Cardinals' Nest

Change of Heart

In the beginning, I chose to go to U of L because it was close to home and I figured I'd save some gas money. It didn't mean much to me at first because I was majoring in nursing, and I could go to almost any school for that. But Thursday morning began to change my opinion. Of course, I was tired...it was 7 o'clock in the morning. But the dancing and singing SOSers walking around began to wake me up. After standing in the long line to get my room key, I finally got to my room [on the 4th floor...so come early], dropped my stuff off, and headed back downstairs. The first thing we did was begin to do cheers to get us in the spirit [and probably wake us up.]

The rest of the first day consisted of listening to a lot of people talk about things we probably won’t remember, such as finances and campus health. After we ate dinner, the fun began. We watched the SOSers perform some skits. We all had a lot of fun and had a few reality checks during them. Afterwards, we got to go to different areas for the night to have fun. I chose to go to the Red Barn for the Orientation Jam. It was a night full of fun and dancing. After that long day though, it felt good to just go to bed.

The next day was mainly spent registering for your classes and doing the Cardinal Challenge. It was really fun, but also very helpful.

My orientation experience was a lot of fun. Not only did I meet some new friends with my same major, but it helped make me more comfortable about my transition from high school to college. After those two days I know I made the right choice to become a Cardinal. :)

- Monae D.

I Bleed Red

For anyone, the first day of your freshman year at college can be positively frightening. Looking at it from that perspective doesn’t always put the mind at ease, as every one has their own specific qualms. I come from a small-but-proud farming community roughly 45 minutes east of Lexington. The sheer size of Louisville and its dense population is dizzying compared to what I’m used to. For close to a year, I worked in a factory, limiting my interaction with any peers in my own age group. I felt like I had aged 20 years in the past seven months, applying the old parent’s cliché of “I’m just not that hip any more” to my dormant social skills. To round out all of my fears, I come from a family that “bleeds blue” and even the mention of a Louisville Cardinal deserves to get you gutted from nave to chops.

As you can see, college is a totally different world for me, the transition being anything but seamless. I didn’t think I would even go to college. I come from your typical Eastern Kentucky family, and despite my good grades, my family just couldn’t afford to put me through college.  It was through Metropolitan College at UofL that I was given my chance for a much more attractive future.

 

 Being that I come from across the state, the 7:30 early-check-in time was horrid. I had to take a placement test, and to get there on-time, I was awake at 3:30. Running on a Starbucks double-shot and a few hours of sleep, I was positive that I was going to bomb the test. To my amazement, the test that I took wasn’t that bad. It wasn’t timed, it was only a few questions long, and you were permitted a calculator.  There worst question on the test was a strangely-worded word problem.

Even if you don’t know any of the other students at U of L, you’re not going to be alone. I was so worried about making friends. I was prepared to keep to myself for the next 2 days. Realistically speaking, there were hundreds of other people there. It would be so difficult to single out a few individuals to socialize with. But to make things easier, every one was split up in to groups of about 15, each with their own SOSer and personal mascot. The SOSer relates his or her freshman experience to you. This makes it easier to bond to your fellow team mates. Even if you can’t relate to their peppy school spirit, they do have valuable knowledge of the school. It’s in your best interest to listen to what they have to tell you, albeit in a rather unconventional way. 

 
 

 While there is going to be a ton of fun activities going on, there are going to be a few seminars. Yes, they are a bit dull, but they are a plethora of useful information. Bring coffee and take notes if you have to, these seminars answer a lot of questions. They do their best to cover everything from what is expected of you as a freshman, to taking care of financial matters, to campus health and security. It’s not always so drab. In the “Real World” skit, the SOSers mix entertainment with matters of social integration, something that affects everyone. This is fallowed by “Breaking it Down”, where every one from your group shares their opinions on some very real issues. In this session, you are encouraged to voice your opinion, no matter what others may think. College is about making your self. No one is going to jeer at any opinion you may have as long as it’s solid.

 Just as important as the serious matters are, socializing and having fun is a major part of the college experience. There are many opportunities to break away from your group and do your own thing. At lunch, there will be a chance for you to buy the book-in-common -bring money the first day! They won’t be selling it on the second- and get a look at any organizations you may want to join. I myself joined Alpha Phi Omega, a co-educational service fraternity, and commonGround, the organization for LGBT students and their allies. At the end of the day, you can break away from your group and get involved in the various activities they have set up around the campus. They have something for every one. They had a dance, a game-room, and a milkshake stand. Or, you could just wonder around. I stayed at the top of the clock tower at near the Student Activities Center. This was my first night in the big-city. The view of the city all lit up under the stars was rather awesome.

