Freshmen Reflect on First Semester

Between playing their first fall games in the maroon and gold, seeing their names on their lockers for the first time and rushing the field after the football team defeated Florida State, the freshmen softball players have had memorable first semesters at Boston College. CC Cook (Phoenix, Ariz.), Jenna Ergle (Sumiton, Alabama), Emme Martinez (Hemet, Calif.), Gianna Randazza (Clark, N.J.) and Cami Sellers (Los Alamitos, Calif.) know that they will never forget their first semester at The Heights.

Stuck Out The Most
Throughout her first semester as an Eagle, Ergle has appreciated becoming fully immersed in the culture of Boston College. "What has stuck with me the most is 'Men and Women for Others' because of the resources available to everyone," Ergle explained. "BC wants the best for each student and knowing that and seeing it for yourself is really humbling going through this new journey."

Randazza can similarly appreciate the supportive and friendly community that exists at BC. "I've had amazing professors who were very open to meeting with me whenever I needed," Randazza said. "That extra step is what sticks out to me about BC; the ability to make college not just about learning but also about benefiting the community, developing personal relationships and making the most out of the opportunities this school offers."

In addition to learning about the many resources available to student-athletes at BC, Cook has learned that it is important to trust herself. "Since I've walked on campus, I've been taught a ton of new drills and techniques that can be incorporated into my pitching and I've realized that the best way to adapt to something new is to attack it full throttle," Cook asserted. "In order to do this, I have to trust myself and trust that I will succeed in a drill if I don't hold back."

Sellers has accepted that, as a first-year student, mistakes are inevitable and are therefore valuable learning experiences. "One thing I have learned that sticks out to me from my first semester here at BC is that it is okay to make mistakes," Sellers said. "No one is perfect, and I have learned to just roll with the punches, and to learn from my mistakes to become a better student, player, and most of all, a better person."

Favorite Moments
Many of the freshmen agree that the class named, "Courage to Know" has been one of their most engaging academic experiences so far. The class is reserved to freshmen and consists of group discussions involving important life decisions. "My favorite class so far has definitely been my "Courage to Know" class because of how welcoming my professor was and meeting more people from my grade," Martinez explained.

"I love that the class forces me out of my comfort zone a little with the discussions we have," Randazza continued. "I think the class has allowed me to become more outgoing here at BC."

Ergle has also enjoyed the different perspective she has developed in her literature class, "Chinese Zen Literature." "I never thought that I would take a class so unusual but I have really enjoyed the class and learning in a new aspect," Ergle said."
While balancing the adjustment to college level classes as well as softball, the freshmen have learned important lessons that they know they will continue to use throughout the remainder of their time at BC.
"Coming in thinking you have to know everything can be very pressuring," Ergle said. "It's okay to ask for help, Ergle said. "

Most Looking Forward To

With almost one semester of college down, these softball freshmen are excited about what their future holds. "I'm looking forward to meeting more people, creating closer relationships and having a successful softball career," Martinez said.

Ergle cannot wait to spend more time with the team that she already considers to be family. "I am most excited to travel to new cities as a team and family," Ergle exclaimed. "I am blessed to be a part of such a great atmosphere here at BC."

Cook is looking forward to having the chance to play on a brand new field. "I am absolutely so excited for the season to begin and to have the opportunity to play on our new field," Cook said. "All of the returning players have said that the season is the best part of the year and that it flies by. I can't wait to travel with the team and experience what it feels like to compete in the ACC."

Randazza plans to take advantage of the opportunity to make more connections. "I am looking forward to softball season in the spring and to see how much our team can accomplish," Randazza said. "I also look forward to meet new people and make more friends next semester!"

Together, the five freshmen on the team feel both honored and excited to make a positive impact on the Boston College program.

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