BIG RAPIDS - Where do I check in? This was the question on the minds of several hundred
students, and their parents, Thursday afternoon at Ferris State University as the
school continued to move students into its 19 on-campus residence halls, which house
34 percent of the University's student population.
Helping the process run a little more smoothly for mom and dad lugging anything from lofts to futons to mini-refrigerators were Bulldogs in Action - student volunteers from across the University who took time out of their own move-in schedule to lend a hand.
"I just transferred in and thought this would be a good way to meet people, other students who are not in the Honors Program," said sophomore Emily Leask of Cadillac, who volunteered for the Bulldogs in Action program as she literally just moved onto campus herself.
Added Andrew DeMeritt, "The last couple of years people have been so appreciative of our help." A pre-optometry student from Owosso, DeMeritt is volunteering for the Bulldogs in Action program for the third year.
Andrea VanHouten of Greenville echoed DeMeritt's sentiments. "I wanted to help the new students haul all of their stuff because I know any additional help is appreciated. I know I would have liked it when I moved in. It also is a way to help them feel welcome."
Freshman T.J. Waffle of Richland was surprised to see all of the students willing to lend a helping hand.
So was his mom. "I can't believe how many ladies are helping students move in...lifting all of that heavy stuff," said Sheryl Bauman. "Not only does this give you a sense of community, but it's a great way to meet people."