 

There is pride in going to U of L. If you don’t feel it yet, you will. There are cardinal birds painted on the walkways. Don’t step on them. It’s not a game, it’s respect.  UofL continually ranks nationally in many programs, both athletic and academic. Among other things, UofL is the birth-place of the Gardisil cervical cancer vaccine and the first artificial heart transplant. Louisville was also named the best city for college sports and has the most intense college rivalry in the country. Among the most passionate students in the world, I can now say that I bleed red. 

Why UofL?

When orientation kicked off Monday morning outside of Millar Hall I immediately started to introduce myself to other members of the incoming freshman class. As soon as these students found out that I live in Plains, Pennsylvania they all had one very similar question, “Why did you chose UofL?” I then responded as follows, “UofL is a large university that offers almost an unlimited number of opportunities for its students. At the same time the University of Louisville offers that small school feel which makes it so appealing to me.”

The morning started out with students taking various placement tests. Those students who did not have to take any tests remained in front of Millar Hall and leaned the CARDS cheer with the help of the SOSers. Soon after we were separated into different groups and I was fortunate enough to be a part of Amy’s Alphabet Soup! Our group only had 5 students so I got to know everyone pretty quickly.

The rest of the morning was filled with various information sessions. I found these info sessions to be very helpful. We learned about the book in common, student government, SOUL, and much more. The presenters discussed the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to taking part in various organizations. I feel like I was involved in too many clubs/organizations in high school so this was definitely some sound advice for anyone who is planning on getting involved on campus.

At lunch, students had the opportunity to purchase athletic tickets (football, basketball, or both) and visit various information booths. At this time students were also able to meet with people from the financial aid office.

After lunch the students were shipped off to more very helpful info sessions. One session specifically focused on REACH. Make sure you pay close attention to this presentation because REACH is a very helpful tool for freshmen at UofL.  

Day 2 started just as early as the first day, only this time students were treated to a ‘Grab Bag’ breakfast. After breakfast students were able to meet with academic advisors to talk about their schedules for the fall semester. My best advice would be to research classes ahead of time. This will really help your academic advisor and make the course selection process much smoother.

The rest of the day consisted of the very competitive ‘Cardinal Challenge’ and class registration after lunch.

After going through the orientation process I can’t wait to get down to UofL for Welcome Weekend! I think the next time someone asks me why I chose UofL my response will be, “Why not, it’s the best of both worlds!”

See you this fall! GO CARDS!!!

-   AJ Bucci

The Cardinal Spirit

As I arrived to orientation, I immediately realized that I was entering a totally new atmosphere. Although all I wanted to do at 7:00 was go back to sleep, the dancing SOSers sure did wake me up. After signing in and getting my room key, I met up with my SOS group and quickly made five new friends. The day progressed and once I got to lunch, I was very excited about what lay ahead for me in college. Each time I yelled the CARDS cheer, I felt more at home with the University of Louisville.

One of my favorite parts about the first day of orientation was the time spent in the college of business (you will be split up by your degree). Everything that I was unsure of regarding my major was addressed. Honestly, throughout all of orientation, every question that I had regarding the University of Louisville was addressed and I was still given the chance to ask more questions. The environment was very welcoming the SOSers all gave and had a plethora of information.

Advice that I have for freshmen orientation is:

1. Go into it with a good attitude. No matter how un-spirited you may be, you will be filled with Cardinal Spirit by the end of your session.

2. Schedule your session early! I had the 6th session, and most of the classes were full.

3. Pay attention to your UofL e-mail account. That's were all the important information will be sent.

4. Go in with an open mind and willingness to have fun. One of the main points of orientation is to introduce you to the university and all the great people you will encounter. This is your new family.

- Ashleigh Hazley

From One Adventure to the Next

The two hour escapade down to Louisville from my hometown outside of Cincinnati held countless talks of what we expected for our Freshman Orientation. We knew we were in for boring talks about Financial Aid, Campus Security, and a bunch of other things we would rather be sleeping through than hearing. What we didn't expect was protecting our mascots, countless cheers, and a scavenger hunt enough to make your legs hurt.

