Bemidji college students kick off fall 2024 semester

082824.N.BP.FIRSTDAYBSU 9.jpg — Students stroll through campus during the first day of fall semester on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, at Bemidji State.

By Charley Gilbert

August 26, 2024 at 1:19 PM

BEMIDJI 鈥� The first day of school excitement was in the air on Monday morning as Bemidji students flocked to class to start off the fall semester.

082824.N.BP.FIRSTDAYBSU 2.jpg — Students stroll through campus during the first day of fall semester classes on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, at Bemidji State.

鈥淚 came back to Hobson Memorial Union at 8:50 with the rush of 9 a.m. students, and it was amazing to see just so many new faces, but also returning students as well,鈥� Student Senate President Darby Bersie shared.

Some students had already cracked open their books before classes even began.

鈥淢y class today hasn鈥檛 started yet but I started studying like three or four days ago,鈥� explained Logan Heller, a BSU junior studying biochemistry. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited because I can be in the lab nine hours a week, and the more factual reason is a year from now is when I actually apply for Ph.D. programs.鈥�

082824.N.BP.FIRSTDAYBSU 7.jpg — BSU juniors Logan Heller, left, and Leo Tronnes get some studying in during the first day of fall semester classes on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, in Bemidji State's Upper Hobson Memorial Union.

The upperclassmen chatted about summer and recalled how long ago freshman year felt.

鈥淚 think a lot of (freshman) are going to do really well this week,鈥� Leo Tronnes, a BSU junior studying technical arts and design, said with a smile. 鈥淭he only little tidbit of advice I鈥檇 give them is to be friendly with people. If you get lost or if you're getting stressed or anything, just turn to the person next to you and ask.鈥�

Bersie encouraged all students, freshmen in particular, to take advantage of the welcoming community at Bemidji State and try to get involved in campus life.

鈥淧robably the first thing to do is just take a minute, breathe, it'll all be OK,鈥� Bersie said. 鈥� You will figure out your classes, find friends and a community here at BSU 鈥� make sure to get involved. We鈥檝e got a great campus with a great community. There are a lot of welcoming faces.鈥�

082824.N.BP.FIRSTDAYBSU 1.jpg — Students walk through campus during the first day of fall semester on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, at Bemidji State.

Northwest Technical College, Oak Hills Christian College and Leech Lake Tribal College students also started classes on Monday morning. Red Lake Nation College started up on Wednesday, Aug. 21.

082824.N.BP.FIRSTDAYBSU 4.jpg — Students stroll through campus during the first day of fall semester on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, at Bemidji State.

082824.N.BP.FIRSTDAYBSU 3.jpg — Students head to and from class during the first day of fall semester on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, at Bemidji State.

By Charley Gilbert

Charley is a multimedia reporter for the Bemidji Pioneer covering outdoor and human interests stories. She graduated from Bemidji State University in 2024 with a bachelor's in Communication Studies.

Raised in Ham Lake, Minnesota, she has always enjoyed being outside in nature, which is one of the many reasons why she has decided to stay in Bemidji. When she is not outside, she can be found learning new recipes, reading books and spending time with friends.

You can contact Charley at (218)-333-9798 or cgilbert@bemidjipioneer.com.