Knox Students Share Their First-Year Experiences

After three terms of intense study, surviving their first Flunk Day, celebrating their first homecoming, and settling into their new Galesburg home, 2022-23 first-year students took time to reflect on the journey thus far. This is what they had to say:

Abbie Layne 

She/Her 

Layne is considering a double major in English and secondary education while also playing volleyball for Knox. 

Abbie Layne ’26 says she had to put herself out there and make new connections and interact with a wide variety of people. “Honestly, it was so freeing,” Layne said. “Back home everyone sort of knew who I was and so they had this pre-existing idea of me. Here, I could be whoever I wanted to be. It is very slay.” 

She says earning a Knox-provided scholarship helped her not only financially, but also helped motivate her. “Getting into college is one thing, but it was very rewarding and encouraging to see them want me and that all the work that I put in high school was worth it,” she said.

Playing on the Knox volleyball team helped Layne find a community. “Playing volleyball for Knox is amazing,” she said. “I think our team has great chemistry and supports each other while also holding ourselves accountable by pushing each other to be better and test our limits.” Layne has also tried out for the track team and is looking forward to joining the team next year. Having the opportunity to be a multi-sport athlete, while still focusing on her education, is a big reason why she has enjoyed her time at Knox. “I can play different sports and try new things, but I can also focus on school because that is most important to me,” she said.

Megan Bogner 

She/Her 

Bogner is considering a major in art history and a minor in art museum study while exploring different areas of interest via the Knox College campus. 

Megan Bogner ’26 found her footing early at Knox after finding a group of friends that she clicked with immediately. “Being put into small groups during orientation helped me connect with other students, especially because we were all in the same boat sharing this unique first experience,” she said. 

Bogner says her professors played a big role in shaping her first-year experience by providing constant support and reassurance, such as Associate Professor of English Barbra Tannert-Smith, who taught her first-year preceptorial course. “Professor Tannert-Smith is hilarious. I love being in class with her, she’s an absolute riot. ” 

Bogner has made the most out of her free time on campus, taking part in theater, suturing, or performing in an Armenian folk dance workshop. Looking back on her first year, she stresses how important it was for her to take on the many opportunities that Knox has to offer. “Knox teaches its students to think critically through programs like first-year preceptorial. It helps you really consider the world around you and challenge it,” Bogner said. 

Jack Lubbs

He/Him

Lubbs is a chemistry major with a passion for jazz and ultimate frisbee.

Lubbs made the most of his first year at Knox by joining three bands. He says he enjoys performing at local events to get a feel for Galesburg. “I think these events are a great way to step away from campus, get some fresh air, and engage with the Galesburg community,” he said. 

Between practicing three times a week and weekend tournaments, he also spent a lot of time on the ultimate frisbee field. Lubbs looks forward to playing for the team throughout his Knox career.

Next year, Lubbs plans to work in the Red Room as a chemistry tutor. Balancing sports, music, and study has given him a sense of agency at the College. 

“College means I have complete independence, so I have had to learn to draw boundaries for myself and choose what I really want to do,” he said.  

Paula Flores 

She/Her 

Flores is planning on a double major in biology and modern languages while being on the swimming team at Knox.  

Paula Flores ’26 plays intramural soccer, or futsal, which has the opportunity to connect with new people. Flores also joined the Knox swim team and plans to stay on the team during her time at Knox.  

Flores utilized the SPARK Bridge Program, a program designed for first-generation domestic students to better adapt to life at college, which gave her time to settle in and meet people earlier than others. She says these friendships helped her feel comfortable on campus early on.

Over her first year, Flores says she learned the importance of self-care and focusing on mental health. “I really appreciate having access to counseling services, it really helps me keep me in check,” Flores said.

Flores believes that her time at college has helped her become more independent and capable of undertaking challenges in a mature way.

Manuel Espitia 

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Espitia is a psychology major who plays football for the Prairie Fire.

Manuel Espitia ’26 recalls bonding with his teammates as some of his earliest memories at Knox. Early on, these moments helped him form a sense of community. “During the summer break when it was just us football players, we would go down to Post Lobby between lifts and meets and watch movies together—it was fun,” he said.

Overall, Espitia’s transition to college has helped him grow on a personal level. “Moving to a different state halfway across the country was tough because I had to leave my family behind, but it was one of the best decisions I have made,” he said. “Back home, I could make my own decisions but they were always in this little bubble that my family created for me. Here, I am actually responsible for myself.” 

Looking ahead, Espitia wants to be more active on campus and give back to the community. To start, he has applied to become a resident assistant. "Yeah, I look forward to being an RA. You know, build memories and make connections. That's what I am all about,” he said.

Anne Kashiwagi

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Kashiwagi plans to major in anthropology-sociology, and psychology. She works as a volunteer at the Knox Farm and sings with the Harmonic Choir. 

