Name: Sarah Dolny '11

Major: Communication

Hometown: Shelton, Connecticut

E-mail: sdolny@bryant.edu

I knew Bryant was the school for me… The day of my Orientation.  I was nervous and very anxious to be sure that Bryant was for me.  However after 5 minutes of Orientation I knew I made the right choice.  Orientation Leaders couldn’t stop raving about how beautiful campus was, how exciting schools events like Homecoming were and how happy they were when they were at school.  That was the exact reassurance and excitement that I needed

What surprised me the most about Bryant was… Always having something to do! I became involved right after the organization fair and right off the bat I was meeting new people and learning to balance school work, meetings and meeting new people.  If I needed time to myself I had it, but if I was looking for something to do I always could find that as well. 

I can’t believe I brought with me to Bryant…. WAY TOO MANY SHOES! After the first semester I realized, maybe 20 pairs isn’t exactly necessary.

After graduating from Bryant, I hope to… remember all the amazing times here.  So far Bryant has allowed me to create memories and friendships that are irreplaceable.  Even after graduation I know we are going to stay close and be involved and stay in each other’s lives. I know I will most likely not remember every night or every inside joke, but the overall experience is unforgettable. 

My best experience at Bryant so far was…Joining my sorority. The experience has been something I could never have imagined.  Finding a group of girls with the same goals and values as me and constantly being a support system for each other is something that I appreciate and love. We are all working and collaborating together to accomplish philanthropy, community service and to challenge each other to achieve things we never thought we could otherwise.

What I am most looking forward to during orientation is…Meeting new freshmen! We have all been in your shoes and we know how nerve racking and exciting it is!  I’m looking forward to answering anything from "how’s the cafeteria food" or "have you taken Business 101", to "do I really have to do my own laundry?"

Words of advice for an incoming student… Jump out of your comfort zone! Your only a freshmen once.  The four years go by faster than you could possibly imagine.  Coming to college is the best opportunity a person could have to be or do anything they want!  Try a new club, decide to live healthier or go to the gym, set a goal for a higher GPA than you had in high school, or simply strive to meet as many people as you can.

My favorite Bryant tradition is… Walking through the Archway at graduation.  I walk past it three times a day and it’s a constant reminder that our time here is so short and all the hard work and time is going towards the goal of graduating.  As a Sophomore (going to be a Junior) every once in a while it hits me, I’m halfway done.  I see the Archway and I’m proud to be an active part of the Bryant Communnity. Even after graduation, it will be great to know that I’m still part of that community as an alumni.  It’s a part of me that will always be there and active for as long as I want it to be.