Top 10 Pieces of Advice for Freshmen from Westminster Alumni

The New York Times recently doled out advice to incoming college freshmen that ran the gamut from “Don’t leave your laptop unplugged all night” to “Don’t pose like a swimsuit model on Instagram.” Westminster College decided to add to the general How to Succeed at College list by trolling social media for advice from alumni. The following are the top 10 responses from our enthusiastic, seasoned alums:

  1. “Be involved, even if you play a sport. Join a club or organization on campus, and if there isn’t one you like, make your own!” – Stu Hollandsworth II ’19 ΚΑ
  2. “Don’t be shamed or embarrassed to use the Wellness Center and LOC, because they truly are a few of the greatest resources WestMO provides!” – Hannah Macon ‘19
  3. “Come chat with your professors during office hours! We’re pretty OK and usually not too scary.” – Dr. Kali Wright-Smith ’04 ΚΑΘ
  4. “Embrace the moment. Learn from everything. Even mistakes.” – Stuart Norris ‘77
  5. “Time in the Quad is the best. Cherish it! Meet as many people as you can. Keep an open mind in your classes. You’ll hear all kinds of perspectives and might be surprised at what you hear and learn.” – Marissa Denehy ’08 ΚΑΘ
  6. “Don’t be afraid to try something new, like Performing Arts Club, Cheer, CAB, and all of the other great organizations we have on campus! – Victoria Wyatt Freeman ‘18
  7. “Go to the library or book a room in Coulter with your friends to do homework or projects, even if they’re not in the same classes or major as you. You may get off track at times, but they’ll be some of the best memories you have!” – Alyssa Johnson ’17 ΚΚΓ
  8. “You get out of this school and its clubs what you put into them. Don’t be afraid to step up and take the lead.” – Eric Woytus ’19 ΦΔΘ
  9. “It is normal to be homesick and think about home. Call mom and dad; don’t go home. Go out to the Quad and get involved in something. It will pass.” – Deborah Caldwell ‘93
  10. “Say ‘yes’ to any opportunity you’re given, and don’t be afraid to try something new. If you don’t like it, that’s OK. At least you won’t regret not trying. Westminster is the perfect place to grow and find your true potential!” – Lydia Creech ‘19

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sarah Rummel Backer

Sarah Rummel Backer is the Director of Media Relations and Senior Writer at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. A proud Westminster graduate, Sarah has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic communications in the areas of higher education, medicine, agriculture, and the private business sector.