Recent Grads Give Advice

Joanna Orban Copy Editor

If you’re anything like me before I started college you’re probably a ball of anxiety right now, wondering how you’re going to handle an academic environment that’s spectacularly different from your high school career. When I started college I was lucky enough to have older siblings who’d already been in college for several years. With their advice, I was able to successfully navigate my first year of college. I know some of you might not have older siblings which is why I’ve compiled a list of advice from recently graduated senior students at Idaho State University.

“My advice for freshmen going into the college of arts and letters to ENJOY IT. Seriously, it goes by way too fast. The CMP department in particular is home to a group of amazing professors and instructors, and it’s up to you to get the most out of your education. Create a good relationship with your advisor, join as many study groups, clubs and events that you possibly can, and don’t forget to save time for yourself to recharge!”

Kaitlyn Hart, multiplatform journalism, Former Life Editor for The Bengal

“Some advice I’d give to upcoming education majors is to keep your program textbooks because they come in handy later on! Take good notes and save everything to organize and use for study material for the Praxis tests as well as

helpful examples for the rest of the progress. Enjoy the in-school field hours and learn as much as you can from them!”

Wylee Smith, elementary education

“If there was one thing all students should do while in college, its make use of your professor’s office hours. Professors are — for the most part — on your side and want you to do well in your classes. Go to their office hours and have them explain that difficult concept, or discuss that difficult reading. I think professors were more forgiving graders when I showed initiative in their classes. I really found that the classes I did best in were the ones where I made use of my professor’s office hours. If I had to do college all over again, I would enroll in more classes I thought were interesting, but not necessarily related to my major. I would have enrolled in more art and literature, and history, and film classes. I wish I was less focused on completing my major as soon as possible and took more time to get lost in the vast knowledge available at Idaho State. College is the ideal time to let your mind and interests wander, to learn new things about the world, and ultimately, learn new things about yourself. I would suggest that first-year students try to take classes that might not be related to their major and perhaps broaden their interests!”

Jacob Gutridge, political science, Former Editor-in-Chief for The Bengal

“I think the biggest piece of advice I have is to get involved! Your college experience is what you make it. The sooner you make friends and get involved, the better your time at ISU is going to be. I know it can be awkward when you don’t know anybody, but you have to put yourself out there! It’s also really important to prioritize your schedule and have a good balance between work and school. I also think it is really important to understand the resources that are offered to you here at ISU. From the counseling center to the gym to the career center -- there are so many great campus resources that can help make your time at ISU the best four years!”

Tori Winegar, public relations

“For new students in the college of arts and letters, I would make a good habit of having good relationships with teachers and students in your department. With teachers, select a teacher in your major from the first year you are in school, that you get along with well to be your advisor. That way you can create an action plan for graduation sooner than later. With fellow students, make friends with people in your department and fellow classes, with who you’ll be throughout the remainder of your education that you can also create a good study group with. Don’t be afraid to email professors with your questions, because there’s a good chance you’re not the only one with that question. The college of arts and letters also holds many different clubs and courses, so it’s not difficult to get involved and to get to know people!”

Aariana Harmon, political science

Photo Courtesy of Idaho State University