Each year, as freshmen wander aimlessly around campus and seniors spend their free time counting the days until graduation, it becomes more evident that the two groups remain on opposite ends of the college spectrum. Paige Daigneault, biology senior from Bourg, and Samantha Kanode, nursing freshman from Houma, are both working to find themselves and develop credentials and an academic record that could benefit them in future business arenas.

Yet, the differences between the two are obvious.

Fact 1: Seniors are more aware about campus issues.

Question 1: What are your basic concerns regarding parking on campus during the upcoming school year?

S (Daigneault): Last semester and previous semesters, it’s been really cluttered as far as trying to find a parking spot. I don’t know how things will be different, but I’m really concerned about it.

F (Kanode): Parking in the right spot is a major concern. I’m also concerned about finding my classes the first day.

Fact 2: Seniors tend to be more experienced and set in their career paths.

Question 2: How do you feel about your career choice?

S: I’m very confident in my career choice because I love the field I’m in; I never get tired of it. I can’t wait to further my education in this area.

F: I know (nursing) will be tough, but I’m more than positive it is the right choice for me.

Fact 3: Seniors look forward to what comes at the end of the school year while freshmen are more excited about what comes at the beginning.

Question 3: What are you most excited about for the upcoming semester?

S: I’m excited because I’m going to be a senior. That means I’m one year closer to moving to Texas to be a chiropractor.

F: Meeting new people is definitely what I’m looking forward to.

Fact 4: Seniors have their eyes set on the future and what classes they need to finish their academic programs. Freshmen have their eyes set on continuing what they started in high school and not getting lost on campus.

Question 4: What is your biggest worry about the upcoming semester?

S: I just recently decided to get my Biology degree, so I’m having to backtrack and take classes I would have needed to take as a freshman. I’ll have to take classes with people I’m not familiar with and harder classes with teachers I’ve never been around.

F: I’m worried about keeping my average up. I’m also nervous about walking back and forth from Peltier to Goaux on rainy days.

Fact 5: Seniors see the first day of class as the easiest day of the semester. Freshmen are already pulling their hair out anticipating how hectic it will be.

Question 5: How do you anticipate your first day of class will be?

S: Short, teachers introducing themselves and handing out a syllabus and me being able to go home early.

F: Chaotic. I’m sure my nerves will get the best of me.

Fact 6: Seniors see the University for what it is, while freshmen see it for what it can offer them.

Question 6: Briefly describe the following:

a. Parking

S: Ridiculous, annoying, frustrating.

F: I’m scared to get a ticket.

b. Financial Aid

S: The office is horrible, absolutely horrible.

F: TOPS has covered a major portion of my tuition. I would hate to pay full tuition on top of the hundreds of dollars that my books will cost.

c. Student Union

S: It could have more of a variety and could be a little bigger.

F: I’m anxious to see what goes on there.

d. Gouax Hall

S: Too far away. And it’s the nicest hall, but they don’t have vending machines or soda machines.

F: (no response)

Fact 7: Seniors are more likely to be loners, while many freshmen are set on doing things in groups.

Question 7: Do you consider yourself an involved, spirited Colonel fan that spends extra time at school or an independent spirit that only goes to school for class and then returns home?

S: I am more of an independent spirit that just goes to class and leaves after.

F: I’m hoping my students allow me to get involved. I plan on going to Chi Alpha and maybe getting involved in other things later on in the year.

Fact 8: Seniors want to learn about the things they need to know in the real world, while freshmen just cannot wait to learn-period.

Question 8: What do you hope to learn over the course of the next academic year?

S: I hope to learn more about the career I’m going into. The classes I’m taking will be more involved in things I need to know to be a chiropractor.

F: I’m hoping to learn more about how the body functions. I find Biology fascinating.

Fact 9: Seniors wait until after the lines subside at the Bookstore to purchase textbooks, while freshmen tend to buy their books by the first day of class.

Question 9: When do you plan to buy your textbooks?

S: I’ll probably have the main books I need by Friday.

F: Probably tomorrow. The textbooks that are recommended from the bookstore are different from what’s on the syllabus, so I don’t know. Do they expect me to have my iClicker the first day?

Fact 10: Seniors and freshmen are more similar than they seem. Sometimes, people focus so much on the differences that they fail to see that every student at Nicholls, no matter how diverse they might be, still has Colonel pride and loves this University.

Question 10: What is your favorite thing about Nicholls?

S: It’s small so the teachers are easily available. I’ve learned a lot, made a lot of friends, met a lot of new people and felt very comfortable, not only at the school, but also in its setting. It’s small and not intimidating.

F: My favorite thing about Nicholls is that they have an awesome Nursing program. I am so excited about going into Nursing.