In a land far, far away...

As our campus begins the new semester, fresh from the holidays, many of our students are re-inserting themselves back into the Wake Forest community, reminiscing of their study-abroad experiences and filled with a slew of experiences. While each student’s experience was both unique and fulfilling, the overarching goals of becoming a traveler and not a tourist paint the theme for our Wake Foresters abroad. Thus, I interviewed both a student and professor on their experiences abroad, what it meant to them, and what they’d like to tell others pursuing the dream of becoming a global citizen:

“I needed to go abroad because it fit my major and my hours. However, I wanted to go abroad to experience a new culture, new sounds, and new people. I think living with a family in the program (Dijon, France) held as many positives and negatives as the Wake abroad houses. It taught me how to develop deep friendships, provided a more inviting atmosphere to observe cultural nuances, and forced me to get out of my element and speak the native tongue. Despite the negatives such as dietary issues or some of the families acting like surrogate parents, I found that full immersion helped develop my cultural understanding to the next level. Additionally, my close proximity to highly diverse countries within the EU allowed for intercultural exchange and exploration. However, my expectations of quick friendships were met with difficulty as I attempted to form genuine relationships with non-Americans. It became a difficult task when I knew the bonds I created were only short-lived. It doesn’t mean I didn’t try because the ones I did make, I have continued past the program.

What do you think Wake could have done better/did right?

"I think Wake has made great improvements with the Center for International Studies. They’re offering more programs and options, atypical from most schools. I think our presence in the international community is growing with each year and each new wave of new study-abroad students. I just wish Wake would offer more scholarships, accept credit from more programs, and advertise for more summer programs. But I think with the resources it has, the Center for International studies is doing its best."

Any advice?

"My piece of advice to future travelers: Take risks to embarrass yourself. Make mistakes because you’re only there for a short time. Take advantage of every situation."

Mark Hoover is a junior Political Science, French double-major from the Congo.

Beauty and the Greek

While students continue to reminisce over the momentous win over our infamous rivals (UNC), others begin the process and traditions deeply embedded in the Wake Forest community: the Greek system. While the many male students continued to enjoy the last tidbits of their holidays, swarms of Wake Forest’s female students participated in Greek rush, inserting themselves into a new outlet for social interaction, philanthropic events, and personal friendships. Though an arduous week of social parties, mingling, and conversation, both upper-upperclassmen Greek students and prospective members discover the “right fit” in their respective organizations. While many students wonder what those bright-colored shirts with funky letters printed across them represent, for the students wearing them, they represent friendship and bonds.
While it may seem the spring semester seems to display a blooming Greek culture, the Wake Forest community illustrates its unique ability to interweave both Greek and non-Greek activities. Promoting synergy, Greek housing is interspersed within the residence halls along with an open-party system. Unlike many campuses that segregate Greek and non-Greek students, Wake Forest aims to provide all students with opportunities to interact, despite their affiliations. Springing into the new semester, we’ll see a plethora of colors on the quad.

Spring Forward

In preparation for a new semester at Wake Forest, new routines, and new experiences, students retreat back to their familiar surroundings and spend time with friends and family. Amidst the holiday shopping sales, plethora of food and goodies, and numerous gatherings of relatives, we use this precious time to rejuvenate ourselves for the upcoming Wake semester. Filled with events such as SpringFest, Greek Life Rush, and Demon Deacon Basketball, the semester presents new opportunities to get involved. With each class, this upcoming semester marks a personally unique experience for the individual. As a freshman, one looks forward to meeting new friends through fraternity and sorority rush and narrowing those extracurricular activities. As sophomores, we mature and take on leadership positions in our respective organizations, declare majors, and apply for study abroad. As juniors, we reconnect with friends after studying abroad, reinsert ourselves into our activities, apply for internships, and look ahead to the final year. Finally, as seniors, we reflect and reminisce on the four years, making sure this semester will be our best in all aspects. We prepare for the future and cherish the memories of time at Wake. We look forward to the newness of spring.