Anne Kashiwagi ’26 took part in the Intensive English Language Program, where she arrived on campus two weeks before the other international students and had the opportunity to meet her classmates early, get a feel for the campus, and adjust to college life. She said, “It was nice to have the extra time to get set up before all the other international students showed up. The program was also super helpful academically. I still use the different things such as skimming and note-taking that I learned during the program for my more reading and writing intensive classes.” 

The transition to Knox wasn’t simple for Kashiwagi, as she deals with a condition called low vision, that cannot be corrected with glasses, medication, or surgery. Over time, however, she has adapted to her new home and found a way of life that works for her. “My high school was rather stingy about giving us accommodations, which only added to my anxiousness about moving here,” Kashiwagi said. “Fortunately, everyone at the disability services center was absolutely brilliant. They talked to me about my situation and asked me what I wanted. Together, we came up with solutions and I am a lot more confident about succeeding at Knox because of them.” 

During her first year, Kashiwagi says she enjoyed volunteering at the Knox Farm, where students help plant different things in the spring and harvest in the fall. Heading into her second year, she is excited to be a writing tutor.

Sikandar Mateen 

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Mateen is a neuroscience major who can be found organizing the Spring Formal or working closely with dining services. 

Sikandar Mateen enjoys being involved. He is part of Union Board, which organizes and plans events like the Retro Rollerblading Night; Student Senate, where he is the dining services chair; and Islamic Club, which is an association for Muslim students on campus that is open to everyone. Being part of these different organizations has helped him find his place in the community and opened doors to new connections and memories. “The first time I truly felt connected to everyone at Knox and at home was during Diwali, a Hindu festival that is celebrated very similarly to how we do things in Pakistan,” he said.  

His extracurricular activities have also helped him to develop time management and crisis resolution skills. As a resident assistant in his very first year at Knox, he has solved many problems, while using clear communication and planning to support his community. Being wrapped up in so many different projects, Mateen appreciates the programs organized by counseling services, such as arts and crafts or planting trees, which help him take a step back and reset and refocus.

Naysha Jain 

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Jain is a physics major who can almost always be found in the observatory in the Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center.

Naysha Jain is involved in many different activities on campus such as Terpsichore Dance Collective, where she organizes different dance performances throughout the year, and Aaina, the South Asian club, where she serves as the public relations chair. She is also the president of the newly established Physics and Astronomy Club, which is a perfect fit for this keen astrophysicist who loves observing stellar bodies and analyzing planetary movements in her free time. “The observatory is why I chose Knox. It is like uncovering a hidden gem,” she said. 

As a future orientation leader and international ambassador, Jain has a lot on her plate. She admits that at first, it was intimidating to juggle all of her interests, but she has figured out how to balance her academic and co-curricular life. She also found great support through the International Pre-Orientation Program, where she had the opportunity to meet with people who shared the same experience with her. Many of these friends became the pillars of her support system.

Aisha Spear 

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Spear is considering a major in anthropology-sociology and spends her time choreographing dances for Terpsichore Dance Collective. 

Aisha Spear describes her experience at Knox as a learning curve, full of opportunities that encompass her academic life and also help her step outside her comfort zone. She enjoys being surrounded by like-minded individuals who bring their own set of experiences and ideas. 

She thrives being part of a diverse community with an international cast of friends and classmates from India, Argentina, and Uzbekistan, to name a few. “It is very different from my high school. The cultures at Knox are so unique but they also share similarities, such as foods or ways of interacting—it’s super cool,” she said. 

The busy trimester system has pushed Spear to accommodate the different schedules and requirements, by thinking on her feet and adapting quickly to change. “I have definitely become better at adapting every term and having better time management,” she says. 

Spear values how Knox supports students during demanding times of the year, including when the College organizes events and activities to support students' well-beings. Her favorites were Pause for Paws, where students can play with pets, and Midnight Breakfast at the end of each term when faculty and staff serve breakfast until 1 a.m.

Ethan Tozer 

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Tozer plans to major in studio arts with a possible minor in Japanese, alongside playing video games with his friends at SMASH Club. 

For Ethan Tozer ’26, choreographing his own Terpsichore Dance Collective piece was a highlight of his first year at Knox. He didn’t think he would have such an opportunity so early into his college career. “I did a lot of dance in high school and TERP is the perfect way to continue my passion in college,” he said. 

Tozer plans to learn Japanese as a second language as he continues his time at Knox. “I took French for four years in high school, but if I were to compare my French and Japanese, I definitely know more Japanese. The three-term schedule really helps with that–it keeps me on my toes,” Tozer said.

Being a part of clubs like SMASH and Catan Club opened doors for Tozer as he became more comfortable on campus. He says he appreciates the diversity of the student base, which helped him feel more at home. “Growing up, I was surrounded by predominantly white friends, but being here with other Asians and people who look like me is fascinating,” he said. 

