Incoming freshmen are being given their first assignment before they even have to attend their first classes as Eastern students in the fall. This summer marks the beginning of the freshmen summer reading initiative, Eastern Reads!

All freshmen are required to read Ron Suskind’s “A Hope in the Unseen” by August, as well as answer reflective questions on the material.

Suskind’s book follows honor student Cedric Jennings during his last two years of high school and into his first year of college, cataloging his many struggles and achievements.

The lessons illustrated in the book are ones that freshmen will be able to relate to as they begin the transition from high school to college in the fall, said Eastern Reads! discussion leader Dr. Kathleen Bower. Having seen freshmen students become easily frustrated with academics, Bower believes Cedric’s story will help prepare students for the changes ahead.

“Everybody struggles freshmen year and gets bad grades,” she said.

Bower has observed that many students who are in their first semester feel overwhelmed by the level of material covered in courses and the quick pace of college classes. But she believes “A Hope in the Unseen” will provide students with valuable advice to apply to many aspects of their lives.

“Never ever ever give up. I see so many freshmen who just give up halfway through the semester. Cedric faced challenges and he kept going. His education was a value to him,” she said.

At EIU Debut the freshmen are instructed to complete the book by the beginning of the fall semester, as well as answer a series of reflective questions on the material.

“When I first heard we were supposed the read a book, I think the general consensus of the group, including myself, was somewhat disappointed,” said incoming freshman Lindsay Harper. “But we are beginning college in the fall, and Eastern is just trying to make that transition easier for us.”

Eastern Reads! is designed to help freshmen adjust to campus life, illustrate that reading and thought are an essential part of the academic college experience and remind students that Eastern values their intellectual development, according to the Eastern Reads! website.

Students will discuss the book and questions on Friday, Aug. 17, as part of a mandatory Prowl activity. The sessions will be led by faculty members and will allow freshmen to participate in intellectual discussions similar to those they will experience in classes.

In addition to the discussions in August, several activities will take place during the fall semester to help students explore the themes and issues presented in “A Hope in the Unseen.” Among these activities are an essay contest and a film mini-series.

EIU Reads! will conclude with a visit to campus from Jennings himself.

While a bit skeptical at first, freshman like Harper plan to embrace their first academic opportunity as Eastern students.

“I’m interested to see what the other students think about the book and if they thought it was helpful,” Harper said.