Incoming freshman Amanda Fuller of Salisbury says she "absolutely loves Catawba already." Fuller was one of two groups of students, all incoming members of Catawba College's Class of 2018, who gathered June 26-28 to participate in freshman retreats, held in two different locations away from campus.
Students gathered at Johns River Valley Camp in Collettsville and Black Lake Retreat Center near Asheboro to get to know their classmates and some members of the faculty and staff before their classes begin in August. Fuller was one of the students who went to Johns River Valley Camp.
Kaitlyn Soard of Independence, Kentucky, was also one of the incoming students who traveled to Johns River Valley Camp with Fuller. Here's how she described the experience:
"Even though I was not crazy about all of the bugs," Soard posted on her Facebook page, "I had a pretty good time at the retreat. I met some awesome people and was taken out of my comfort zone. It also made me more aware of just how beautiful God made this Earth!"
Anna Beth Carter of Mocksville also traveled to Johns River. She posted: "The first-year retreat was amazing! I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to meet and befriend so many wonderful people. I can't wait to start school this fall."
Catawba's first-year retreats continue in July and August at the aforementioned locations. Only incoming students who have been accepted for admissions and are deposit paid are eligible to participate. Sessions emphasize the students getting acquainted and participating in sessions that help them learn about college life, how to be successful in college and how to prepare for the college experience.
