The incoming freshman class of 2018 has now begun their journey here at Saint Anselm, with a whole new world in front of them in which they can decide how they will define themselves.

According to president of the college, Steven DiSalvo, This year’s class is represented by “24 different states, 80% of which come from outside of New Hampshire” and “enters as the strongest academic class on record” with a “high school GPA of 3.24.”

This year’s class also appears to want to be the next doctors and nurses of the world, with the top majors being “biology, nursing and psychology.”

DiSalvo also expressed that this year’s class has “the highest number of transfer students in the past 5 years”.

With the class of Conversatio that all freshmen must take, many students have to venture outside of their specific major and converse with students on various subject matters.

Freshman Mike Akinlosotu believes that many students are willing to branch out of their major in classes like Conversatio.

“I believe nursing is the most popular major, but in my Conversatio class everyone talks and branches out of their major,” Akinlosotu said. “I like Conversatio even though it’s not a course in my major.”

Many freshmen are also heavily involved with sports as well, especially on the varsity level, ranging from football to soccer and even tennis.

Although varsity sports seem to be a popular trend, there are also many freshmen who are playing club sports as well.

Freshman Sam Lingren is playing on the club field hockey team, and shares that “From what I have noticed so far, I think Saint A’s has a big sports culture. I would say football and hockey are two of the more popular sports.”

Lingren added that “I think club sports are just as popular though, since 50 girls signed up to play club field hockey.”

Although sports are immensely popular, many freshman have decided to get involved in many other clubs too, such as the Abbey Players, and many have even expressed interest in wanting to volunteer through the Meelia center.

One freshman, Shannon Dale, who is looking to get involved with community service, comments on other freshmen joining many different clubs and other activities.

“I think a lot of people are trying out new clubs,” Dale shared. “Club sports are very popular and I have met some people who are volunteering with the Meelia Center or trying out for the Abbey Player.”

Orientation leader of for this year’s freshman, Amanda Sharon, expresses her own opinion on the unique qualities of the Class of 2018.

Sharon explained that “I think that this year’s incoming class is unique because everyone seemed very eager to meet their classmates during Orientation.”

“In the past, you find many students are reluctant at first but the class of 2018 is very outgoing,” Sharon added. “There are a lot of diverse interests among the new students ranging from club sports, community service to involvement at NHIOP,” said Sharon.

The Class of 2018 has made a clear effort to get involved and show their diversity in a variety of subjects, and their future at St As looks bright.