Dave Blanks from University Communications hosts an orientation edition of Dave by the Bell, where he crashes an ice cream party on Sanford Mall to interview incoming students and their parents about their expectations for the first month of college. Excitement about meeting new people, participating in clubs and sports, and experiencing independence abound! 
 
 
 
 
TRANSCRIPT
Dave 
Hey folks, how's it going? I'm Dave Blanks from University Communications back with another Dave by the Bell. This is an orientation edition of Dave by the Bell. First day of fall semester is about a month away. August 19th. Students and their families have been hanging out on campus. They got in yesterday and they spent the night in some residence halls, checking things out. So we're going to talk to them a little bit about their experience and also what they're looking forward to, what they're expecting for their first month of their collegiate career. And also hopefully talk to the parents about what they think their first month with their student in school will be like. So that's the plan. Let's do it. Hey, I know that person. That's Sarah Garrow. Hey, Sarah Garrow. How's it going?
 
Sarah 
It's going so well. We've got ice cream, we've got Inflatable Block A's out here on Sanford Mall, rain free, just enjoying the sun. Got a couple sessions in August, so two in Hickory, August 9th and 14th. And then our final Boone main campus session on Monday, August 12th.
 
Dave 
Is there going to be ice cream again for that one?
 
Sarah 
Always. It's not orientation season without ice cream.
 
Dave 
I feel the same way. Thanks Sarah. I really appreciate it. Yeah, thanks for being here. I'm going to talk to some people.
 
Trey 
I'm Trey Craven. So once I get my schedule together, which is probably going to be the first week, trying to get that situated, that first month is just going to be getting used to my schedule and getting used to walking around and figuring out when I need to leave my dorm. Just getting used to meeting new people because where I'm from, everyone knows me. I know everyone. It was a very small area outside of Wilmington's where I'm really from.
 
Dave 
Well represent, where is it?
 
Trey 
Leland, North Carolina.
 
Dave 
Leland, shout out. Alright, cool. Hey, did you go to orientation?
 
Katie 
 I did.
 
Dave 
Okay. Are you Katie Cooper?
 
Katie 
Yes, I am. Katie Cooper.
 
Dave 
Oh hey. How's it going? I don't know how I knew that. Maybe your name tag. So how did orientation go?
 
Katie 
It was great. I am five hours away, so I was really scared because I only know one person coming here. I did the overnight orientation and last night was a lot of fun. It was also, I'm happy I got to see the dorms because I didn't get to go to open house. So it's like, okay, this is my first experience seeing the dorms. Yeah. But it was a lot of fun doing that and I'm happy I was able to meet people. So now I know. Okay. I have some people I'll know when I come here and I won't be totally alone.
 
Dave 
Good. So what do you foresee your first month being like?
 
Katie 
The one thing I'm trying to avoid is feeling like I'm stuck in my dorm. I really don't want to feel like I'm stuck. I want to go to the library, things like that. I am looking forward to just kind of being on my own for a little bit and seeing how that works.
 
Dave 
You mean away from the fam?
 
Katie 
Yeah,
 
Michael 
Right. Yeah. I'm Michael Caro, and this is my son Roman.
 
Dave 
Roman. What's up man?
 
Roman 
How you doing?
 
Dave 
Hey, I'm good. We'll talk to you first and then I want to talk to your dad. So Roman, how was orientation?
 
Roman 
Orientation was fun. So I did the overnight orientation. When you got there, you had a schedule and out at the courtyard there was all these games and stuff. And all of the sophomores and juniors, they were trying to kind of forcing people to socialize, which is good
 
Dave 
Because some people need urging.
 
Roman 
Yeah, I needed urging. It's like once you have one or two friends it's so much easier.
 
Dave 
So did you know anybody coming here to App?
 
Roman
No, I'm actually from Pensacola, Florida.
 
Dave 
Oh Sweet. Good to have you here. What is it you're looking forward to?
 
Roman 
I'm looking forward to settling in. I'm looking forward to the scenery that App State has. I'm very much an outdoorsy person and I love the mountains more than anything really. But...
 
Dave 
Even though you grew up in Pensacola,
 
Roman
Even though I grew up in Pensacola, and if you know anything about Pensacola, it's the most flat place,
 
Dave 
Not too mountainous.
 
Roman
I really just came to App State for a big change.
 
Dave 
Nice! Well, I'm sure your first month is going to go smooth, dad. I hope so. Michael, what do you foresee your first month of Roman being in school like?
 
Michael
Well, we'll be officially empty nesters, so I'm pretty excited about that.
 
Dave
Congratulations.
 
Michael 
I'm really looking forward to his experience here at App State. We're excited to actually spend a lot of time coming to visit him.
 
Dave 
Oh yeah.
 
