FRESH face

Meet Sarah Chollar

major: undeclared

hometown: Comfort, Texas

Do you like Lubbock?

It's a lot different from Comfort. "It still has a small-town feel, but it's just bigger. That's why I love it." This community loves college students, which makes the transition a lot easier.

Why did you choose to come to Texas Tech?

Two of my siblings went to Tech, so I was already familiar with the campus and I knew I'd love the people here. "They're all really happy I'm here. They call me at least once a week to make sure I'm enjoying it."

What did you think about IS1100?

It was a lot of fun. "It helped me focus, I guess, really actually understand what I'm here for."

Any advice for other freshman?

"Stay really busy. If you're busy, you don't get homesick."

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Meet Matthew Streseman

Major: physics

Hometown: Portales, New Mexico

Why Texas Tech?

“It’s close to my family, but it’s also a good institute for research. When it came to physics, Eastern New Mexico University was just not an option.”

Why take IS 1100?

When I came to orientation, I was told how the class would help me based on how it helped other students. “I’m aiming for good grades, so I wanted to do everything I could to help. It really helped, it forces you to manage your time. Definitely take it if you want to do well.”

Your favorite campus hangout?

Sneed. “I hang out with people on my floor and I’ve really primarily eaten all my meals at Sneed, too.”

How is Lubbock different from your hometown?

“I’ll admit it, I’m an Air Force brat. I’ve lived a lot of places and there seems to be a lot to do here. It’s just very energetic, always interesting.”

What advice would you give other freshmen?

Stay on top of your work, don’t procrastinate and be willing to get to know people.

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Meet Valerie Manning

major: interdisciplinary agriculture

hometown: Mabank, Texas

How do you feel about Lubbock?

"I love it, it truly feels like my second home, where I belong. It's a six-and-a-half hour drive home, so I better like it!"

What are your favorite things about IS 1100?

"I'm in the CASNR FIG (The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Freshman Interest Group). That means I live in the same dorm, on the same floor with a group of people who are also studying my major." There are only about 20 of us in there, and I have all my classes with those people. "I feel like it's helped me to focus better on school and given me resources to reach out to. Familiar faces really come in handy."

How did you get involved on campus?

As part of the Howdy Techsans, I helped other people move into the dorms at the beginning of the semester. "It helped me meet a lot of people in my dorm before I ever even lived there." Also, I'm the secretary for the Stangel/Murdough Complex Council. Within my major, I'm involved in collegiate FFA and I'm on the wool judging team.

Your advice for other freshmen?

"Study and be sure to take naps. Find people, do things that interest you and really try to get involved."

FRESH face

Meet Colton Martin

major: exercise and sport sciences

hometown: Aspermont

How is Lubbock different from his hometown?

Aspermont is home to fewer than 1,000 people. “Lubbock is a whole lot bigger and faster than where I’m from.”

What has he gained from taking IS 1100?

“It’s a lot more like high school courses than the rest of my classes and I like that, it’s more comfortable.” Also, I’ve made a lot of friends. “I’ve made some great friends from that class.”

His favorite class?

It’s also one of his favorite hobbies: basketball. “I play basketball pretty much every day.”

What to do this week:

Monday: The Tech Council on Family Relations is holding a blood drive today, so stop by the SUB between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. today and donate.

Also, the Red Raider baseball team wraps up their fall practice season this week with the Red & Black series. That means four opportunities this week to catch a game. Head to the field today at 3:30 p.m. or click here for a full list of games.

Tuesday: Learn the iconic Thriller dance just in time for Halloween! It will be taught in the Rec Center at 7:15 p.m. in room 114.

Wednesday: Flu season is here, and there's no reason to put off getting vaccinated. Covenant Health Systems is making it easy. Swing by the Rec Center between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and get your shot for $20.

Thursday: Halloween is still three days away, but it's in full swing on campus. Don't miss the Haunted Circus in the Architecture building. Get scared, have fun and raise money for the American Institute of Architecture Students. Bring your student ID for a discount.

Friday: Homecoming is approaching! Get your official homecoming shirt for $10 at Barnes & Noble in the SUB.

Saturday: Get prepped for Halloween at the drive-in with Paranormal Activity 2 and Case 39. See both for one price!

Sunday: If you're not trick-or-treating, get your friends and head to Nightmare on 19th Street for one last scare before the weekend ends.

FRESH face

Meet Rocio Rodriguez

hometown: Brownsville

major: Anthropology

How does Lubbock compare to her hometown?

"I'm from a border city, so the culture is completely different here."

What did she gain from IS 1100?

I already had good study skills, so I didn't gain much there, but my instructor was really awesome. "She knows the campus really well so she could always help with everything. Now I have a little connection that I'll probably always use."

Her favorite thing about Tech?

"There's a lot I like about the campus, but my favorite thing about the school itself is all the opportunities like clubs and study abroad." I'm 11 driving hours from home, so it's nice to have so many things to do close by so I won't get homesick.

Her tip to other freshmen?

Be sure to stop by the Fresh Plate at Murdough and get everything half off before 5 p.m.!

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Meet Taryn Borchardt

major: psychology

hometown: Canyon

Why Texas Tech?

I was trying to choose a school where I could play Division 2 basketball, but I broke my right hand. That changed my plans but this is a good school, not too far from home and I like the atmosphere. Everyone is so spirited.

Favorite thing about Lubbock?

Canyon is small, so it was just time to try something different. My sister lives here, she goes to Covenant nursing school. I've enjoyed spending more time with her, just going to Wild West or going roller skating.

How did you make Tech your own?

I'm a new member of Pi Beta Phi, so that's been my way of getting to know a lot of new and different people.

What do you like about IS1100?

It's actually one of my favorite classes. Nothing about it is like a typical class. We do a lot of different things that are a lot more fun. To tell you the truth, you do learn beneficial things about how to survive in college.

Favorite Lubbock hangout?

Greek Circle. There have been lots of dinners and alumni events so far so I haven't had much time to hang out anywhere else.