Johns Hopkins first-year students, families reflect on transition to college

The dorm room essentials were purchased, the boxes packed, and the big day had finally come: Johns Hopkins freshman move-in day. Cars overflowing with labeled boxes lined up in front of the residence halls, and first-year mentors whisked away the new Blue Jays.

Students and parents shuffled across campus for welcome events and receptions before squeezing in time for the final sendoff, muttering something about doing laundry.

But at this year's orientation, Johns Hopkins University's Digital Media Center invited families to share a lasting goodbye, stored in a StoryNest sound collage and unveiled just in time for a hello (and another goodbye) at Family Weekend.

Project organizers encouraged families to share their stories, thoughts, and the odd mix of feelings about the transition to Hopkins, which inevitably brought out the laughs and tears, too.

Now as families return to campus for Family Weekend today through Sunday, the Digital Media Center is hosting a listening station in the Lobby of Levering Hall featuring the StoryNest sound collage (the sound collage can also be accessed through the DMC's web site).

StoryNest was produced by Joan Freedman; recorded by Kristen Anchor, Dan Anderson, and Graham Coreil-Allen; and edited by Ben Andrew, with administrative support by Deborah Buffalin.