By Isabella Cary and Sophie Hamill

Student Across Class Years Share Their Freshman Year Advice

By Isabella Cary and Sophie Hamill

Hindsight is 20/20. If you could go back to your first day of college, what would be the first thing you would tell yourself with the knowledge you possess now?

To find out how perspectives change throughout our years in college, we interviewed one student from each grade level, freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior, and asked them for their advice to themselves and to others.

While each student’s experience was different, several common themes emerged. Students repeatedly pointed to the importance of getting involved, building meaningful relationships, and staying true to yourself while adjusting to college life. 

One of the intersecting points of agreement was the value of taking advantage of opportunities early on. Freshman Ryan Jenks said she would encourage both herself and incoming freshmen to become more involved as soon as they can.

“I would definitely give myself the advice to really expand on clubs here and really choose more interests,” Jenks said. “And try to meet more people.”

Junior Eliza Richmond said hesitation kept her from pursuing some experiences she now wishes she had explored. 

“I would say to say yes to more things because I think in the Fall I was definitely nervous to join different clubs and different activities and just like show up to random events and so I think I honestly just needed to do more of that even though it all felt super overwhelming,” Richmond said. “There are so many more opportunities I wish I took advantage of.”

Many of the responses also centered on relationships and community. Sophomore Charlotte Janney said that friendships should be a first priority during a student’s first Quarter. 

“Focus on making friends before focusing on academics because academics are important but friends are going to stay with you through thick and thin,” Janney said.

Richmond agreed, encouraging those newbies to approach new people and experiences with an open mind.

“I guess kind of similar of what I just said, really have an open mindset about every person you’re meeting and every opportunity that you encounter,” Richmond said.

At the same time, students cautioned against becoming so focused on fitting in that they lose sight of themselves. Janney said that she wishes she had spent less time worrying about the opinions of others.

“I would probably say to stop caring what other people think,” Janney said. “I care too much and I still care too much about what my parents think, and ultimately that doesn’t really serve to make you happier.”

Senior Vien Phan gave similar advice, and she honed in on the importance of moving at your own pace in the beginning. She said to “take it slow” and “be yourself” first and foremost.

Reflecting on her first Quarter from her last Quarter, Phan said she spent so much time trying to maintain friendships that she neglected her own boundaries and needs. 

“In the Fall Quarter I had a lot of friends, but I also kind of did not prioritize my boundaries a lot, so I would say […] see what you like first before jumping out there,” Phan said.

Phan also noted that one of the biggest lessons she learned was accepting that not every friendship is meant to last forever.

“For someone as a freshman in college I would say, you don’t have to be friends with everyone,” Phan said. “There are definitely people you don’t like and that is okay, because there are a lot of people in college.”

Together, the students’ advice shows a picture of freshman year as a time of endless exploration and a lot of social adjustment away from the comforts of familiarity. While everyone’s experiences are going to be different, the message remained remarkably consistent across them, to say yes to opportunities that will yield you lasting friendships and room to grow in yourself.

Richmond argues this point exactly. 

“Having the mindset that you could meet your new best friend or you could find something that you’re really interested in that you didn’t realize you liked before is just something that happens a lot in the Fall,” Richmond said.