There are few things scarier for a high school graduate entering college.  The last year of high school is a whirlwind of applications, test scores, prom committees, senior trips, and fingernail biting as most await the hopeful acceptance letter. Pace freshman, James Obuchowski gave the Chronicle some insight into how he has been faring his first year on campus.

“I chose to come to Pace because of their great business school and 5-year Accounting program,” Obuchowski said. “I love the overall campus itself, the people, and the location. You can take a five-minute ride by shuttle to the train station and visit the city on the weekend.”

Obuchowski believes the key to easing the stress of the first year on campus is for students to get involved in campus organizations or clubs that appeal to their interests.

“I’m a part of the Setters’ Leadership House. I have spent the majority of my Saturdays volunteering with SPARC Inc., an organization that has Saturday class in Miller Hall teaching special needs kids a variety of things from Art to Music,” Obuchowski said. “I’m also a part of the Lubin Business Association and am the Senior Marketing Manager of the newest on-campus business, Pace Mart.”

Aside from being comfortable with campus involvement, Obuchowski admitted that meeting people at Pace had not been difficult for him either.

“The upper class men welcome us freshman. This campus makes you feel at home no matter whom you talk to,” Obuchowski said. “Making friends has always been easy, I’m an outgoing person, and coming to college away from home is a great way to meet new people.”

While not all new students may be as outgoing as Obuchowski, he said that remaining calm can definitely ease the stress.

“Don’t psych yourself out about being in college,” Obuchowski said. “Yes, it may be a lot of work to handle at first, but Pace provides you with all the resources you need to succeed and get the most out of your experience here.