Tulane’s uptown campus was already humming with activity as students began moving into their residence halls the week of Monday, Aug. 15. Now, the first week of classes for the fall semester has arrived. And though clouds above threatened rain and the humidity was high, nothing could dampen the feeling of excitement and anticipation as students meandered the walkways of campus, finding their classrooms and greeting new and old friends.
The first morning of classes found Lilly Grunski, a sophomore biochemistry major from San Diego, returning in high spirits from a successful outing. “I just got a job — I’m excited for my new job at PJ’s,” Grunski said.
Grunski is also thrilled to be back on campus, anticipating all the new experiences the year will bring, as well as the opportunity to spend time with her friends. She is also really looking forward to a glassblowing class she is taking this semester. “Gene Koss (the founder of the Tulane glass program) is still there, and that’s very cool.”
Isaiah Register, a second-year student from New York City, was making his way back to his residence hall, already in the groove after his first class of the day. Register, a management and real estate major, said that though there was an initial adjustment to the slower pace of New Orleans, he felt very connected with Tulane from his first visit.
“I was looking for something more laid back for college, somewhere I could have a good balance of academics and social life. It really just fits me. I like how Tulane lets you choose what you want to do by taking classes in any school. At first, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but this helped me realize that business is what I want.”
Friends since their first year at Tulane, Mira Patel, a second-year undergraduate from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Jiya Deepak, a second-year from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, are now roommates. Patel, who is studying psychology with a minor in Spanish, and Deepak, majoring in neuroscience with minors in math and economics, are both on the pre-med track. Even though they will have heavy workloads, both are enthusiastic about all that Tulane and New Orleans has to offer.
“I’ve fallen in love with this place. I love everyone here. I love that it’s so small and that you get to have a relationship with your professors, they can pick you out from the audience and you see them on campus. You see a lot of people you know — it’s just great,” said Patel. Deepak echoed her friend’s sentiments. “I like the feel of the small campus, and I like the people and the culture here; everything is so fun and there’s so much to do. I like the bubbly society; it’s just so different from any other city.”
As McAlister Place grew busier, with student organizations setting up tables to provide information and free treats such as doughnuts and coffee, Aryanna Baytop, a second-year student from Los Angeles, made her way through the crowd. Baytop, who is studying management and legal studies, lives near her friends in Mayer Residence Hall, and is thankful for the camaraderie, after being home schooled for two years of high school. She is also very motivated to learn about all the possibilities the city and campus offer.
“I really wanted an environment that is completely different from where I’m from. I know that New Orleans has so much to offer culturally, and Tulane has so many valuable resources,” said Baytop.
Brigham Johnson, a second-year transfer student from a community college in Dallas, came to Tulane on a ROTC scholarship and is eager to begin his academic journey at Tulane. “Tulane has a really great environmental science program, which is what I’m currently studying,” said Johnson.
In addition to the wonderful educational opportunities, Johnson is also very enthusiastic about being a part of the New Orleans and Tulane communities and the unique new experiences available. “I’m looking forward to meeting many people here. When you go to a small community college, it is pretty limited. I’m also excited about the food; I really like the spices that are used in New Orleans food.”
Joseph Rosales, a first-year undergraduate from New Orleans who is studying finance and hopes to follow in his stepfather’s footsteps by becoming a lawyer, is keen to begin his Tulane journey.
“Being from the city, I knew that Tulane is the best school in the state, and I wanted to stay in state to be close to family. I’m just really excited to meet some new people and see what Tulane has to offer,” said Rosales.
Rosales’ new friend Zach Turbin, a first-year student from Livingston, New Jersey, strolled up and joined the conversation. Turbin is still deciding on a major, either biology or business, but is impressed by the possibilities, especially the many clubs and student organizations available at Tulane.
“Being from the Northeast, I was ready for a change. New Orleans is culturally diverse, and it’s just a whole new world for me. The food is amazing, the people are super friendly. I’ve only heard positive things about Tulane. I mean, everything is great — great academics, really nice people, it’s just a really happy place to be. And I actually like the weather!” said Turbin.
Story by Jill Dorje. Photography by Paula Burch-Celentano and Rusty Costanza.