Finding Your Footing: First-Year Voices with Kennedy Cole & Audrey James

The Bulldog Mindset – Season 2, Episode 9What does the first semester of college really feel like — beyond the brochures, the move-in photos, and the big expectations?In this episode of The Bulldog Mindset, host Dr. Greg Pillar, Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs, sits down with two first-year students, Kennedy Cole and Audrey James, for an honest, thoughtful, and often surprising look at the early college experience.From discovering unexpected challenges to moments of belonging, from navigating being on their own to finding favorite spots on campus, Kennedy and Audrey offer a genuine window into what it’s like to begin a new chapter at Gardner-Webb. They share what has shaped them, who has supported them, what they’re learning about themselves — and what they hope the next generation of Bulldogs will carry with them.This conversation is full of heart, reflection, and student-driven insight — a must-listen for future Bulldogs, families, faculty, and anyone curious about the real journey behind the first-year transition.Music on this episode: “Honey for Nothing” by IkoliksTune in now to explore how curiosity, mentorship, and hands-on experience are shaping student success at Gardner-Webb. Learn more about GWU’s podcast series at gardner-webb.edu/podcast. Hashtag Options#BulldogMindset #GardnerWebb #GWU #CollegeLife #FirstYearExperience #StudentVoices #BulldogNation #GWUCommunity#CollegeJourney #FirstYearStories #NewBeginnings #CampusLife #FutureBulldogs #StudentPerspective#HigherEd #EducationPodcast #StudentSuccess #Belonging #AcademicLife #CampusCommunity