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."

FRESH face

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.

FRESH face

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.”