Going social

Although they come from many different locations and backgrounds, incoming students in Wright State University’s Class of 2023 have one thing in common: they want to connect with fellow classmates and build friendships before the fall semester even begins.

Through a private Facebook group, these new students have shared their interests, backgrounds, dreams about their future and, of course, a lot of photos. Throughout the summer, they have posted pictures from their high school days, such as sports, extracurricular activities, hobbies, prom and graduation. Some shared photos of themselves already donning Wright State Raider attire.

From cities and rural areas all across Ohio, to hometowns in Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana and beyond, these new Raiders are reaching out across the miles. Several international students have also joined the conversation to get a taste of American culture.

These aspiring students have many diverse career interests, including nursing, education, political science, music education, psychology, engineering, history, social work, business, motion pictures, theatre, dance, environmental science and cybersecurity. Yet some are still exploring majors.

Some seek roommates for campus housing, while some are trying to meet people on their dorm floor. Others talk about the activities they want to get involved in once they are on campus.

Students have commented on posts of those with the same major and have set up separate chats with students in their fields of study. Others look to connect with fellow classmates in a particular class. Many offer their Instagram handles and Snapchat usernames and invite classmates to follow them.

Here’s a glimpse at the Wright State Class of 2023:

Grace Swisher

Grace Swisher

“Hey y’all! I’m Grace Swisher from Waynesville, OH. I’ll be attending Wright State in the fall as a freshman majoring in nursing! I show horses and have one horse & one pony! I’d love to connect with other nursing majors! Let’s make this next year a great one!”

Ahnia Logan

Ahnia Logan

“Hey I’m Ahnia! I’m from Toledo. I am planning to attend Wright State in the Fall. I plan to major in nursing. I enjoy making new friends and looking for potential roommates.”

Hroth Hilton

Hroth Hilton

“Greetings everyone! My name is Hrothbertina Hilton. I’m a homeschooling student from India who will be attending WSU as an international student as an earth and environmental science major this fall! I’m currently trying to be fluent in Spanish and learning Korean! My other interests include binge watching kdramas and tv shows in general. I hope to make new friends at WSU!”

Olivia Detwiler

Olivia Detwiler

“Hey everyone, I’m Olivia and I am currently a senior at Marion Harding High School. I will be attending WSU this fall and I will be majoring in dance and possibly early childhood education. I’d love to meet new people and make new friends.”

CJ Anthony Jones

CJ Anthony Jones

“Hello everyone. My name Is CJ! I currently go to Gahanna Lincoln High School & I’ll be attending Wright State University in the fall. My major is social work. Also wanting to meet some new friends & looking for a roommate.”

Mattie Magill

Mattie Magill

“Hey guys!! My name is Mattelyn Magill. A lot of people call me Mattie. I am very excited to be attending Wright State in the fall. I have Alopecia, which is hair loss but I don’t let that keep me from being who I am!! There is a lot to my story and I hope to share it with you more down the road. I will be majoring in nursing.”

Justin Haag

Justin Haag

“Hey everyone!! I’ll be going to Wright State starting in the fall this year! I’m from Medina, Ohio, and am finishing up at Highland High School. I’m studying computer engineering and just looking to meet some new people and possibly find a roommate who’s as big of a computer guy as I am. I’ll be playing rugby as well!”

Stephanie Gonzalez

Stephanie Gonzalez

“Hello everyone! I will be attending Wright State this fall and will major in biology. I’m from Lakota East High School but attend Butler Tech Bioscience Center and am in the PLTW biomedical science major. I am wanting to make new friends and am looking for a roommate! I love sushi, scary movies, and hanging out with friends.”

Jonathan Yokiel

Jonathan Yokiel

“Hi! I am attending Wright State next fall with a major in theatre studies. I will be participating in the honors program and am looking for potential roommates or just friends! I am from Brunswick, Ohio, which is about 20 minutes south of Cleveland. In high school, I’m heavily involved with theatre, LINK Crew, and yearbook staff. Super excited to attend such an amazing campus and meet so many new people!”

Mallory Munday

Mallory Mundy

“Hi I’m Mal! I’ve recently decided to attend WSU after turning down a full ride for soccer mainly so I can stay closer to home. I will be commuting to school but I’m definitely down to meet some new people before the year starts up.”

Lyndsay Bailey

Lyndsay Bailey

“Unlike most of you who have graduated recently or are graduating this year, I myself graduated back in 2014 (whooo!) I’ll be turning 24 at the end of this year. I took time off from school to establish my career and my little family. I am majoring in early childhood education. Look forward to the experience to come!”