It’s different than it’s ever been, but IMPACT new student orientation is ongoing at Troy University’s Troy Campus, and incoming freshmen are enjoying a chance to meet faculty members and fellow students.

Shades Valley High School graduate Nathan Thomas, a Birmingham resident, knew TROY was the right fit for him as soon as he took a tour.

“It just felt like home here,” he said. “I saw the statue and kind of felt good. This is the school I dreamed about.”

Attending IMPACT in person has only reinforced his decision.

“Some of my friends recommended going [to IMPACT] so I could get a better experience and learn from some of the students that actually go here,” said Thomas, who plans to be a graphic design major. “It was very good. I met the chair of the Art and Design Department, and she was real helpful. I’m looking forward to coming here and seeing the people, being interactive and getting involved.”

Mary Elizabeth Todd, a Morgan Academy graduate from Selma, is still undecided on her major, but she enjoyed meeting representatives from various departments during IMPACT.

“It’s been fun,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot. My favorite part was getting to talk to all the people [from various departments] in Patterson Hall. The faculty members are really nice. They talk to you every time they see you.”

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this IMPACT is different from any that has come before.

Students must practice social distancing, and for parents like Larry Massie, caution is important.

“I’m cautious,” said Massie, whose daughter Deja graduated from TROY earlier this year and whose daughter Lyric will attend TROY this fall. “Lyric really wants to have the college experience, and I’m hoping she’ll still have that.”

Massie said his older daughter had a wonderful time at TROY, participating in the Sound of the South, and his younger daughter has had her eyes on TROY for years.

“Deja had an awesome experience,” he said. “Lyric was already set from an early age on coming to TROY. Since Deja’s freshman year, I’ve always come here to check out the football team and the band. It’s great here.”