Michael
We told him that you're not coming home for the holidays. We're coming to see you. We're excited to really just enjoy this area as a family vacation spot for the next four or five years.
 
Dave 
How do you think Roman's going to do?
 
Michael 
I think this is really going to be a great fit for Roman. He wanted Colorado and I said, no, that's too far. I said, Boone is a great area. Let's see how that goes. And he loved it. We were only here once before and he fell in love, got accepted, and we are here today.
 
Carlos 
I'm Carlos Villalta .
 
Dave 
Carlos, who's this right here?
 
Carlos 
My Mom.
 
Dave 
Hey. Hey, Carlos's mom. What is your name ma'am?
 
Ingred 
Ingred Perez.
 
Dave
So Ingred and Carlos. So Carlos, how was orientation?
 
Carlos
It was great. I loved it. Got to meet new people. Get a little familiar with the place. I loved it. Yeah, I love the campus, the people. I'm looking forward to getting to know my roommate, get the dorm life setting and then just exploring my classes and campus more.
 
Dave
Mom, Ingred, if you could give Carlos some advice, what would you tell him to do?
 
Carlos (translating Ingred's Spanish) 
That I be well behave and I take care of myself.
 
Dave 
Is he going to do it?
 
Dave 
That seemed like she said yes. All right, good. Alright.
 
Olivia
I'm Olivia Sweden.
 
Dave 
Okay, Olivia, who's this?
 
Olivia
This is my mom.
 
Dave
It's your mom. Hello Mom. What's your name?
 
Marian
Marian Sweden.
 
Dave
Marianne Sweden, and Olivia Sweden. Nice to meet you. I'm Dave Blanks. How was orientation?
 
Olivia 
It was good. I got to meet a lot of people. I didn't really know what I was doing and I'm still kind of lost, but I feel more assured.
 
Dave
A little less lost maybe. Yeah. What's you’re feeling about that first month of school?
 
Olivia
I feel like it's going to be very nerve wracking. I've never lived with another person before, so it's going to be learning how to share space, how to manage time myself, how long do I sleep, when do I eat? And how do you deal with classes and with your social life being entirely at school, getting out there, meeting people, joining clubs.
 
Dave 
So mom, what do you envision your month with Olivia here at App State to be like?
 
Marian 
We'll see, let's see. I am hoping that she'll respond to my text messages so that I know she's alive. Some proof of life, texting and making sure she's got what she needs and that she's doing all those things that she said she's worried about.
 
Dave 
Absolutely. So what are you doing with her room?
 
Marian 
Oh, I have three new people moving in. I'm renting it out!
 
Dave 
Oh, side hustle. Good idea. Olivia, how do you feel about this?
 
Olivia 
It's basically my dog's room already. So...
 
Cyrah 
I'm Cyrah Cirineo
 
Dave 
Cyrah. How's it going?
 
Cyrah
I'm doing good. How about you?
 
Dave 
I'm good. I love your name.
 
Cyrah 
Thank you.
 
Dave 
Beautiful name. How was orientation?
 
Cyrah 
It exceeded my expectations. I'm surprised that a lot of people showed up. I really did enjoy my experience here. Pretty good way to meet new people.
 
Dave 
Excellent. So you made some friends? Yes,
 
Cyrah
I did. Okay, good. I'm really looking forward to being away from my parents, but also scared of being away from my parents. Okay,
 
Dave
Alright.
 
Cyrah
But I think that it's going to be good in the long run.
 
Dave 
Your App State family's here for you.
 
Cyrah 
That's right. I'm looking forward to the people here. I would say this is very diverse. There's many people that have many interests that go to App State, so I'm looking forward to that too.
 
Dave
Good. I was going to try to talk to your dad. Do you think he'd be willing to talk to me? Yeah. Alright, let's try to talk to your dad too.
 
Cielito 
I'm Cielito Cirineo II.
 
Dave
So what are you looking forward to for her in her first month at school?
 
Cielito
Hopefully she's not going to call us. Pick me up. Dad,
 
Dave 
Are you going to do that?
 
Cyrah
Maybe. I don't know.
 
Dave 
Oh No. She said she was looking forward to trying to be on her own and be out, but she was also going to miss y'all.
 
Cielito
Yeah, of course. Because yeah, absolutely. We're looking forward to this for, she's our first daughter to be in a college. Oh,
 
Dave 
This is your first time doing this?
 
Cielito 
First time. Yeah. So yeah, today is overwhelming information for us. But anyway, we will get through it.
 
Dave
Alright, let's find some other parents and children. Maybe these are some.
 
Steven
I'm Steven Harris.
 
Dave 
Alright, Steven. And who is this?
 
Steven
This is my mother, Hope Harris.
 
