For Freshman going into their first year of college, Helen Thrope’s book “Newcomers” provides an accurate account of what it is like to welcome new people into a student community.
This book was assigned for all Freshman to read through the OneBookOne DU program. The subject point of the story was through the lens of those accepting the newcomers into their society. Helen Thorpe herself is sitting in on a class of refugees and observing their transition into Denver, Colorado.
“I love hearing other people’s stories and it was nice to know that I was heading to a school that really does prioritize inclusivity, diversity and open mindedness,” explained first-year student Margot Fiegen.
It was clear that the book was assigned to give incoming students a sense of the importance of how to properly welcome those around them. The booked provided several stories that first-year students could admire and apply to their transition.
“We are all newcomers this year, whether we are from Colorado or not. We are in a new school, with new people, learning to find our way. These are some of the most important years of our lives in terms of finding out more about our future. In a way, we are not only newcomers to University of Denver, but to the real world,” said first-year student Kenny Moll.
For new students, it is important to realize that everyone they meet in college is coming with their own story and their own completely different lives. Thorpe provides intense perspective and the strain on the need for more acceptance today.
“It delves into immigration and community. I think it’s important to learn about different perspectives, and although personal perspectives in the book were lacking, I think acknowledging these themes are important,” said Moll.
“One of the most relevant topics is obviously the refuge crisis. At various points in the book, Helen Thorpe describes the political climate that parallels the students’ lives. Thorpe also discusses the reputation refugees have and how hard it is to get refugee status in America,” stated Fiegen.
The book also requires a certain type of audience. It makes it so incoming Pioneers have to engage in the book with a very open mind.
Moll explained his view on what type of audience Thorpe attracted as “An audience that’s never dealt with needing to open up to a completely new community.”
“Newcomers” sheds light on DU’s values and what type of student they expect out of the incoming ones.
