Freshman year epitomizes novelty - new friends, classes, atmosphere, food. Even familiar experiences take on a different appearance. Freshmen begin to perceive their lives differently and define their own world - which is usually subject to change.

The first week at Vanderbilt restricted freshmen from enjoying the freedom of college life. Instead, the orientation Doresteps program herded first-year students into groups and led them with a cowbell.

Although the pre-assigned VUcept groups resembled a kindergarten class, with the girls socializing quietly with one another and the boys aimlessly wandering, they immediately formed relationships among the group members.

Fortunate enough to have an enthusiastic VUceptor, I enjoyed bonding with my group: The 72 Crew. The girls of the crew bonded over line dancing at the Wildhorse Saloon and singing obnoxiously loudly on the General Jackson cruise. In any other scenario, these situations would be awkward for newly formed acquaintances, but Doresteps provided an excuse for immature behavior before classes began.

While girls can be satisfied with the simplicities of singing and dancing, freshman guys seek a little more than "a VUcept bond" to find friends.
Chris Cole explained that his VUcept group has a "middle-school feel to it" with the guys and girls mingling separately, but that the outings helped to break the ice.

"Even though the group was initially awkward and people complain about it, it is good in the long run as another venue for meeting people," Chris said.
Although the VUcept groups provided opportunities for quickly formed friendships, they were restricting, and groups remained isolated. As freshman Riley Strong puts it, "I think the program was useful for some people, but it was excessive. I didn't have enough time to meet people on my own terms."
Most freshman found the DoreSteps program to be a positive experience; however, many felt the lack of free time was a disadvantage. Kelley Smith said, "I thought it was fun, but it was too packed. I didn't really have time to unpack or meet people in my dorm."

While many Visions groups formed immediate bonds, some freshman didn't like the seclusion of their groups. Evan Kelly said, "It wasn't my style. I don't really meet friends that way. I would rather just go to the dorms and to school - rather than being separated from it."

It seems that while freshman enjoyed the DoreSteps program, many left orientation exhausted and somewhat overwhelmed. Due to the lack of sleep, many students like Anne Hopkins are suffering from strep throat or head colds.

Furthermore, groups should have been allowed to merge occasionally, which would have been a welcome breather for those not as keen about their group members.

However, no complaints were found about VUcept leaders. Freshmen found their leaders informative, open, and honest when it came to dealing with any questions about life at Vanderbilt.

One group leader, Jennifer Thomas, sent daily e-mails with reminders about events on campus. She also contacted school advisors about specific questions, asked about scheduling, and even baked cookies and made goody-bags for each member in her group.

Ashley Williamson said, "VUcept leaders were amazing! They gave two sides to every question- the Vanderbilt approved answer, and the ‘real' answer, which is what we really want to hear."

Overall, DoreSteps seemed to leave a positive impact on the Class of 2011. While students poured into class Wednesday morning slighty dragging from their intensive orientation, most were relieved to find a few of their group members scattered throughout campus. A friendly hello and a smile from new friends and acquaintances made the packed first days well worth the lost hours of sleep.

Nikita Rodrigues
Freshman, College of Arts and Sciences

Stephanie Wells
Freshman, Peabody College