrant campus life, including living spaces in freshman dorms such as Clark Hall and Brooks Hall that help first-year students connect and build community.
- Holy Cross's dedicated app, myHC, allows students to find and register for events, join clubs, and stay connected with campus happenings, thereby facilitating social involvement and fostering quick immersion into the campus community.
- Programs like the Worcester Public Schools Transition Program offer opportunities for interaction, shared learning, and building friendships across diverse groups of students, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for newcomers.
- Through events like Battle of the Bands and Noche Latina, and active participation in campus clubs and activities, students can foster personal growth and development, improving skills like leadership, self-management, and organization.
- The student leaders valued their interactions with people they met through their involvement, expressing appreciation for the community they found at Holy Cross and encouraging first-year students to put themselves out there, try new things, and take advantage of the opportunities on campus for education, self-development, and personal growth.
