COLUMBIA, S.C. — Claflin University came alive with excitement as 620 incoming freshmen moved into their dorms on Saturday, welcomed by enthusiastic orientation leaders and faculty. The air was filled with cheers and a sense of new beginnings as families helped their students settle in.
One incoming freshman expressed a mix of emotions about starting college. "I can't be anything more than happy and blessed, honestly. This is something I've always wanted—to go to school," the student said.
Another freshman shared a more cautious optimism. "I'm a little bit nervous because I guess it's a new environment and everything, but I'm not really too scared," they said.
With classes starting in less than a week, the new students have been busy getting to know the campus, guided by orientation leaders like Layla DeCosta. "I typically help out with any questions the students or parents may have. So that might be about the dorms, the dining hall, or just wherever things are located on campus," DeCosta explained.
As she prepares to start her junior year, DeCosta has been offering advice to the newcomers. "Get involved with different activities on campus, get involved in leadership, just get out there and see what's out there because there are a lot of different opportunities and experiences waiting for them," she said, drawing from her own experiences.
University President Dr. Dwaun Warmack has also been sharing words of wisdom with the incoming students. "We want to not just continue to graduate them but to ensure they are gaining life skills. So I tell the students, ‘Seize the moment and take everything that you can get out of this experience,’" Warmack said.
Warmack emphasized the importance of supporting new students as they embark on this journey. "I remember when I was a kid coming from Detroit to Mississippi, I didn't have any family, no family went to college, and I'll never forget my president was there to help me move in," he recalled.
As the day progressed, parents and family members began to say their goodbyes, marking a bittersweet moment. "It's a bittersweet moment for me. I've never experienced anything like this before, so I'm really trying to hold back tears," one parent shared.
Another parent, anticipating the inevitable phone calls, joked, "I know those calls are about to come in even though he thinks he knows everything."
Claflin University is set to begin classes on Thursday, August 15.