In high school, I never had spirit. I was never proud to be an Eagle and I stayed as far away as possible from spirit wear. In the four years there, I only acquired the shirts that were given to us at registration and Senior Brunch. In the day and a half I spent in Louisville for orientation, I showed more pride in my school and more spirit than I could've imagined having in the halls of Scott High School. Being surrounded by people who were just as pumped as being a Cardinal as I was made that an easier task than expected.

I was introduced to the spirit of Louisville by SOSer's dancing to Justin Bieber and an excessive amount of Ray-Ban sunglasses. After that, it didn't take much for me to settle in. I got my lanyard, information card, and folder, and headed into Davidson to take the much dreaded math test. After finishing what wasn't even remotely as bad as I had planned, I headed into the crowd of cheers. We then dispersed into our groups; I was one of Mark's Maniacs. From there we went about our day, from one adventure to the next.

The night ended the right way: with one big dance party. I enjoy a dance party as much as the next girl so one should assume I was having a good time. From an eight-minute-long Akon song to 'Imma Be,' people poured into the Red Barn to get their groove on. This was just more proof to me that the University of Louisville was a place that I would fit in well at.

The next morning for me seemed to go by far too quick. A mock class made everything seem too real; I really was growing up. Advising brought that reality even more to my eyes. Setting up my schedule for my freshman year felt great! I finally felt like an adult, like I was ready to grow up. From advising was The Cardinal Challenge. I didn't know I was in the most competitive person in the universe's group aka Michael Warren. I can honestly say that I don't think I have ever walked so fast in my entire life and to top off the burning pain of working out my calf muscles, I stepped on a peach thus staining my entire foot. We lost the challenge but came out looking good afterwards.

Lunch was its own experience. Not a single person was unhappy. Group pictures were taken, people were dancing on tables, there was shouting and laughing all with good food in good company. 

Finalizing my schedule was the final task. A couple of clicks on ULink and I was done. I was a Cardinal.

I'm more excited than ever to be a Cardinal. I'm ready to leave my house and be an adult. I'm ready to expand my horizons and open my eyes to new experiences I wouldn't get the chance to be a part of in Northern Kentucky. I'm excited to change my life for the better and meet people who will help me stay straight on that path. I'm excited for in four years, me to be able to say that I am a graduate of the University of Louisville. I'm ready for my life to begin and it all starts at Louisville.

From high school graduation to freshman orientation, from welcome week to first exams, from the next years to college graduation; my life is going from one adventure to the next.

 

Mark's Maniacs and best friends!!

Freshman orientation. That's still weird to say for me. Going to college is something I thought wouldn't happen forever, now that's it actually I cant wait to start. Orientation made that idea more real for me and was the perfect way to get me excited to be cardinal!

To be honest I was really nervous about meeting people and finding my way around. But walking up to Miller Hall calmed my nerves because i saw about 100 plus students just like me and suddenly I wasn't filled with nerves anymore just excitement. Once I got in line I made two friends and that led to three and four and etc....

Waking up at 630 AM to go to UofL which is eh..about 8 minutes away from my house, I was so not in the mood to take a math test. After I finished though we all went to meet our groups. I found mine, Mark's Maniacs! I couldn't of a had better group. We went around and said our names and why we picked Louisville, then an interesting fact. After our intros, Mark told us about our mascots and how they HAVE to be protected. Ours was this stuffed boy doll thing with braces holding a toothbrush with the name Fred on its shirt. It also made noise which would go off during the most awkward times. I chose to be Fred's protector! that was a tough task =)

After deciding who was to guard Fred with their life, we went to meet our parents and listen to hours of boring speeches about things we truly did not care about. That led to lunch with our groups and then going to our colleges and other stuff.

Then the worst thing that could happen did. FRED GOT STOLEN but since it was in a safe zone and he took him from my hands it was cheating and we got him back! tee hee hee.... :)

What I got out of orientation was not just excitement and a sense of comfort of being on campus but I also made a best friend. Now I realize its kind of strange to make a best friend in two days but I did. Her name is Megan and she is from New York, every single person she met asked her why in the world she would come to Louisville from New York. But Louisville had the equine program she wants and it turned out perfect.

We then had dinner and the Real World skits, which were very REAL. Then we had our evening entertainment. We had everything from playing pool in the SAC to dancing in the Red Barn. They all seemed like awesome choices but instead of going out Megan and I spent pretty much the whole night just talking in her room. We did go to the Red Barn for a little then we had our late night meetings and then the night was ours.

