Get To Know Your 2011 Counselors!

My extensive collection of ballet flats. I probably should have been more worried about rain boots, but I was oblivious to how Auburn weather really is. Sunny with a chance of rain at anytime.

- Lola Fisher, 2011 Camp Counselor

I could not forget the exact pillow I brought with me to the dorms. You never know what circumstances you will fall into, getting back late, all-nighters at the library, mid afternoon naps, you name it, but if you have a great pillow it will always be there for you.

- Michael Moore, 2011 Camp Counselor

A sound mind, a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid. This is a line from our creed and may be a cheesy response, but coming to Auburn I made sure to have my head on straight, remember where I came from and to be ready to just roll with the punches and go with the flow. This line of the creed is a good reminder of keeping a balance between structure and seizing the day.

- Lauren Thomas, 2011 Camp Counselor

I think it's important for freshmen to attend Camp War Eagle because it gives you a brief glimpse of what college will be like. It forces you to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people, but you also learn about classes, registration, and activities. You also have a college student, your counselor, who can tell you firsthand what freshmen year is like. I didn't know much about Auburn, but Camp War Eagle made me excited to come in the fall.

- Haley Mitchell, 2011 Camp Counselor

I think it is important for students to attend Camp War Eagle because Auburn has so much to offer and provides so many diverse opportunities. Camp War Eagle helps to inform freshmen about helpful information regarding campus living, academic success, campus events and services, socializing, living independently, managing money, and being self-reliant. This is an excellent way to meet other incoming freshmen, learn about the many different organizations on campus, actually live in the dorms for the first time, eat on campus, tour campus, and register for classes. These things will make the transition from high school student to college student much easier and much less stressful in an effort to help freshman adapt to college life away from their parents and succeed at Auburn.

- Aurielle Williams, 2011 Camp Counselor

The best advice I could give would be to go to class!

- Audra Graham, 2011 Camp Counselor

My one piece of advice to a freshman would be to start using a planner from day one. You will get involved in so many things and have assignments due that there is no way you can keep up with in your head. I didn't start using a planner until I was a junior, and it changed my life.

- Kate Jones, 2011 Camp Counselor

My best piece of advice regarding academics would be to read the textbook and use your resources. Professors assign the text for a reason. They will pull questions from the book without going over that information in class. Auburn has lots of great on-campus academic help...most of which is free, but also use your peers. A lot of times they can explain something to you in terms that you can understand. This will definitely be beneficial when you get to your "major" classes and start seeing a lot of the same people.

- Kimberly Jones, 2011 Camp Counselor

My one piece of advice to incoming freshman is to get out of your comfort zone. It know it sounds vague, but just try it. Join an organization on campus, invite yourself along with people you know, make lunch dates during the week or try an intramural sport, you won't regret it! You're only here for 4 years, don't waste it!

- Ragan Cox, 2011 Camp Counselor

My biggest piece of advice to any incoming freshmen is making each moment here at Auburn the best. You will never be able to go back and wake yourself up in that class when your awkward teacher said a funny joke that everyone else heard except you. It is also impossible to re-live the all nighters in the library with your best friend even when you’re so exhausted.

- Melanie Head, 2011 Camp Counselor

My general advice to any incoming freshman would be to get regular exercise. With busy class and extracurricular schedules it can be difficult to find time for some physical activity, but maintaining a good exercise schedule will allow you to sleep better, be more focused, and most importantly avoid the freshmen 15. There are numerous ways to get a workout in whether it be lifting weights and playing basketball at the Student Activities Center or playing intramural sports. So find something you like and stick to it.

- Alex Johannsen, 2011 Camp Counselor

I hope that Camp War Eagle gives every freshman an idea about college life at Auburn University.  There is no way that someone can explain to you what Auburn is like.  You must truly experience it to fully understand it.  When the freshmen leave Camp War Eagle, I want them to feel that they are a part of the Auburn Family and proud to be a member of the Auburn University Class of 2015! 

- Taylor Brown, 2011 Camp Counselor

I hope that the freshmen take away a sense of security in that they will have their Camp Counselor to turn to for help or advice even after Camp War Eagle is over and throughout the next four years. I also hope they take away a sense family, and know that while they may be leaving their parents and siblings at home when they come to college, they will not be without a family in Auburn. The Auburn Family is one that has unexplainable love and generosity, and is like not other.

- Bonnie Baker Evans, 2011 Camp Counselor

I hope my freshmen will take away a sense of what it means to be a part of the Auburn family and that they absolutely can’t wait for August to get here.

- Hannah Richards, 2011 Camp Counselor

I hope the freshman take away excitement from Camp War Eagle. Many times they are stressed and worn out, but I want them to feel so excited and ready to come to Auburn in the fall. Aside, from a schedule I want my freshman to feel comfortable with the campus and comfortable to call me whenever they have a question about anything, because that is what I am here for. 

