By Jordan Givens | As many other organizations on campus were affected by COVID so was the first experience of being on campus for new students. COVID-19 was detrimental to a lot of campus events, including Jacket Journey. Jacket Journey is Howard Payne’s new student orientation where most new students can interact with the campus and settle in before classes begin.
Monica Garza, a junior education major from Lampasas, has been a Jacket Journey leader for the past two years.
“Nothing against last year’s session, but this year was better in every single aspect,” said Garza.
Last year, Jacket Journey was very limited in the activities and experiences they could offer in order to keep everyone safe. This proved to be very unpopular amongst the student body, new and returning students alike.
Two-time Jacket Journey leader, TJ Shands, added: “This year’s Jacket Journey was the best one we’ve had since I was a freshman.”
Josh Snow and the Student Planning Committee (SPC) worked hard to make this year’s session more enjoyable. Padi Mangwiro, SPC “hype man” and emcee of this year’s Jacket Journey, wanted this year to be memorable.
“We wanted to keep up the hype, revamp the experience, and make it enjoyable as possible so that nobody forgets the experience. We want them to want to be involved next year,” said Mangwiro.
Director of Student Activities, Josh Snow, wanted general sessions to be more engaging.
“This year we tried to create the general sessions to be more engaging with students so that it would relate to them and welcome them to our campus,” said Snow.
“Our student planning committee did a great job planning and executing this year,” he added.
Their mission was accomplished. Jacket Journey seemed to have a positive effect on freshmen by the buzz surrounding the event.
Madi Boggs, a freshman strategic communication major from Cypress, had an incredible experience at Jacket Journey.
“I had the best leaders, shout out to Haleigh and Chase, and our group got along super well. I really enjoyed how connected I felt after finishing Jacket Journey,” said Boggs.
As a freshman, it can be nerve-racking coming to an unknown place and having to create a new life for yourself. Jacket Journey is a time where new students meet other new students as well as current ones.
“Jacket Journey is where relationships are made, which is helpful because you know that you’re not alone in this college experience,” said Garza.
Boggs agreed, explaining further how she felt coming to campus.
“One of my biggest anxieties moving away from home was finding a good friend group, but after Jacket Journey, that anxiety was gone,” said Boggs.
Jacket Journey leaders were able to engage with the students more this year and make a personal connection with them. Freshman social work major, Lexi Gonzales chose HPU because it felt like home, this feeling was solidified through Jacket Journey.
“My experience was amazing, I met so many new people and the whole experience is something I’m going to remember forever,” said Gonzales.