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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."

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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.

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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.

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Meet Grant McIntire

major: mechanical engineering

hometown: Houston

Why Texas Tech?

"Both my parents went to school here. Plus, the campus is really pretty and the people are nice."

How does Lubbock compare to his hometown?

Lubbock is a lot smaller, but I like that. People are much friendlier. "I've just been saying hi to everyone."

His favorite thing about Tech?

Meeting new people and living on campus. It's so easy to get around. I also like hanging out with my friends off campus.

His favorite hangout?

I like to go to the DMS and just be loud.

What to do this week:

Tuesday: They might be old, but they're legendary. Get your tickets to see the Eagles at 8 p.m. at United Spirit Arena.

Wednesday: Meet F.I.T. Tech at the Preston Smith Statue at noon for their weekly walk. Meet some new people and get some fresh air between classes.

Thursday: Donate blood and get registered to win a 42-inch HDTV anytime between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. at First Baptist Church. To sign up to donate, email hannah.cuthbert@ttu.edu.

Also, celebrate the end of the week at the Underwood Center. The Flatland Film Series will present two Alfred Hitchcock films for a discounted student price. Films begin at 7 p.m.

Friday: Before you head out of town for fall break, stop at the Rec for one last workout. Turbo Kick starts at 12:10 p.m. and is a great way to start your holiday off with some high intensity sweating.

FRESH face

It's about time you started getting to know your peers! FRESH faces are outstanding IS1100 students who want to share a little bit of themselves with fellow students who are also new to Texas Tech.

Meet Kyle Shults

major: business

hometown: Houston

How'd he end up at Tech?

I have some family in the area, so it peaked my interest. "As soon as the plane landed for orientation, I was like, 'this is home'."

How is his new home different from Houston?

"No humidity, no traffic, and this is really much more of a community feeling."

His favorite thing about Tech?

"People are real nice. Back in Houston, these kind of people are hard to come by. People here hold the door open for you even if they don't know you. They're just nice."

His favorite local hangout?

The Rec. "I love the leisure pool."

What to do this week:

Tuesday: You've now had time to get settled into your course load, but if you'd like to learn how to better take notes during class lectures, stop by West Hall room 246 for a note taking seminar. Can't make it Tuesday? They're providing the seminar Wednesday and Thursday, as well!

Wednesday: Celebrate making it through the first half of the week by heading to United Spirit Arena to cheer on the Lady Raider volleyball team.

If sports aren't your thing but you want a good laugh, head to the Lubbock Civic Center to see Daniel Tosh. Brush up on your Tosh.0 before you go.

Thursday: October's approaching and the semester is officially in full swing. If you're feeling overwhelmed by research papers, there's one event that's sure to put you at ease. The Center for Undergraduate Research is hosting a research paper writing workshop in room 341 of the administration building from noon to 1 p.m.

Friday: The cooler weather came just in time for Lubbock's greatest monthly event: The First Friday Art Trail!

Saturday: It's your last chance to enjoy hotdogs, fried cheese and a ferris wheel all in the same night. If you haven't been to the South Plains Fair yet, don't miss out!

FRESH face

It's about time you started getting to know your peers! FRESH faces are outstanding IS1100 students who want to share a little bit of themselves with fellow students who are also new to Texas Tech.

Meet Savannah Crowson

major: pre pharmacy

hometown: Mansfield, Texas

Her favorite thing about Lubbock?

"I like that it's a small town. Everyone here can connect through the university. In high school, everybody knew everybody, but here I don't know anyone so I really have to make an effort to branch out. So it helps for it to be a small town."

Her favorite thing about Tech?

"School spirit! UT was my first football game here. I don't want to say we're rude, but we're rude. We just support our team all the way."

What's special about IS1100?

"I like that it's small. it's more of a discussion and everyone shared their advice, has input, really gets their feelings out there."

Her favorite local hangout?

Keva Juice. "It's so good!"

