JONESBORO, Ark. – With classes set to begin on Wednesday, Arkansas State University students spent the weekend moving into campus housing, marking the unofficial start of the fall semester.
Freshman Ava Cate Smith began unloading her belongings, including refrigerators, boxes, and luggage, as she got ready to start her college journey. For Smith, the weekend also marked two major life milestones: joining the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and pursuing a degree in physical therapy. She shared that her career choice was inspired by her younger sister, who has special needs.
“My little sister is severely special needs, and so I want to work with special needs kids,” Smith said. She added that witnessing how physical therapy improved her sister’s quality of life motivated her decision.
Another incoming freshman, Jaquean Ivey of Forrest City, said he has dreamed of attending college since junior high. The move was an exciting step for Ivey, but it also came with mixed emotions for his family. His mother, Kenya Washington, reflected on seeing her firstborn head to college.
“I’m very emotional about him being my firstborn, but he got it though,” Washington said. “He comes from a strong family.”
As move-in weekend came to a close, students across campus prepared for the start of the academic year and the opportunities ahead. Classes for the fall semester are scheduled to commence on August 19, welcoming both new and returning students onto the Jonesboro campus.