It may sound lame to some people but after we showered in the not so lovely bathrooms, Megan and I just talked till about 3 or 4 AM and we had a great time. I couldn't imagine my freshman orientation gong any better.

The next morning we woke up, bright and early and went to advising and did the cardinal challenge. My favorite activity at orientation was definitely the cardinal challenge! Not being allowed to run we went bent the rules and were skipping all over campus. Sadly we didn't win (even though we should have).

The last thing we did was pick our classes and then we were done. Overall it was an amazing time! I met some great people and got a roomie out of it too! Orientation was great and if I could do it again I totally would!

GO C. A. R. D. S!!!

 FRED!
 Marks MANIACS!!

 Me Mark and Megan!

# 1: Have Pride and Bring Spirit

If there's one thing I learned from orientation, it was to truly be yourself, be proud to be a Cardinal, and bring your spirit, even if there's very little in you (there shouldn't be though)! Don't be afraid to speak up, yell out, talk to the SOSers about random stuff, their time at UofL, what they did in high school, etc... In fact, I talked to many SOSers, most of who went to Governor's Scholar's Program and even one that graduated from my high school 3 years ago. It's about networking, learning, and most of all, having fun in the Cardinal Spirit.

On the first day, it is essential that you are willing to sit through lots of information. In other words, bring things that will keep you awake, a.k.a. LOTS OF SUGAR! For those that went to GSP, wear your GSP t-shirt; it's a great conversation starter and it will get you some Cardinal Cash (you'll find out what that is later)! Check out everything every chance you get to because it's a great way to get involved and make the most of your orientation experience. Get to know your own personal SOSer and don't be afraid to ask them any question. Most of all, on the first day, be glad you are getting all this info...it will come to help you later on. Also, ask for a General Education Requirements sheet...it really helps when trying to decide your classes.

On the second day, wake up in a good mood and ready to go. This attitude will help you later on. Also, a good pair of shoes will be good to wear this day because you will be doing a lot of walking (you'll see what I mean by that). Have in mind what classes you want to sign up for, have plenty of paper to work on scheduling, and leave room for a class that you will enjoy. Don't forget to thank your SOSer; if it weren't for them, you would be completely lost and mind-boggled!

The biggest things to remember are bring a positive attitude, be your true self there/express who you are, bring that pride you have being a Cardinal, and MOST OF ALL- bring that spirit; it will get you so many opportunities and you'll meet so many people this way.

Enjoy your orienation and LET'S GO CARDS!!!

- Spencer Scruggs

All Hail To Thee Our UofL

WOW! My two days at orientation got me SO excited to be a Cardinal! From the moment I heard the blaring music at 7:30 in the morning on the first day, I was so happy to be there.

Most aspects of UofL freshman orientation need to be experienced for yourself, but there were two things you should know to be prepared. First, bring a snack! Meals are fairly spread out, so having a light snack and water bottle with you would be good, especially since it is so hot now. Also, make sure you eat breakfast before you arrive on campus the first day, because none will be provided for you (thanks for the Pop Tart, Dominique). Second, it would be beneficial to bring some kind of backpack. It doesn’t need to be bigger than an athletic drawstring one, but large enough to carry the booklets and pamphlets and informational flyers you’ll be handed left and right, not to mention the SPECIAL EDITION orientation t-shirt and book-in-common you should buy at lunch.

The most important thing I learned about myself at orientation was to come in to everything with an open mind. Even though you may be set on something (like your major, dorm, roommate, etc), orientation is the time to make sure that it is what you really want. For example, I came to orientation set on being a Speed School student, but after spending time there talking to the current students and soaking up the atmosphere, I realized that just wasn’t the place for me. I’m really glad I had an open mind and realized that I needed to rethink my decision before school started.

In addition to having an open mind, I am also glad that I tried to gain as much out of orientation as I possibly could. Even though when lunchtime finally came and all I wanted to do was sit down and eat like the world was ending, I walked around the booths set up and got information about different clubs and organizations I would conceivably join. Because I did that, I met the coach of the women’s rowing team and am planning on trying out in the fall!

