We sat down with Brooke Smith, a sophomore communication major, to catch up after a year at BJU. Learn how the campus experience, her faculty and her friends have impacted her life. We also ask her if she’s become a fan of coffee.
Previous Interview
Freshman Brooke: One week later
Brooke Smith, freshman
Journalism and Mass Communication
Burlington, Connecticut
Getting Started
How do you feel after the first week of classes?
I feel like it’s kind of what I was expecting. I was expecting a lot more work than high school. But it seems like the year is going to be fun, besides the work. I just have to balance my time.
How did you choose journalism?
I’ve always been interested in it. I’m a people person. The journalism side of it—I can write. I’m not exactly sure what I want to do with my major, but there are a lot of options.
What classes are you taking?
English 101, Old Testament Messages, Freshman Seminar, Speech, Elementary Spanish, Introduction to Art, and Fundamentals of Electronic Media.
What’s your favorite?
Fundamentals of Electronic Media. It seems like it’s going to be a lot of fun. We’ll get to try out every position in a newscast: weather, behind the camera, in front of the camera. I’m looking forward to it.
What society did you join?
The Tigers. They seemed pretty energetic, which is what I was looking for. They’re really nice. When I came here for College Up Close, I visited the Tiger’s society meeting.
What’s your favorite building?
We’ll go with the snack shop. It has food.
What’s your favorite dining common meal?
Those pizzas! The round pizzas. Love those things. So good!
Are you meeting a lot of people?
Yes. I’m meeting a lot of people from my classes. Friends of friends. It’s cool because a lot of people are from everywhere. My roommate’s from Guam, and it’s cool meeting people from all over the U.S.
What’d you think of the evangelistic services?
They were good, encouraging. The first week is pretty emotional, so it’s good to have that encouragement. And it got me excited about the year. I know we’ll have more speakers, so that’s something to look forward to.
Do you have the creed memorized yet?
No...I have to get rolling with that.
Adjusting to College
How is college different from high school?
Well, it’s obviously different because I’m not at home. It’s weird being far away from everyone in your family. I feel like there are more opportunities to meet other people. The classes will be more challenging. It’s different living with total strangers, although they’re not strangers now. It’s different having to share a bathroom. I never had to share a bathroom or a room, so there’s less privacy but it’s fun.
What do you miss the most about home?
Probably my family. Saying goodbye was tough, but we’ve got phones! I’m more worried about them than they should be about me.
How’s your residence hall situation?
Good! I have a lot more room than I thought. I got my own closet, which I’m pretty stoked about.
Are you a sleepwalker?
No, and I was terrified that my roommates were going to be, but they’re normal.
How do you like prayer group?
It’s good. Everyone’s still a little shy. My favorite is Sundays and Wednesday nights when it’s just our room. We have good discussions. The other night we talked about 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 (“And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God”). I really needed that, and it’s such a good theme for this year. It was the night before auditions, and I was freaking out. Also it was syllabus week, so I was freaking out about all the work. But I don’t really need to, because Christ gives us strength.
Have you taken any naps yet?
Actually today I took my first nap.
What kind of laptop do you have?
A Macbook Pro. No, I’m not one of those people. It’s a good computer, yes, but I’m not “All hail Mac!”
Are you a coffee drinker?
NO!
Do you think you’ll become one?
No! No! It bothers me how people are dependent on coffee. If I’m awake, I’m awake.
Published November 21, 2012