My Freshman Year: April 23, 2010

Our group thought that the first and second chapters were very interesting and provided insight into why she was doing her research project; however, we did see minor mistakes she did make along the way. We, as the readers, were intrigued at reading about an individual who defied the barriers and became a freshman at the age of fifty. Some of us were shocked that Nathan was so intent on staying in the dorms, following the meal plans, and attending freshman classes. Many of us acknowledged the fact that we would be embarrassed at being an older student and mingling with students that were twenty years our junior and being in an environment where we weren't comfortable. However, Nathan faces her challenges with confidence and ease, and although we are sure just as every human being Nathan had her low points, she continued to be excited about her project and the results it would yield. Another aspect that surprised us about the first chapter was the fact that Nathan didn’t know her campus like she thought she did. For example, she stated, “I was shocked at how vulnerable and out of my element I felt. I found myself frequently wandering in the wrong direction and stopping other students, who looked more competent, for directions” (Nathan, 11). Clearly, Nathan was out of her element. She was used to being able to park in the faculty parking lot and access buildings from the opposite side of the campus mall; this entire experience was both confusing and humbling for a professor that thought she knew her college backwards and forwards. One aspect of chapter one that some of the group members found interesting was the fact that Nathan felt she needed to, “master the current speech conventions” (13). Most of us felt that our speech was easy to follow, and not very different, however, after reading about Nathan’s experience we were all surprised to find that we do use words that are different from the typical adult’s conversation, such as, “sweet”, “oh my god”, and “totally”. Also, she noticed at the speech of our conversations. At times, although we may not realize it, our speech is quite fast and can be difficult for others to follow. After reading the chapter, we did feel, however, that Nathan did make a few mistakes as to the fact that she could have done more research on the type of clothes typical college students wear as well. One example of this was found when Nathan was preparing to move into the dorms for a pre-freshman get together. While registering, Nathan was asked politely if she was a parent due to her apparel: a sporting hat, golf style tee, jeans, and shoes with white socks. This is one example of Nathan not doing her research properly. If she had done her research she would have found herself in a more comfortable situation, instead of looking like a parent on a critical, first-impression day. The second chapter was mostly about life in the dorms, and that for all members of our group, very easy to relate to. As Nathan wrote with ease about the possessions she was trying to situate in her small dorm room, all of us could empathize with move-in day and how difficult that was for all of us. For most of us, this would be the longest we'd ever be away from everything we held dear, and that was a frightening thought. However, the promise of things to come helped ease the difficult, yet exciting transition. It was also comical for some of us to read about her reaction to the images on people's doors and what kind of statement the individual was trying to say about herself. Most of us are still trying to figure that out on our hall as well. :) It was also quite interesting to watch a middle age professor try to absorb the colorful bulletin boards displaying announcements, participate in the activity nights hosted by the RA's, discerning who were the "good" RA's, and the list is endless. I believe Nathan does over exaggerate in this chapter about making friends with different majors that live in different dorms. On page 38, Nathan makes it seem nearly impossible to hang out with other people with a different schedule than yours. From my experience (John), I do not think it is difficult at all to be friends with people who live in different dorms, have different majors, and are in different clubs. I have multiple friends that I hang out with everyday that have completely different housing and majors than me. Other than that, I believe Nathan is doing a great job so far in her research and am excited to read more.