Dave 
Hey Hope Harris. How's it going?
 
Hope
Doing good.
 
Dave 
Alright, good. So y'all finished orientation. How was it Steven?
 
Steven
It was amazing. It was everything I expected and more.
 
Dave
Aw, that's great hope. Hope, what do you think? What was the experience like?
 
Hope
It was wonderful. It was a great experience and overall just felt like a home environment.
 
Dave
Good. So Steven, what are you looking forward to?
 
Steven
I'm looking forward to just see how big this community actually is. I'm always looking forward for football games and band.
 
Dave
Are you part of the band?
 
Steven
I very much am.
 
Dave 
Sweet. What do you play?
 
Steven
I play mellophone. I will be on that field marching with the marching mountaineers? Yes.
 
Dave 
Sweet. Congratulations. North Carolina's Band of Distinction. So Hope, what are you looking forward to for him?
 
Hope
Just him making new friends and him having the college experience.
 
Evelyn
I'm Evelyn Meericle. I'm excited for fall in the mountains. I love fall. I'm nervous about probably just being homesick. I've never been away from home. I honestly just don't know how I will feel. But yeah, I'm also excited for the sports, like intramural sports. Watching sports.
 
Dave 
Are you going to play intramural?
 
Evelyn
Yeah, definitely.
 
Dave
Oh nice. What are you going to play?
 
Evelyn 
I don't know, there's so many options. I could do basketball, soccer, volleyball, or just trying something completely new.
 
Dave 
Alright, so mom, when you think about her first month at Appalachian State, what are you looking forward to for her?
 
Mama 
I'm looking forward to her falling in love with the mountains like her mama.
 
Dave
Here's a parent and a student. He's a Braves fan.
 
Henry
I'm Henry Abbott.
 
Dave 
And Henry, this is your mother?
 
Carolyn
Yes it is.
 
Dave 
Hey, Carolyn Abbott.
 
Carolyn 
That's right.
 
Dave 
This is the first time I've ever interviewed a big group of people that all had name tags. It makes it very helpful. So Henry, you're done with orientation. What was the experience? How was it?
 
Henry 
My experience was pretty great. I liked the campus a lot and the tour is really helpful. Yeah, I'm looking forward to meeting a lot of people and joining some clubs.
 
Dave 
So mom, when you think about Henry's first month at Appalachian State, what do you think it'll be like for him?
 
Carolyn
Looking forward to him meeting some new people, enjoying this amazing campus and outdoor life.
 
Dave 
What are you looking forward to now that Henry is going to be at school?
 
Carolyn
I'm going to be sad.
 
Dave 
Oh, oh, okay. So it's either...
 
Carolyn
It's going to be hard.
 
Dave 
Are you going to be an empty nester?
 
Carolyn
No. I've got two more at home.
 
Dave 
Alright, but you're quite fond of Henry you're saying?
 
Carolyn
Of course, yes.
 
Kristen 
I'm Kristen Burns.
 
Dave 
Okay, Kristen. And who is this?
 
Kevin
Kevin Burns,
 
Dave
Also known as mom and dad?
 
Both
Yeah.
 
Dave
Alright, cool. So who's y'all student?
 
Kristen 
Megan. Megan Burns.
 
Dave 
Megan, alright. What are you looking forward to for Megan?
 
Kristen 
Well, I was actually, I had apprehensions. I was worried that she was going to be homesick and wasn't going to adjust well. But then from this orientation, I see that she has a group of 12 friends. She's having a great time.
 
Dave
What? She has 12 friends.
 
Kristen
Yes. So we're just sitting back and watching her thrive and it's just,
 
Dave 
She's right over there.
 
Kristen 
It's just amazing. Yeah. So I'm just excited for her.
 
Dave 
Unbelievable. Alright, so you had some concerns initially, but
 
Kristen 
They're gone now. So I just am excited for her to get into the college life and get into her classes. She is an excellent student, so I think she's just going to have a great time and get into learning and decide exactly what her major's going to be.
 
Dave 
Right. She's got time. Dad, what about you?
 
Kevin 
I'm excited for a lot of opportunity, big change. But my wife said she's adjusting well already and the sky's the limit for her.
 
Dave 
Alright, so y'all going to come visit? Is she going to come home?
 
Kevin 
A little bit of both. Yeah,
 
Kristen 
Probably a little bit of both. All right. We have dogs that she likes a lot. Probably more than us.
 
Dave 
Right.
 
Kristen
She's going to come back for the animals.
 
Dave
She'll come home to see the dogs. I don't want to tear her away from her friends, but Which one? Which?
 
Kevin 
She's probably the only one with the pants on the colorful pants.
 
