As the class of 2008 gathered on the floor and in the stands of Matthews Arena to receive their official welcome to Northeastern University, a buzz was in the air and the newest members of the university’s community were ready to begin their journey. “I’m up for a good challenge,” said Chris Cook, freshman engineering major from Pennsylvania. “I come from a small town, and this is a city, it’s nice. I’m excited.” Members of the university also welcomed the incoming class with words of advice and things to look forward to. “You are now plugged into a busy and vibrant urban life that can be both exciting and isolating. In the end it will be the connection you build with your friends, your faculty, and the university that will enrich and enliven your experience here,” said Student Government Association President Michael Romano. The connections, he said, begin with simple gestures such as, stopping by someone’s door in the residence halls and introducing yourself, or taking the time to build a relationship with a faculty member. Romano also urged students to get involved and to become a campus leader. “Become involved in a student organization or take a leadership role in something you are passionate about … These connections are the heart of this institution and a key component to making the most out of your time here.” Two Presidential Scholars, Jared McBride of the Class of 2004 and Chigozie Opara of the Class of 2006 addressed the audience, sharing with them how they discovered their academic passions. Tamara Buchanan, a communication studies major from Connecticut, said the scholars were the highlight of the convocation. “The president’s scholars were by far my favorite part, they were hilarious,” she said. She said she hopes to strive to become one herself by the end of her sophomore year. Presidential Scholars receive full tuition scholarships and are named at the end of their sophomore year. They are selected by the university for their excellent academic standing. McBride is a history major concentrating in Russian studies and Opara is a pharmacy major, following in her mother’s footsteps. Both said that co-op helped them realize that their career paths were right for them. “Whatever your major, I know that if you work hard and open your minds you see the opportunities that lie ahead of you,” McBride said. “If you are doing what you love and love what you’re doing, time will fly by,” Opara said. One freshman, Greg Woodbury, was prepared to begin his tenure at Northeastern, with three text books already purchased and in tow. He said he is ready to start classes and get involved. “In fact, I just e-mailed the leader of Downbeats for an audition and I just looked into the snowboarding club,” said Woodbury, a computer science major from Massachusetts. Woodbury said his interest in the a cappella group was reaffirmed by their performance at convocation. President Richard Freeland also urged students to get involved and experience everything Northeastern has to offer. “We want every student here to have a full experience … There are so many opportunities to grow and learn here and I urge you to try them all,” he said. “Your years at Northeastern are not a dress rehearsal for anything. This is your life and we want you to make the best of it.”