Story by: Nicole Burns, The Brewton Standard

“It’s helped to calm my nerves a lot.” Nathan Jurjevich of Atmore probably put into words what 45 up and coming Jefferson Davis Community College freshman and their parents felt after the first in a series of new student orientations Monday.

JDCC faculty and staff spent the day walking the new students through what to expect as they begin classes next month.’

“We’re basically here to give them some tips on how to get connected to the college when they get here in the fall,” said JDCC student leader Rob Arrant.

Jurjevich said he’s carrying on a family tradition.

“I got a fair amount of scholarships, and my sister graduated here a year ago, so I was already familiar with some of the faculty, how JD was operated, and I thought it would be a good place to start out.”

“I came from a small town,” said incoming freshman Kelan Bell of Dora. “It feels like a good environment, a good place to call home. I would like to start small before getting to a bigger university.”

Students toured the campus, met with faculty, and made sure their financial aid was in order.

Parents were also given tours and were able to ask the questions of faculty and staff that weigh heavy on their minds.

“We can relate with these students because we were just in their shoes,” said JDCC student leader Alex Etheridge.

“It feels like the teachers actually care about you,” said Bell. “In a small community like this, the teachers are more active with the students. That’s what I like. I feel like I can get more personal attention if I need it.”

JDCC will offer three more new student orientations in the next few days – two at the campus in Brewton and one at the Atmore campus. Those considering fall classes who haven’t enrolled just yet have until the end of July. Visit www.jdcc.edu for more information.