Personal Essay: Advice from a sentimental senior

by MARTINA NICHOLSON

Senior Writer

My time at UMW has consisted of trials and errors. During my freshman year, I had no expectations of what success in college would look like for me. Now, with graduation less than one month away, many seniors like myself are taking the time to reflect on the experiences that shaped their time here.

Looking back, my roommate was really helpful freshman year. She knew about organizations like the Student Alumni Ambassadors and Student Government Association, and encouraged me to get involved with the Office of Student Activities and Engagement. Having a friend to do things with definitely pushed me to try and get out of my comfort zone without completely abandoning what felt familiar.

Four years later, I’m still involved with both the Student Alumni Ambassadors and the Student Government Association. Now, as someone who has held many jobs and leadership roles on campus, I’ve learned that getting involved is just the start. Understanding what you need and want out of college helps to push you to take advantage of what is right in front of you.

Throughout my time at Mary Wash I have cherished the community that I have built and the people who have contributed to my success. Individuals on this campus have given me opportunities that I would not have thought of as possible. Being thrown into events and activities because people thought of me is something that I will miss about my time at UMW.

Getting lost in trying to create the perfect college experience often makes you miss out on opportunities on your doorstep. Throughout your time at UMW, you often hear that you’ll miss it in the blink of an eye, and as a senior, that sentiment could not ring more true. UMW is a bubble, and once graduation is over, students leave the place they once called home and the memories they created.

Graduating seniors are using this time to look back at their college careers and share advice to those who are just starting their journeys.

“I would tell myself that everything is going to be okay. It may not seem like it at first, but you will find your place and your people,” said Tejaswi Panday, a political science and business administration double major. “The best people I have met were completely different from me on paper, but when it came down to it, they became some of my best friends.”

A college campus is one of the best places for people to explore the world out of their comfort zone with people who are simultaneously on that same journey. A lot of pressure is put on students at the beginning of college to find “their people,” and though it can be daunting, it is something that will happen eventually.

At UMW, students value the strong connection that the community is able to provide, in and outside of academia.

“My advice for incoming freshmen is to get involved on campus early, whether that’s in clubs, student leadership, or any other kind of engagement,” said Carter Berg, a senior political science major.

Getting involved on campus has proven to be one of the best ways for students to build long-lasting and meaningful connections.

“Getting involved really shaped my experience here at UMW. Joining the Performing Arts Company, I made so many friends and kept up my passion,” said Emma Sanford, a senior linguistics major.

Though most people will join clubs or other organizations, getting involved on campus can look different for everyone. Students are able to get jobs on campus, which allows them to build their resumes as well as learn on-the-job skills for the future.

“Working as a student aid, front desk staff for SAE, and FSEM Peer Mentor taught me so much about leadership skills and teamwork skills. My experience truly wouldn’t have been the same without getting involved on campus,” said Sanford.