What to do this week:

Tuesday: Start the week off on the right foot by volunteering to serve breakfast or dinner at The Salvation Army's Community Kitchen. The kitchen serves about 200 people per day and with four time shifts available, volunteering is convenient! Call 806-765-9434 for more information.

Also, Fall Break is quickly approaching, so make plans now to spend your long weekend on an adventure trip with your peers. The Outdoor Pursuits Center is leading a backpacking trip to Carson National Forest that is sure to be a fun way to get your mind off school for a few days. Call the OPC at 806-742-2949 or visit their website to find out more.

Wednesday: As long as the weather stays perfect, there's no reason not to head to Urbanovsky Park Wednesday evening to watch Toy Story 3. The movie starts at 8 p.m. Find out more on their website.

Before the show, be sure to stop in at Horn/Knapp, Hulen/Clement or Bledsoe/Gordon for dinner. They will be serving a special welcome buffet starting at 5 p.m.

Thursday: Possibly one of the most important annual events for food lovers is happening on this day: The Hub City BBQ Cook-Off. The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is selling tickets (and also giving some to students!), that will allow for an evening of tasting a variety of award-winning local food.

Friday: Eli Young Band will be performing at Fair Park Coliseum so don't miss out!

Saturday: Considering the Red Raiders won't be playing any football this weekend, it's a great time to get in some studying for your first round of exams. Head to a local coffee shop to get motivated.

What to do this week:

Tuesday: Tech v. Texas is just around the corner, so start preparing today. For the most unique gameday garb, a trip to Texas Tech's official online auction is in order. They're going fast, but if you check it out soon you may be able to get a hold of a gameday jersey.

Wednesday: Head to the library to learn more about studying abroad. The study abroad fair will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the library's Croslin Room, where plenty of folks will be standing by to answer your study abroad questions.

Also, don't miss Student Government Association's town hall meeting. Besides meeting your SGA representatives, you'll have a chance to ask questions about campus issues and eat some free lunch! This will be hosted Wednesday in the Red Raider Lounge from 11 a.m. to noon.

Thursday:It's Grito de Dolores! Mexico's independence day is a great time to enjoy some local Mexican food.

Thursday is also a great day to take advantage of Bodytalk, a discussion about body image issues hosted every Thursday this semester from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Student Counseling Center

Friday: Lubbock's corn maze is now open! The Maize is open Friday night from 5 p.m.-9pm

Saturday: The Raiders and the Longhorns kick off at 7:00 p.m., but get there early for tailgating and to get a good seat!

What to do this week:

If you aren’t too busy setting up your dorm space and making a couple hundred new facebook friends this week, here are a few things you can check out:

Today: The Rec is offering free previews of their Raider X2 fitness classes. The courses normally require a fee, but try them out before you pay tonight! Try ballroom dance at 8:30 or any of their other great classes. They also have a packed schedule of free stuff.

Wednesday: You still have time to hit up the poster sale in the SUB for some cheap dorm decor. Don’t wait another day or your favorites may be gone!

Thursday: Don’t miss out on the free Summer Showcase Concert Series in the courtyard of the Buddy Holly Center from 5:30pm-7:30pm

Weekend: New students are hitting the jackpot this weekend starting with Friday’s Art Trail at the Texas Tech Museum. The event is free and starts at 6pm. Saturday morning you should hit up Sugar Brown’s for some kolaches and rest up for Sunday’s football game against SMU.

Welcome!

As freshmen at Texas Tech, this week marks the beginning of your first full week as a college student!

By now, I’m guessing you’ve made at least a dozen trips to Wal-Mart, gotten at least 10 panicked phone calls from your mother and hopefully gone to a few classes.

You probably have some complaints about your new roommate, your class schedule and Lubbock’s lack of a Taco Cabana, but I hope you’re settling in and finding you’re happy with your choice to attend Texas Tech.

This blog is meant to accompany your IS-1100 course as a way to get involved on campus and be encouraged by your peers. I hope you will find it useful and insightful.