Albion College students walk across campus. First years, who have walked across campus far fewer times than their upperclassmen counterparts, often find themselves with many questions about what the future of their college careers will hold. Upperclassmen, reflecting on their own experiences offer them advice (Photo by Savannah Waddick).
Being new on Albion’s campus and being far away from home can be daunting. First years haven’t quite figured it all out: how to handle the stress, stay involved and maintain good academic status. The Pleiad asks upperclassmen to give a piece of advice for the new members on campus.
“Jump on as many experiences that you can and participate in anything. Even just the small things like SVB on a Monday night with friends are still fun memories you can look back on. Especially in a time with corona, where we can’t see anyone, you want to make as many memories to look back on as possible,” said Victoria Art, a sophomore from Fort Worth, Texas (Photo by Savannah Waddick).
“Ensure that you still take time for yourself and find activities that bring you joy and that you enjoy doing, and make sure to take time to do those things even when life gets busy and stressful,” said Alivia Benedict, a junior from Lansing (Photo by Savannah Waddick).
“Don’t be afraid to reach out to professors and ask for advice from people around campus. There are a lot of good professors. It is hard to figure things out by yourself. Don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow students. It’s a good community. Take advantage of it. Take Maureen Balke’s class, either her freshman seminar course or the honors Ballroom to Hell class. It is a lot of fun,” said Hattie Folsm, a senior from Harbert(Photo courtesy of Hattie Folsm).
“Take advantage of opportunities presented to you. Get actively involved in the community. Be open-minded, network, leave your comfort zone, find exactly what you’re passionate about and make your four years amazing and worthwhile,” said Hala Yazdani, a senior from Farmington Hills (Photo by Savannah Waddick).
“If you are a freshman take everything in and learn as much as you can and keep a positive attitude. Don’t try too hard or try to recreate yourself because that’s not what college is about. Build off what you have going on for you,” said Kevin Korte, a junior from Grand Rapids. (Photo by Savannah Waddick).
“Don’t let opportunities that are amazing but don’t always need to be taken burn you out, accomplish what you came for. You got this. After four years, you will know who you are,” said Jayson Sawyer, a senior from Evanstan, Ill (Photo by Savannah Waddick).
HI! My name is Savannah Waddick, I’m a current freshman here at Albion. I’m in the Wilson Institute for Vet Medicine. I am also a photographer for the Albionian. I hope to major in biology and minor in marketing! In my free time I enjoy running, photography and hanging with friends.
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