- Lauren Staub, 2011 Camp Counselor

In order to not miss home so much I kept a strong line of communication with my family in Vincent. I was sure to call them every couple of days just to talk or when I needed helpful advice. My mom was my lifeline during my freshman year who I turned to for academic advice, social advice, or any other small thing that only a mom would know. 

- Chase Hoyle, 2011 Camp Counselor

I think getting involved so early in my college career helped me not get homesick. Go to as many information sessions on campus as possible and find a extracurricular activity that you like. It helps get your mind off being homesick and gives you a break from school work. Another thing that I thought really helped was intramural sports since I always played sports in high school.

- Gavin McNatt, 2011 Camp Counselor

 I had applied to other colleges other than Auburn, but when I came to visit Auburn I fell in love with the University. I was walking down College Street and students were yelling at me, “War eagle!” I could tell that the students at Auburn truly loved being there and that was the kind of university I wanted to attend.

- Maegan Roberts, 2011 Camp Counselor

I choose to attend Auburn after experiencing my first Homecoming football game in 2002. A former Auburn University cheerleader and Plainsmen would bring me to games and after going through pre game rituals of Tiger Walk and the Eagle’s flight, I became overwhelmed with the feelings of pride and passion from everyone there. His stories were more than just words about an Auburn family, but actual values that could be seen in his life, as well as other Auburn alumni, which made my decision to come here one of the easiest I have ever made as I wanted my life to be like theirs.

- Rebekah Rutledge, 2011 Camp Counselor

I chose to attend Auburn University because I just felt a tug on my heart to come here when I made my first visit.  I was set on going to the University of Alabama because that's where my sister was but I realized when I came here that this is what I desired and this campus was going to be the one where I would truly get a quality education, solid friends, and a cool atmosphere at anytime during the week. It's a feeling that is indescribable.  You just know it when you come.

- AJ Wright, 2011 Camp Counselor

If the weather is nice, I love to study outside at places such as Town Creek Park and the Arboretum. Also, you can never go wrong with the fourth floor of the library, it is super quiet and conducive to productivity.

- Lauren Boldt, 2011 Camp Counselor

As lame as it sounds, the library is always the best place for me to study on campus. It's a lot easier to get in a productive mood when you're surrounded by books, although with everyone else being there it can sometimes get a little distracting. If I'm studying off campus, it's usually in my room. I always like being able to spread out all my notes and play music loud.

- Brad Hambrice, 2011 Camp Counselor

On campus, my favorite place to study is the Student Center. It stays open pretty late at night and there are some great quiet areas on the third floor with lots of outlets and couch and table space. My favorite off campus study spot is Panera--it's usually pretty quiet there and the coffee is great!

- Jordan Luke, 2011 Camp Counselor

My favorite time of year at Auburn has got to be the fall semester. The indescribable feeling of waking up and looking out your window to the thousands of Auburn fans that come to support the football team on game days is amazing. The campus becomes a sea of orange and blue as everyone cheers on the Auburn Tigers.

- Tom Dubose, 2011 Camp Counselor

Like any Auburn student I LOVE football season, but spring is my favorite time of year at Auburn. There is so much going on in Auburn in the spring that many people that haven't spent a spring here know about. Its full of philanthropy events, random road tirps, free weekends, spring break, and warming weather (which puts everyone in a good mood). I just really love spring at Auburn.

- Suzanne Price, 2011 Camp Counselor

I love winters here in Auburn! I'm from Texas where we don't really have "winter" so my freshman year I was surprised when it was cold for more than just two weeks at a time. The snow-days I've experienced on campus have been some of my favorite college memories.

- Leigh Veillette, 2011 Camp Counselor

My favorite Auburn tradition is Callouts at Cater Lawn. I love Callouts because I feel that it provides an incredible sense of unity amongst the Auburn Family. People come from all over Auburn's campus to support and encourage those trying out for any and every organization. Regardless of whether you know someone trying out for that particular organization, you know what it feels like to be in their shoes, so nervous and so excited. Being able to climb those steps after hearing your name called is the best, but being able to share that with your family is even better.

- Katelyn Boston, 2011 Camp Counselor

My favorite tradition at Auburn is saying "War Eagle" to people. You can be half way across the world and see someone wearing an Auburn shirt, say "War Eagle", and have a bond with some random person. I think it’s a really unique tradition.

- Nicole Halpin, 2011 Camp Counselor

My favorite Auburn tradition occurs every home football game. Right before kickoff, one of our eagles soars around the stadium for a while then lands on the 50 yard line. While the eagle is flying, everyone in the stadium screams in unison our battle cry WAAARRR Eagle. Words cannot describe the feeling of closeness, passion, and excitement that everyone experiences. It is truly inspirational how one eagle can unite a stadium full of people.

- Kensey Morar, 2011 Camp Counselor