MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY -- Our area's population increased Monday morning; it's freshman move-in day at Marywood University.
It was organized chaos outside Loughran Hall on the campus of Marywood University with parents, new students, their vehicles, and their gear all in the same place at the same time.
This is Nathan Michener's first time living away from home, a day this Health and Physical Education major from Landsdale looked forward to.
"I'm not worried," said Michener. "I've done a lot to prepare for this. I'm ready."
Michener said he will have his studies and baseball to keep him busy, plus he'll be rooming with someone from his old high school.
Nathan's dad Wayne has been through this move-in thing before three times. Nathan is his youngest.
"It's sad. You're going to miss him and we have a good relationship, so I feel like I'm not only missing a son. I'm missing a close friend of mine too."
The Micheners say Marywood is only a two-hour drive from Landsdale, and there will be plenty of visits.
There are about 400 students in this year's freshman class and the upper classmen have a message for all these newbies: here at Marywood, you will never move alone.
The orientation staff, in the green shirts, is here to help, offer advice, and carry all that stuff. That includes sophomore Katie McCormick, all 95 pounds of her.
"Don't be scared," McCormick advised. "Everyone is here to help. It's like a good family here on Marywood."
McCormick can relate. She went through this one year ago. She says the best thing a frightened freshman can do is, "reach out." There is always someone here to help.
After settling in, it's time to get to work. Classes at Marywood University begin Wednesday morning.
