The Honors floor, a floor in Warren dedicated to incoming female freshmen, has been a place to build community and connect students who want to reach for the stars. For Madeline Jones and Madalyn Bookout, two incoming freshmen who are on the Honors floor this year, it is no different. 

Madalyn, psychology major, decided to live on the Honors floor due to a desire to connect with people that are “serious about their academics.” She also expected the Honors floor to be a bit quieter than some of the other freshman-oriented dorm experiences. 

Madeline, who is majoring in biology, decided to live on the Honors floor after a friend convinced her they should room on it together. “At first, I wanted to live in Ballard,” Madeline said. “But upon later consideration, I figured I would really appreciate being in an environment where I am surrounded with students with a similar work ethic.” 

For the most part, Madeline has found this to be true. “I was pleasantly surprised by the attitudes and personalities of the Honors floor students. I found we all have similar academic values and sense of humor. We can support each other better because we understand how much we value our academics, and we create a very uplifting environment which promotes success, both academically and socially.”

Both students have loved the environment that is fostered on the Honors floor, and have become close friends with many of the Honors floor students. Madeline said “I was not expecting to become friends with the people in my hall instead of people in my classes, but it turns out that 90% of my friends at Whitworth are also in Warren 2nd East. We are able to find a balance of fun socializing with individual study time, as well as occasional group study time.” 

Madalyn said the Honors floor has a very special community, especially compared to other halls. “I feel like my RA does a great job of making everyone feel known and included,” she said. 

Both students have found that the main way they connect with other Honors students is through the Honors floor. Madalyn has been able to come to one of the fortnightly lunches and Madeline attended some speaking events, but mainly they hang out with students on their floor. 

Next semester, Madeline is excited to take some “more challenging classes”, as well as build upon the knowledge that she gained this first semester. Madalyn is most excited to meet new people and start new classes. Long-term, she hopes to to make a plethora of connections through Honors classes as well as participate in Honors-specific activities. 

Both students are currently part of the Honors program, although the only requirement for living on the Honors floor is that you are admitted with Honors, not that you declare it. . 

For any incoming freshmen admitted with Honors, Madalyn “highly recommends” they try out living on the Honors floor during their first year at Whitworth.