Tozer believes Knox pushes students to succeed by providing different resources, such as the Red Room and Office Hours. He admits it could be intimidating to utilize these tools at first, but being able to talk to his professors on a personal level opened doors to a range of opportunities. “It is all right there, all you have to do is ask,” Tozer said.

Phyllis Kuteesa 

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Kuteesa is considering a major in computer science and loves packing food for children with Blessings in a Backpack. 

Phyllis Kuteesa proposes that her experience at Knox can be summed up with the simple phrase that can be heard across campus: “Knox Niceness. It’s easy to see where that phrase comes from,” she said. “Everyone I have spoken to and interacted with has been kind and helpful.” She has experienced this kindness as a common theme with the different departments at Knox, including the Office of International Student Services, which she finds herself using often to support her life in the United States. She appreciates the different events they organize, such as International Tea Hour every Thursday where students can participate in activities and enjoy snacks from around the globe. The Bastian Family Center for Career Success has also been a big help in working on her resume and cover letters to support her job applications for on-campus and internship positions. 

She keeps herself busy and participates in campus life in a multitude of ways, such as the Harmonic Choir and Dance Fest. Kuteesa was also involved with the Kleine Center for volunteering, which is where she was introduced to Blessings in a Backpack, a program that packs food for children to take home during the weekend. Kuteesa also enjoys living in a diverse community. For instance, I-Fair was one of her favorite campus events. She thoroughly enjoyed dancing for the cultural showcase and preparing food for the celebratory dinner with her friends. She also enjoys bonding with Africans from different countries through Harambee, the cultural club for Africans. 

Patience Wagner 

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Wagner is considering a major in environmental science and can be found camping or hammocking in our prairie. 

One of Patience Wagner’s earliest and favorite memories at Knox goes back to fall term when a few of her friends laid on the outdoor track oval with her, star gazing and looking out for Jupiter. “Just being here with these people and building those memories that would last a lifetime was definitely something,” she said. Another memory that really sticks out to her is Laura Lane’s final concert. As a member of Knox College’s choir, performing in front of a packed audience where the energy was at its peak energized her and made her feel alive. 

She has found a way to exercise her passions at Knox and surrounds herself with activities that she finds engaging. “I was certainly homesick, especially towards the beginning of the year, but spending more time with friends doing fun activities, I soon got into the groove and I love being here,” she said. As a member of the Students for Sustainability Club, she participates in sustainable crafting or volunteering at the Share Shop, a place where anyone can give anything and take anything they would like. She admires that the student-led organization is attempting to reuse, recycle, and minimize waste. She is also the treasurer of the Knox Outdoor Adventure Club, which meets every week to play games and learn skills that would be helpful in the natural world. As an adventure enthusiast, she is excited about the Green Oaks Term and studying abroad in Latin America where she can not only be close to nature but also practice her Spanish-speaking abilities. 

Isaac Freeman 

He/Him 

Freeman is considering a major in data science and is looking forward to being a TRIO leader next year. 

Isaac Freeman believes that his experience starting college was enhanced by the TRIO Bridge Program, which is a four-day program before the New Student Orientation where first-generation students are invited to meet other students and learn how to manage time and social life. TRIO also organizes events throughout the term and constantly provides resources for student success. “TRIO really helped me prepare for the rigorous college life,” he said. “I  know I can count on my peer leaders—they’ve got my back. I can’t wait to be a leader myself next year.”

He has practiced journaling since coming to Knox and that has helped him build self-esteem and connection with himself. He says that he has never been more academically inspired. “The fast-paced 10-week term really helps me because I cannot afford to miss class and I have to stay on top of my work if I want to do well,” he said.

Another takeaway for Freeman is becoming more self-aware and conscientious as a friend. Adjusting to a community that is about half the size of his high school, he has found a unique group of people that he would not have met otherwise and continues to seek new relationships. “I have to thank my friends and my jazz band for pushing me to be better and stretching my abilities,” he said.

Phoebe Amiri 

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Amiri is an education major who enjoys playing ultimate frisbee and Catan and hanging out with her friends. 

Amiri is proud of how she has developed both socially and personally in the six months she has been away from home. She has learned how to navigate social circles better and interact with people as adults in a new place and environment. “I am constantly discovering new things, especially about myself in terms of finding my place and who I am,” she said. 

One highlight from her first term at Knox was the Chicago trip organized with the International Club. The experience was unique because she had the opportunity to share it with students from all over the world. “It was interesting to see a part of the country I hadn’t seen before but through an international lens with a bunch of pretty cool people,” she said.

Amiri adds that while Knox might be a small school, it still offers many chances to meet new people. She has found that being involved in multiple clubs and organizations is the best way to make connections. Amiri is looking forward to a busy, full year as the upcoming co-president of Common Ground, an organization that provides students from the Queer community with a safe space to share their experiences; vice president of Catan Club, a club where students come together and play Catan; and a general member of Knox Outdoor Adventure Club and the ultimate frisbee team.