The Gatepost Editorial: Many cultures, one community
By The Gatepost Editorial Board
Framingham State is much more than the historic buildings of Crocker Grove, the labs in Hemenway Hall, or the athletic fields - it’s a place made up of people who care deeply about this community.
If you’re a new student, The Gatepost Editorial Board welcomes you to campus. Here, you will embark on the next steps of your educational journey. In the process, you will meet friends, future colleagues, and talented career and industry professionals who care for you and will advocate for you in any way they can - all you have to do is ask.
As you find yourself, you’ll also find comfort in the areas surrounding you. Soon, your major, college, and residence hall will all feel like a second home, and the people you currently see as strangers will become a second family.
Framingham State is an incredibly diverse community, with countless cultures represented in our student body and faculty. The voice of every person, no matter their cultural background, gender, religion, or race, has a place here - so don’t be afraid to use yours.
There are countless leadership and involvement opportunities across campus that will help support your interests and engage you outside the classroom.
Consider joining one of the dozens of student organizations available. And if you don’t see one that interests you, start your own! It’s as easy as getting together with a group of friends.
While you’re here, remember your primary purpose: you’re here to learn. Engage with your coursework as best you can, ask questions, connect with classmates, and seek help from your professors - they want to hear from you, and they hold office hours for a reason.
If you do fall behind in one of your classes, don’t panic. Countless individuals across campus are here to help, no matter the request.
Professors hold weekly office hours at which they are available to you - use this opportunity. There is no such thing as asking for too much help.
Take this one-on-one time to ask questions, get feedback, and prepare for class, but also take a few minutes to get to know your professor. Ask them about their experience and what drew them to pursue their specific field. It might give you insight into what a future career in that area might look like.
Above all, when interacting with anyone at Framingham State, be respectful.
We live in a shared space. The people you see every day are the same faces you see in the Dining Commons, your courses, and one day, the commencement stage they will walk with you. Remember, they also call Framingham State home and appreciate clean facilities, respectful debate in class, and kindness.
But ultimately, remember to take care of yourselves. Everyone has bad days, but whether you need a friendly face to talk to, the solitude of your dorm room, or the warmth of Ramsey, the campus comfort dog, FSU has a place for you to find solace.
While all of these resources are available to you, they will not come to you.
As a student, it is your responsibility to seek help, request information, and meet the people who best support you.
While this may be scary, be assured that no one on campus will turn you away.
If you’re a resident student, your building's resident advisor is the best place to start if you need a friendly face to introduce you to others, point you in the right direction, or just talk to if you feel like you need it.
Every RA hosts programs in your building that are a great opportunity to meet others. Go to these events, enjoy the free snacks, and leave with a new perspective and a new friend.
It’s also important to stay informed while on campus: check your email daily, turn on your Canvas notifications, and most importantly, read your independent student newspaper weekly.
The Gatepost provides a unique insight into what life at FSU is like. Use our paper as a resource to see what a vibrant place Framingham State is.
Whether it’s your first time on a college campus or it’s your senior year, welcome home!
