A freshman from Point Pleasant, New Jersey and a senior from Nashville, Tennessee. Two students, both from vastly different backgrounds.
Yet, their lives so far have led them down the same path all the way to Auburn University.
“What drew me to Auburn University was the whole SEC feel," said Ava Van Nest, Auburn freshman. "I applied to a good amount of SEC schools, but Auburn just kind of checked all my boxes.”
Van Nest described Auburn University and the community as "welcoming," and that everyone is always willing to provide directions or a friendly conversation.
For Van Nest, being part of the WINGS program, which supports students in the EAGLES Program, has been the most rewarding aspect of her time at Auburn so far.
The EAGLES Program is a comprehensive transition program for students with intellectual disabilities, and gives students an opportunity for a post-secondary education. The program gives students a college experience and helps them achieve employment and independent living goals. The WINGS mentors help them to achieve it.
"My mom is a pediatric occupational therapist, and I want to be her down to a T when I grow up. Seeing the way she worked with and cared for the special needs community showed me I don’t see myself any other way," Van Nest said.
As a neuroscience major, the balance of course load and extracurriculars is vital to Van Nest.
To manage her rigorous coursework, Van Nest relies on supplemental instruction sessions and encourages others to take advantage of Auburn's resources. She advises first-year students who may be overwhelmed by the college transition to take advantage of what Auburn University offers.
For prospective students, Van Nest encourages them to reach out to current Auburn students through social media for advice.
“As an out of state student, Auburn definitely was not on my radar. I reached out to a ton of older girls who attend Auburn, I just dm’d them. Everyone is here for you and so many people are willing to help you,” Van Nest said.
For senior Joe Belardo, his path to Auburn wasn’t planned out either until he took a tour of the campus.
“I didn't have any Auburn connection. First tour down here was so cold and pouring rain. I got great advice from my counselor," Belardo said. "So much is gonna be similar on every campus, but when you're walking around campus, look at people's faces. Auburn was the place where everyone was happy and enjoying each other's company."
Belardo's favorite tradition isn’t one that would come to mind for most.
“Me and a group of my close friends stepped on the seal and then went and jumped in the president's fountain, 30 degrees, at midnight, on a leap year," he said. "Truly something I don’t think I'll be able to experience again. I almost got pneumonia, but it was so worth it!”
Belardo used “family," and "tight-knit," to describe Auburn because it felt like becoming part of the family when he joined.
Heavily involved at Auburn University, Belardo participates in numerous organizations, including Student Recruiters, War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen, and Project Uplift. He expressed his love for being a representative for the University and finds it very fulfilling.
For Belardo, finding a balance between extracurriculars and academics was a challenge until he got to college. Throughout his time at Auburn, Belardo learned to get his work done early and focus on creating a stable routine, even in times of struggle.
“Staying the course would be my first advice. ‘Onward,’ is my favorite quote to tell people. There's always an adjustment," Belardo said. "Once you’ve adjusted and got your routine down, Auburn becomes your home. Adversity is one of the best lessons I've ever learned”
Belardo also advised freshmen to get involved in organizations, clubs and the community. He also encouraged freshmen to find a student in their later years at Auburn to help guide them their first year.
“I can honestly say this has been the quickest four years of my life. It is gonna be really hard to leave," he said. “Auburn has prepared me to go out and be successful and for that I am eternally grateful.”
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