杏吧原创 (GGC) is brimming with activity as students descend onto campus to start their fall classes.
Suwannee residents and brothers Chandler and Haydn Kane found a spot to relax in the lounge of the Student Center, laptops open.
For Chandler, a junior majoring in biology, part of the allure of GGC is two-fold.
鈥淕GC gave me a second chance to pursue my dream to become a field biologist,鈥 he said. 鈥淎nd it鈥檚 the place where I met my fianc茅.鈥
Haydn, a freshman, heard about the biology program and said the decision to come to GGC was easy.
鈥淚 heard the biology program here is super amazing,鈥 he said. His brother, Chandler, added that he may have had some influence on that.
Destiny Swinney, a freshman from Atlanta who wants to major in education, spent time between classes at the GGC Bookstore to purchase a GGC sweatshirt and a green backpack, among other things.
鈥淚 want to be an elementary school teacher to make a difference in kids鈥 lives,鈥 she said. 鈥淎nd be a reason they want to come to school.鈥
Before the start of his first class, Lawrenceville resident Bao Duong sat at one of the tables on the patio next to the library.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a little overwhelming, but I鈥檓 finding my classes,鈥 he laughed. The freshman who is majoring in mathematics hopes to eventually study engineering.
Last Thursday and Friday, nearly 1,000 students packed their bags and moved into the residence halls.
Mara Rockhold faced a triple send-off 鈥 her triplet daughters Brooke, Chloe, and Lauren are all starting college together and sharing a room. All three will play on GGC鈥檚 softball team.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been up and down for me today,鈥 Rockhold said. 鈥淏ut I鈥檓 glad the girls will be experiencing college together.鈥
She praised the school鈥檚 and especially Coach Kat Ihlenburg, a key reason her daughters chose GGC.
Sonya and Mark Weaver shared similar sentiments as they helped their daughter Ella move in.
鈥淚t鈥檚 tough letting go of your little girl,鈥 said Mark.
Ella quickly reminded them of the short distance between home and campus: 鈥淒ad, I鈥檓 like 20 minutes away.鈥
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