Morningside Connect

Life as a Morningside College freshman can be an eye-opening experience. First-time college students can come to college with different expectations.

Sophomore Travis Metzger recalls what he thought college would be like his freshman year, “I really wasn’t expecting to have this experience. I thought college would be go to class, hang out with friends, sleep and repeat. I never anticipated the level of difficulty, the amount of thinking I would be doing, or all the fun I would have. It’s been a much better experience than I thought it would be.”

He came in his freshman year as a vocal music education major but after the first semester he got burnt out. He took a calculus II class last semester and ended up enjoying it.

“I wasn’t for sure at the beginning of the semester if I really wanted to be a mathematics major,” said Metzger, “but going through the classes this semester has convinced me.”

He dedicates a chunk of his time to solving the puzzling math problems but also spends time in Eppley for voice lessons, practice hours, college choir, and brass ensemble. His schedule as a sophomore is jam-packed full of opportunities and experiences.

“I enjoy getting to experience a lot of things, and I’ve revamped my schedule, so it is even more filled this year,” said Metzger. “It’s great to do so much more and be involved on campus, but it can also stink sometimes when trying to hold yourself to a high academic standard.”

Along with being involved in the music department, Metzger holds a leadership role in the ACACIA fraternity. He is currently the treasurer of it and in charge of the recruitment process.

“It has taught me swaths of leadership skills, from planning events to organizing and increasing involvement,” said Metzger. “I’ve also learned many things about managing money for small groups.”

Despite his accomplishments of making the Dean’s List, participating in two general student recitals, and being elected Brother of the Week for ACACIA, Metzger says his biggest accomplishment this year is “waking up for my alarm. That outstrips any other thing I’ve done this year, hands down.”

Metzger is majoring in mathematics with minors in music and economics. He expects to graduate in May 2018. He plans on going on to graduate school for his master’s and hopes to eventually work towards his doctorate.