Student holds up My First Traditions medallion

Freshmen students celebrate conclusion of semester with My First Traditions ceremony

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Media Contact: Kirsi McDowell | Senior Communications Specialist | 405-744-9347 | kirsi@okstate.edu

Students sign My First Traditions banner The final lesson of fall 2023 for College of Education and Human Sciences freshmen was simple: Cowboys create their own luck.

The My First Traditions ceremony, held on Monday, Dec. 4, and Tuesday, Dec. 5, celebrated the CEHS students’ achievements over their first semester at Oklahoma State University.

During six sessions spanning two days, CEHS advisors recognized over 750 students from 20 major-specific first-year seminar courses for the successful completion of their first term. In the nearly hourlong ceremony, students cheered for their peers as they received prizes — including a pair of boots donated by Cavender’s — and a medallion engraved with a horseshoe and the words “Cowboy Luck.”

The message of the ceremony was simple. With the completion of their first-year seminar course, CEHS freshmen are prepared to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. Program speaker Scott King, coordinator for student development and retention, reminded students to never be afraid to ask for help, stay engaged with learning, respect each other, commit to themselves and their futures, and strike a balance between prioritizing their education and enjoying the college experience.

At the end of the ceremony, students signed a giant congratulatory banner and took pictures with their classmates, professors and advisors.

“The community students forged and the lessons they learned in their first semester will transform their college experience,” King said.

He also encouraged students to keep their medallions somewhere visible, so that they could always reflect on the lessons learned over their first months at OSU until they graduate. At that point, students will carry their memories from CEHS, their medallions and a bit of “Cowboy Luck” across the stage, he said.

Story By: Jessica Pearce | jessica.c.pearce@okstate.edu