Freshman Friday: Dedra Fenley

Friday, February 25, 2011

Oklahoma State University is offering  a closer look into the lives of its freshmen students. Each Friday, one freshman will be highlighted on the OSU Facebook page as part of the "Freshman Friday" feature. The freshmen profiles will share students' first impressions and experiences at OSU and create a unique way for others to get to know first-year students. If this is your first year at OSU and you want to participate in "Freshman Friday," please contact Amy Wilson atamy.k.wilson10@okstate.edu.

Dedra Fenley

Age: 19
Hometown: Enid, Oklahoma
Major: Nutrition Sciences
Classification: Freshman

Why did you choose to attend OSU?
Why not? OSU is a great place to go to school. I’ve always been a Cowboys fan, and I had planned on coming here ever since I was in junior high. The atmosphere here reminds me a lot of my hometown. When I went on the campus tour, people were so friendly, which made me feel right at home. It’s not just the campus life that’s fun. Off campus we also have a lot of things to do!

What has been your favorite experience so far?
The best experience I’ve had here is probably Homecoming. I didn’t think it was going to be such a big deal! All the floats, fraternity houses and sorority houses looked awesome! Our school was so pumped up for the big game and all the excitement around campus was great! Can’t wait until next year!

What do you wish you would have known before coming to college?
To be honest, it would be how to study properly. The orientation leaders told us that we were going to be hit pretty hard with the aspect of studying for hours on end. I figured they were just joking around. I figured I would walk in class, take a test, and get an A. Sadly, that’s not the truth. I’ve gotten better at studying though.

What changes do you hope to see during your years at OSU?
I can’t wait until the Student Union is done. I didn’t get to see it before the remodel, so it would be nice to see the Student Union not all boarded up. Another thing I would like to see is OSU making it to the National Championship! GO POKES!

Where do you see yourself after graduation?
I would like to see myself being a dietitian at a hospital somewhere in the United States, but I know God may have other plans for me. I would also like to travel to Africa and help out with THANDA and do other missions work.

What advice would you give to high school seniors who are thinking about coming to OSU?
Get active in organizations! I was so bored the first semester of my freshman year because all I did was go to class. Now I’m in Big Brothers Big Sisters and go to Overflow. There is so much you can do here. If you get involved in activities, it will really help you learn how to balance your schedule. It’s also a great way to meet new people and make friends!