Freshman Oliver Wolfe knew Big Horizons would provide an opportunity to meet people and to do community service. But he didn’t know he would be so outnumbered, as one of two boys among 35 girls in the program.
About a dozen Big Horizons participants volunteered at the Nashville Humane Association, one of three service sites. Their responsibilities included cleaning the facilities and walking, playing with and caring for the animals.
Big Horizons, one of five DoreWays pre-orientation programs offered to incoming freshmen, lets students meet classmates while doing community service.
Wolfe said the program has given him more than new female acquaintances.
“I just found out I’m allergic to cat dander, so maybe a few sneezes,” he said. “But other than that, I found the opportunity to help, and I know these animals will hopefully find good homes.”
Most participants agreed that while the service aspect made their experience satisfying, the program offered other benefits as well.
“I figured rather than playing games, I could help out in the community,” said freshman Elisa Boody. “We also got to see more of Nashville, which was good since I’m not from around here.”
However, participants were not as excited about their living conditions. Students in all four DoreWays programs stayed at the Joe C. Davis YMCA Outdoor Center, living in tents with other freshmen.
“I slept on a bench last night because it was too hot inside,” Wolfe said. “I ended up falling off the bench, but I like the camping.”
While living in the oppressive heat does not make for the most glamorous experience, some students agreed that it encourages camaraderie.
“The camping is rough but fun. I’m in a tent with six other girls, and we’ve become best of friends simply because we’re living in the same tent. It’s hot, but good bonding time,” Boody said.
Nikky Okoro co-authored the article.
