For many high school seniors, college still feels like an idea—something waiting on the other side of graduation. Freshman Friday at Holmes Community College helps turn that idea into a plan.
The event gives incoming students the opportunity to choose classes, meet instructors, and see firsthand what life as a Bulldog looks like. Freshman Friday 2026 is set for April 10 on the Ridgeland and Grenada campuses and April 17 on the Goodman Campus, allowing students to move from uncertainty to confidence in a single visit.
“I’m excited about Freshman Friday because it feels like the first real step into college. It gives me a chance to meet people, get signed up for classes and feel more prepared before the semester even starts,” said Jonas May, a Hartfield Academy senior who will attend Holmes Ridgeland in the fall.
“Freshman Friday gave me confidence as a new freshman entering college,” said Elisyah Adams of Clinton, a pre-med major on the Ridgeland Campus. “I had fun exploring the campus and seeing my routes to classes.”
Melissa Falchi, a health sciences major from Winona, said the event helped her plan her schedule and become familiar with the campus. “Freshman Friday was an extremely helpful experience to create my schedule, see which classes were a better fit for my career path and to get to know the campus a little more. You get to make your student I.D., see future classmates and find your future classes,” she said.
Adelette Nichols, a health sciences major from Brandon, added, “Freshman Friday put me at ease because I had no clue what I was doing. It helped me figure out the ropes of college and settled me in for the semester ahead!”
During the day, students meet one-on-one with academic and career-technical counselors, explore programs of study, and register for summer or fall classes. Faculty and staff are available to answer questions, provide guidance and help students begin mapping out their academic paths.
“Freshman Friday is one of my favorite days of the year,” said Grenada Campus recruiter Haley DeNoon. “It gives incoming students the opportunity to meet advisors, create class schedules, explore campus and connect with current student Ambassadors…turning first-day nerves into confidence as they join the Bulldog family.”
The event is often a student’s first real step into college life. It’s where future nurses, welders, teachers, business leaders and transfer students begin seeing their goals take shape. Many students also meet their instructors for the first time, replacing nerves with familiarity before the semester begins.
“On Freshman Friday, students have an on-campus experience that allows them to meet with the instructor of their career-technical program and enroll in summer and/or fall classes,” said Ridgeland Campus career-technical counselor Jovonna Parker. “It’s great to see the students navigate college enrollment more independently, as Holmes employees and student Ambassadors are there providing support.”
Goodman Campus career-technical counselor Leslie Spell said the event is especially beneficial for first-generation students. “Freshman Friday is an invaluable experience for our incoming students, especially those who may feel nervous about transitioning to college,” Spell said. “For first-generation students, it offers an opportunity to gain insight into what college life is truly like. It’s not just about registering for classes—it’s about building confidence and helping students feel supported.”
By the end of the visit, students often leave with a class schedule and a clearer sense of direction.
Alisha Davis, a pre-physician assistant major from Flora, said the event helped her decide on a career path. “I attended it as an incoming freshman who wasn’t sure what I wanted to study; I just knew I wanted to come to Holmes. During the event, I met with an advisor to discuss different career paths I was interested in, and we were able to choose classes that matched those goals. It eased many of my nerves, and by the time August arrived, I felt prepared for college and much less nervous,” she said.
As registration for Summer and Fall 2026 opens April 6, Freshman Friday provides an opportunity to complete enrollment steps in a supportive environment while gaining insight into campus life and student resources.
“Freshman Friday provides incoming students with a supportive space to ask questions, make connections, and gain confidence,” said Grenada Campus academic advisor Cynthia Abel. “It’s more than just an introduction to campus; it’s a chance to ensure that all students feel prepared and empowered to navigate their college experience.”
For Holmes, the event reflects a commitment to making the transition from high school to college approachable and personal. For students, it’s often the moment college stops feeling distant and starts feeling possible.
