This July, we welcomed our newest Longhorns to E4Texas! The incoming Class of 2027 spent their first summer semester diving headfirst into college life, and what a month it’s been. From move-in day jitters to giving mock testimony at the Texas State Capitol, these students showed us just how ready they are for this next chapter. Here’s a look back at everything they experienced.
Move-In Day and Orientation
It all started with move-in day, when students and their families arrived at Dobie Dorm ready for a big change. Students met their roommates for the very first time, unpacked their belongings, and started settling into their new home on campus. Orientation gave everyone a chance to ask questions, meet staff, and get comfortable before classes began. For many students, this was their first time living away from family, and we could not be prouder of how they showed up ready to learn and grow.
Learning to Live Independently
A huge part of this summer was building the everyday skills that make independent living possible. Students learned how to do their own laundry using the dorm machines (good news: they’re free, no quarters needed!). They practiced getting around campus on their own, figuring out routes, schedules, and how to navigate a busy university. And of course, no orientation to campus life is complete without mastering the dining hall. Students quickly found their way to J2, home of endless soft serve and the beloved Fried Chicken Thursdays.
Exploring Austin and Campus
Getting comfortable on campus was just the beginning. Students also explored some incredible places in and around Austin, including:
- Austin Public Library Central Branch, a beautiful spot to explore books, resources, and community spaces
- JJ Pickle Research Center and TCDS, getting a firsthand look at where so much important disability studies work happens
- Imagine Art, a creative studio where some students may have the opportunity to intern in Spring 2027
- Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL), one of the largest libraries on campus, with a guided tour to help students feel confident finding their way around
- Gregory Gym, exploring campus recreation and fitness spaces available to all students
Guest Speakers Who Inspired Us
This summer, students had the chance to learn directly from incredible advocates and leaders in the disability community, including:
- Chase Bearden of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD)
- Kaelin Rubenzer-Kassam from Lifelong Learning with Friends
- Brooke Hohfeld of The Texas Advocates
These guest speakers brought real-world perspective and inspiration, showing students the many paths available for advocacy, leadership, and community involvement after graduation.
New Classes, New Skills
Alongside all the excitement of exploring campus and the city, students also began building foundational knowledge in the classroom. This summerstudents had the following classes
- Wellness
- Healthy Relationships
- Financial Literacy
- Disability History and Legislative Advocacy
These classes are designed to equip students with the tools they need to thrive, not just during their time at E4Texas, but well beyond graduation.
A Capstone Moment: Mock Testimony at the Texas State Capitol
To wrap up an already unforgettable semester, students put their advocacy skills into action by giving mock testimony at the Texas State Capitol. This powerful experience gave the Class of 2027 a taste of what it means to use their voice, share their perspective, and advocate for issues that matter to them and their community. What an incredible way to close out their first summer semester!
Looking Ahead
From learning to navigate laundry machines to standing up and speaking at the Capitol, this Class of 2027 showed incredible growth in just one summer. We are so excited to see what the rest of their E4Texas journey holds, and we can’t wait to celebrate all the milestones still to come.
Welcome to the Longhorn family, Class of 2027. Hook ’em!