Dave 
Alright, I'm hunting Megan down. Hey Megan. Hey, how's it going? So I know you because I just met your parents. So I will talk to Y'all. I would love to. So Megan, I was talking to your parents about also. Hello y'all. Hello. Greetings. I was talking to your parents about what they're looking forward to for you when you're coming to App in the first month or so. So how was orientation? It
 
Megan 
Was great. Better than expected?
 
Dave 
What were you thinking it was going to be like? I
 
Megan
I thought I would be alone for most of it because I'm kind of shy usually. But it just kind of happened that we met a lot of people and it just
 
Dave 
Look at you go, oh, good for you. Alright, so what are you looking forward to for your first month or so at App State?
 
Megan
Honestly, getting back together with the people that I met.
 
Dave 
Aw, is that true? Yeah. That's so sweet. Sweet.
 
Megan
I love these people.
 
Dave 
Oh my gosh. Alright, well I got to talk to some of these people too.
 
Megan 
Yes you do.
 
Dave
Megan, thank you very much. So let's talk to you. My
 
Nicole
My name is Nicole.
 
Dave
Alright, Nicole, how was orientation?
 
Nicole 
It was a lot of fun. I had a great tour guide and it was her first tour and she did amazing.
 
Dave 
Knocked it out of the park.
 
Nicole 
Shout out to Catherine.
 
Dave 
What are you looking forward to for your first month or so at App State?
 
Nicole 
I think it's going to be a lot of getting into a schedule. I'm nervous about if I'm going to like my classes or not, but she said I'm excited to meet everybody back here in three weeks. So I'm also really excited to decorate my dorm and that's my roommate.
 
Dave 
Oh really? Alright, let's talk to your roommate. Hello roommate. How are you?
 
Kate 
Hello!
 
Dave 
What's your name?
 
Kate
My name is Kate.
 
Dave 
So Kate, how was orientation?
 
Kate 
Oh, it was so fun. I had a great time.
 
Dave 
What did you think it was going to be like?
 
Kate
I was convinced I was going to be sitting alone in the room talking to nobody, but that didn't happen.
 
Dave 
No, that's not what high school was like. I'm pretty sure right? That wasn't like that. No, no, no. And college won't be like that either.
 
Kate 
Okay, Thanks!
 
Dave
I promise it won't. So Kate, what are you looking forward to most about your first month or so at App State?
 
Kate 
Well, I'm just excited to obviously get back with them and then meet new people and for the football games, I'm excited for those.
 
Dave 
Awesome, cool. What is your main concern and how can we solve that now?
 
Kate 
My main concern is going to class. I'm afraid if I skip one class, I'm afraid I'm going to get in the habit, but I'm really going to try not to. That's my goal is to not skip class.
 
Dave 
Yeah, you have people to hold you accountable now. Right. Alright, good. And you also hung out with these people, right? Yes I did. So what is your name? I'm
 
Clara 
Clara.
 
Dave 
Clara. How are you?
 
Clara 
I'm doing really good.
 
Dave
Well, so you heard my question. What do you think? How was orientation?
 
Clara 
Orientation was a lot of fun. I didn't expect it to be, I was really dreading being by myself all weekend.
 
Dave
That's exactly what Kate said.
 
Clara
But as soon as I got here I found myself among 10 other girls and I was like, oh my gosh, this is so cute. And then we hung out with each other basically the whole time and it was nice. I'm looking forward to a lot of the social aspect of being in college, being able to choose where I go and what I do and all the people I hang out with.
 
Dave
Sweet freedom.
 
Clara 
Yes exactly.
 
Dave 
Alright. What are you concerned about?
 
Clara 
Just like what they said, getting to class. I'm just worried that maybe I won't get along with my professors. They won't be able to. I don't know if I'm going to be in big classes or anything. They won't have a personal relationship with me.
 
Dave 
Go talk to 'em.
 
Clara 
Yeah
 
Dave
That's what you do.
 
Clara
I know I'm supposed to go to the office hours and everything, do it, but I'm not too worried. I feel pretty good after this weekend.
 
Dave
Good. Thank you for taking a minute to talk to me. Yeah. Thank you so much. Yeah, have a good day. And yeah, you too. Safe travels back.
 
Dave
Orientation rules. Everybody had a big old time, people met friends. Parents are sad, parents are excited. Sarah Garros is very confident. Everything went smooth. I almost want to go back to college just so I can participate in orientation. Thank you so much to all the parents and all of the soon to be mountaineers and we can't wait to see you on campus come August. I'm Dave Blanks and this has been Dave by the Bell, Dave by the Bell, D-B-T-B. Hey, if you want to reach out to me, you could email our podcast email address, which is [email protected]. Like subscribe, do all these things. Tell your family, tell your great Aunt Mildred. Thanks so much. Alright, I'm going back to my building.
 

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