Even though the first day of orientation was an incredibly long and jam packed day, I was so happy to be there. Everyone who is a part of the program keeps the energy and enthusiasm going until the minute you go to bed. I really encourage you to have the best attitude you can, because your experience will be so much better. From doing the C-A-R-D-S Cheer to singing the fight song several times a day I think I am officially ready to be a part of the Louisville Cardinal family, and I couldn’t be happier. 

- Paige Miller

DON'T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THAT MASCOT!!!

Let me start by saying WHOA!…. C.. A.. R.. D.. S!! GO CARDS!!

Orientation is definitely one of the most amazing and high energy experiences I have ever been a part of. I don’t know what they do at other colleges but I do know that at the University of Louisville we do things right!
Before orientation all I knew is that we were going to schedule classes and learn a little bit about the campus. At UofL’s orientation you will do far more than just schedule classes. You’ll get a crash course to college life and spirit. You will be singing the fight song in your sleep by the time you’re done with orientation and it is a good thing. To have an orientation you will never forget you may want to know just a few things:

.
SLEEP as much as humanly possible before you come to orientation because you’re not going to want to end your first night early. What’s not to love about milkshakes, free stuff, dance parties, and challenges all the time. Next you are going to want to hold on to your mascot. I was dubbed the keeper of the Voorhies Vikings battle axe so I had to make sure that no one stole it. Believe me, if you set your mascot down for even a second you may as well kiss it goodbye. Later when you’re up on stage dancing to “She Got A Donk” in front of everyone you’ll remember my advice.

The SOSers did an amazing job on the real world skits. You‘ll laugh and have a good time seeing some of the issues that often face college students. Breaking it all down afterward was probably my favorite part of orientation because we all learned a little something about ourselves and those around us.

Lastly don’t worry if you get drowned by information because when it is time to schedule your classes your adviser will make sure that everything is just how you want it.

Now it’s your turn to have an unforgettable time at orientation!

-Dominique Razeeq

I'm Officially a Cardinal!

The drive from my house to the University of Louisville takes about three hours.  As each hour passed, I became more nervous and curious about what I was going to experience throughout the next two days.  My mom was unable to come with me, and to make my situation more unnerving, I had to drive by myself in Louisville for the first time.  I came down the night before orientation began, to keep myself from enduring a 4am drive.  The SOSers were amazing!  They immediately welcomed me and made me feel at home.  That night, all of the early arrivals played Apples to Apples.  I met my roommate for the next two days (who was from Massachusetts) and we immediately clicked.

             

The first day began at 7:30am.  I had no idea what to expect.  My brother and sister spoke of how their orientation sessions at other colleges had been boring, but I knew mine was going to be different.  I stepped out of the dorm to loud music and smiling faces.  The SOSers were ready to give us the best orientation experience possible.  After registering, I was put into a group (Jessica’s Jungle Animals!).  When you get into your group, make sure you guard your mascot with your life! I quickly learned the Cards cheer and spent most of the day in informational sessions.  As the day progressed, my questions were answered and I got more of a feel for what life would be like as a Cardinal.  Lunch was a very important part of the day, as I was able to purchase an orientation shirt, a parking pass, and tickets for basketball and football.  For this part of the day, knowing your email address is very helpful because you will write it on everything!             

Later on that day, we were introduced to many Cardinal traditions and rituals.  Coming from an area far from Louisville, this was very helpful to me.  Most importantly, I learned to NEVER step on the Cardinal!  Also that evening, I was able to visit my residence hall and see a room similar to the one I will be staying in this fall.  Following dinner, we watched the SOSers put on a variety of “Real World Skits”.  They were very interesting and mind opening.  Yet, my favorite part of Day 1 was the evening entertainment.  I stopped by the interfaith center with a few of my newly made friends and tried amazing milkshakes!  Then, we went over to the Red Barn, where everyone danced and had a blast!  Needless to say, at the end of Day 1, I was exhausted.            

Day 2 began with a delicious grab bag breakfast and a mock class.  Later on, we were able to schedule our classes.  I found it hard to schedule classes at first, as most of mine were offered at the same times, but with the help of an academic adviser, I had everything figured out in about 30 minutes.  Just a note for everyone: make sure you win the Cardinal Challenge so you can register first!  Oh, and don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes!  You don’t want to get blisters like I did…             

Overall, orientation was a wonderful experience!  I made a lot of new friends, gathered necessary information, and now I feel comfortable with the university.  If you go in with a good mind and attitude, you’ll have a blast! 

- Janna Lynn Imel