Congratulations, and welcome to the beginning of the end of your adolescence! As tough as it is, the time you spend at your school of choice is going to be some of the greatest memories of your young life, and there are a few bits of advice that I’d like to pass on to you as a current WMU student. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about my school, why I chose it, what makes me like it there, etc. These are all valid questions, but they can all be answered by the same few answers. The experiences I’ve had thus far, and the people that surrounded me for those experiences are what will shape the way you look back on college.

The best advice that I can give you’re when you start school is to get involved on campus. When I started at Western, I didn’t realize how small I was going to feel being in such a big place. I was used to high school, where I was constantly passing familiar faces and walking into class to friends. I was one of the only people from my high school that went to WMU, and even the friends I had there, weren’t in any of my classes. I walked campus feeling pretty overwhelmed and alone. This was what made me decide to go greek. I went from knowing no one on campus, to having familiar faces both in class and on campus. You’re bound to find someone in the same classes and even the same major. If you aren’t looking to go greek, or you think it’s not your thing, there are thousands of ways to get involved on campus. I have a lot of friends at even bigger schools that find a lot of cool ways to get involved. I know the ski team is pretty popular at MSU, and alternative breaks as well! WE have both of those organizations here at Western, and so much more. Do the best you can to find something fitting. Campus activities board is always a popular choice, because they put on a lot of cool events during the year. I’ve had friends go on alternative Bronco Breaks, and they all come back having had really cool experiences and some new awesome friends.

If you don’t have time to get involved right away, no problem. Try to remember what you’re there for. It’s easy to get caught up in the social aspects and forget that you have homework, projects, and exams. My first semester, I lucked out having a pretty easy schedule, but once things started to pickup, and the work got tougher, I learned very quickly how easy it is to let your grades slip in college. My biggest problem was having so much freedom to the point that when a teacher told me that attendance didn’t count, it became less of a priority to be in class because they post everything online now. But surprise, surprise, it definitely doesn’t work that way. Most professors will give you test information, and be more open to helping a student who is actually in class. College is challenging, but if you work hard enough and find a balance between schoolwork and social life, you’re bound for an incredible four years (or more if you’re lucky).