Freshman Traditions
“Striving and Thriving”

John Ryan Hecimovich Evanston, IL Fall 2018

Informant Data:

JR Hecimovich was born in Mint Hill, North Carolina on February 24, 2000. He moved to Waxhaw, North Carolina where he now lives. He attended Charlotte Country Day School high school. JR is currently studying computer science and theatre in a dual degree program at Northwestern University. JR is a member of the class of 2022. Outside of his rigorous academics JR enjoys video games and seeing movies. Not only is JR one of Northwestern’s brightest students, but he has a heart of gold. His charisma and kindness are evident for anyone who knows him.

Contextual Data:

Cultural Context:

Northwestern was founded in 1851 by John Evans (who the town was named after). Northwestern currently has 8,353 undergraduates enrolled. It is located in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern is known to be a large research university.

Social Context:

There are certain criteria that the freshman experience entire year. Freshman usually undergo typical traditions like freshman orientation. Northwestern has special traditions and rites of passages to welcome the freshman into the community.

Item:

Northwestern has a really great and encompassing introduction to the school. Orientation week last an entire week and features some introductions to Northwestern’s different colleges and majors and includes other educational sessions for the students to learn about drinking and mental health. In addition to the informative aspect, there are other general social events. Still, JR did not feel totally incorporated in the community until he rushed a fraternity in his second quarter. Outside of the frats there are weekly discussion meetings with orientation groups for the first two quarters. These meetings are another method to make the freshmen feel more comfortable and at home. One of the rites of passage for the freshmen is marching through a big arc on campus to mark the ceremonial beginning of college and saying goodbye to family. The traditions are important to build a sense of school spirit and togetherness among the entire student body. Other traditions at the school include a big rock on campus that can be painted to act as an advertisement for different student groups on campus. In order for the students to paint the rock they must guard it for 24 hours (typically just resting in tents).

Transcript:

“I think they’re important as they build a sort of general camaraderie among the entire student body despite how large it is. They make the environment feel more complete.”

Collectors Comments: 

The traditional events and orientation at Northwestern was not the best source of incorporation. It seems that students need this orientation to get a feel for the school, but it is social groups JR chose to join that helped him feel comfortable. Joining a fraternity helped JR meet more people that he had lots in common with. This is something that we find on Dartmouth’s campus as well. Some students do not feel incorporated until they find a good social space to participate in (such as the organic farm or DREAM). The march through the big arch on campus reminds me of Dartmouth’s freshmen’s lap(s) around the bonfire during homecoming.

Caroline K. Jones 19 Dartmouth College Russian 13 Spring 2019