Not only at Harding, but aU across America the word "freshman" carried with it a central thought. The "freshman idea" was described by one firstyear student as "a second childhood." Another more intellectual type said, "it's a most tempestuous year." To a few upperclassmen, freshmen were just "gullible," "giggly," "the new crop," or a host of other things. Battling against the usual stereotypes, Harding' s freshman class attempted to adjust to campus life quickly. Learning faces, class schedule s and proper buildings to enter was enough to confuse anyone, but the freshmen dedicated themselves to their big task in order to fit in to college activities as soon as possible. Reflections on their first year at Harding found different responses from the st udents. Some claimed the University was more Linda Abbolt - Searcy, AR Rebecca Adams - Bonham, TX Virginia Adams - Ventura, CA Oewayne Agin - Arnold, MO Billie Albany - Glasgow, KY LoreUa Alessio - West Chicago, IL Benlley Alexander - Ca lvert City, KY " Beverly Alexander - Searcy, AR Brent Alexander - Delight, AR Lisa Alexander - Rochester, MJ' Laurie Allard - Oxford, GA Averine Allen - Starkville, MS Owa)'ne Allen - Har risburg, PA . Lynn Alley - Boring, OR Rhonda Almand - Bentonville, AR Ronald Altman - Summerville. SC Lori Anderson - Waldron, AR L)"die Andrt.ejewski - Marco-En-Bardeul, France Kenneth AnI - Richardson, TX Petitia Arledge - little Rock, AR Jennifer Annslrong - Porterville, CA 202 Freshmen Brian Arnold - Batesville, AR Cberyl Arnold - O'Fallon, MO James Arnold - Grandview, MO Kimberly Asbill - Jackson, MS Roy Ash - Binningham, AL Sher)1 A.hworth - Irving, TX Unda Bacon - Baltimore, MD Angie IIoiIey - Bono, AR Bret Bailey - Juneau, WI Daniel IIoiIey - Glen Falls, NY Tom Baio - Buffalo Grove, IL Cheryl Bakety - Vincentown. NJ Vicky Balcom - New Orleans. LA John Bald,"" - Tabernacle, NJ The first year: A year of discoveries than they could have ever ex~ pected. Others had come to a more reali stic view of the school after bringing delusions of "a heaven on earth" to their first few days on campus. The happy group of freshmen constituted the majority. Ellen Reid, a first-year student from Houston, said, "This year was very exciting. Freshmen seem to get a lot of attention. I've grown so much closer to the people here because they're Christians. I am not worrying too much about my classes; I just keep telling myself that I've got three more years." The immense difference from high school to college was also stressed by the class. Jeff "Alfred Lord" Tennyson from Valley Springs, Ark., commented, "Developing study habits was the hard part, since I didn't really have to in high school. You have to balance your time better because of that. Your friends also seem betler, since they've got so many similar interests." Perhaps closer than the other classes on campus because of bonds built through pledge week and the dormitories, the freshmen as a class participated in many project s . Their Homecoming float, "Dream Weaver," ~"n first place, and the freshmen officers worked in connection with the other three classes to develop a dating service on campus. The many heartaches of a person's first year were eventually to help most freshmen develop character. Even though crammed three to a room with little closet space, hot water or telephone usage avai lab le , the college freshmen came smiling through. At times covered with mud, insults and books, new experiences for them all, their spirits of freshness gave the Harding campus a much needed boost. One can only hope that the newness, humility and enthusiasm will never wear off. For the freshmen of today are the seniors of tomorrow_ AI/en
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