To all those traveling from far distances to SRU,
First off, let me start out by saying congratulations and welcome to your new home. I know you may think that you are now far away from your real home but trust me when I say, Slippery Rock can be your home away from home. I am from sunny San Diego, California and now coming into my last semester as a senior I cannot say I have regretted a single day here at college.
A word of advice is to give this place a chance. I know what it is like to be far away from your home and family, it’s scary. But this is going to be the best time of your life.
After high school I made the big decision to come out here to western Pennsylvania to pursue my degree in communication. I spent those first couple months being a little homesick and that is okay. It is normal to miss home, you spent 18 years of your life living there and it became so warm and comforting. It is hard to leave all that behind, but school is here to help you build a new home.
Don’t be afraid of college, get involved. I jumped headfirst into extra-curricular activities and I can say that they really helped me fall in love with this place and I think you will too.
Never be afraid to talk to people and make friends. The friends I made during my first few weeks are still my friends today, I even live with some of them still. These will be the friends that stay with me forever. I think it is safe to say I have even found some of my groomsmen during my time here.
Slippery Rock may be small, but the potential for greatness is huge. We offer countless ways for students just like you to succeed; a career center that will help you build a job worthy resume, a student development suite to help you get involved on campus and more. There are so many things to do here to make you feel right at home.
After four years I can truly say that Slippery Rock became my home and I hope it can become yours as well. Whether you are from Walla Walla, Washington or Timbucktu, Slippery Rock could be a home for you.
