SA Advice

Student Advisor Advice

Olivia

Some freshmen come into Whitman with a major already in mind. However, if you find classes pertaining to that major just aren't interesting, then don't be afraid to look into other subjects. As a first-year, your major isn't a big concern, and it's a mistake to feel locked into something just because it interested you when you were younger. Interests change. --Olivia Johnson

It's important that you take care of your schoolwork, but it's much more important that you take care of yourself. It's also important to remember that the two aren't mutually exclusive; if you're well rested, well fed, and well taken care of, you'll perform better academically too. --Bailey Arango

Do not hesitate to ask for whatever you need from your professors. Whether it's help with class work, an internship, a research opportunity, or even life advice - keeping in close contact with professors can open doors you never thought imaginable. Not to mention, by asking for help you can significantly improve your grades and learn a whole lot more about things that interest you. --Pedro Galvao

Most Whitman professors are very flexible about their office hours. Take advantage of this! Never be afraid to go ask a professor further questions after class is over. If you are assigned a large project, be sure to examine its requirements closely far in advance so that you can ask for clarification on anything you don't understand before the stress sets in. --Trevor Cushman

On days that feel overwhelming, prioritize the things you have to do. That way, you'll feel more focused on the task at hand and won't forget anything important. Also, don't be afraid to try something different. Be it a new class or study strategy, you may find yourself with a key to success for your newly discovered major! --Isabel Hong

Time management is the most important part of getting your work done efficiently. If you plan to do homework, study, research or write, set aside time and do only that task. You should be able to estimate how much time a certain assignment will take you and planning your afternoon or weekend will become much easier with this information. --Taylor Overturf

Find something that truly interests you, and don't be afraid to pursue it! Even if it's something obscure and seems to have no applicable value, it will make you happier, both in the classes you take and in the long run. Don't waste your time by making yourself unhappy! --Ian Gill

Try lots of new stuff! Going to college is all about discovering what motivates you and it is quite possible that you have yet to tap into some unknown passion. Whitman has more opportunities to discover hidden joys than any other place so take advantage of it all. You are likely to meet extraordinary individuals in the process so don't be afraid to soak it all up! --Nigel Ramoz-Leslie

Carpe Diem! Whitman offers so many incredible opportunities. It could be an interesting class, a trip to college cabin, a unique lecture, a concert, a closing dessert, or an epic adventure with friends. Seize each and every one that you can, thus working hard and enjoying yourself. These next four years will pass by much faster than you think - so make them everything that they have the potential of being! --Shannon Hall

In high school home and school are separate. You focus on learning while at school and then leave to relax and have fun. However, with college, home and school are the same physical place so you have to work harder to make a mental switch between studying and having fun. You don't want to spend all your time alone studying or always go out and party. Instead you have to work to achieve a balance that lets you complete your work but also enjoy the opportunities that college presents. --Katie Bates

You can't win them all, so don't sweat the small stuff. College takes some adjustments that are only made more difficult if you're always worried and stressed. Take some time for yourself to relax and enjoy everything college has to offer; friends, clubs, intramural sports. It will help your academic performance to think about things not pertaining to the classroom. --Mimi Pysno

Don't ever be afraid of asking questions, whether to your professors, RAs, friends, etc. It may seem scary to admit that you don't fully understand something, but it just shows that you are willing to learn! Don't worry about looking stupid or silly; you will feel even more foolish if you don't ask that question. Plus, chances are that someone else has the same question, but is too afraid to ask. --Glory Bushey

Ask for help. College is a big step up from high school, and Whitman realizes this, and has lots of opportunites to smooth the transition. Just to name a few: the writing center that is open till midnight (to edit any of your papers), math and science tutors have hours every night, you can arrange to get yourself your own personal tutor in a subject you are struggling in, the counseling center is always open, your professors hold office hours, the ARC (academic resource center) is always putting on workshops, and your RAs and SAs are just down the hall. Best of all, everything is free. Use it to your advantage. --Ryan Lum

The first freshmen semester at Whitman is the most difficult one, not only because of the academics. To make those easier from the start, I suggest a balanced schedule. A nice mixture of reading, writing, and science classes is not as daunting to study for and helpful in choosing the “right” major. Also, sport helps out when the head starts to outweigh the body in those long studying hours before an exam. Academics are easier when you engage in an issue voluntarily, as in the non-academic activities. These are funny things like fly-fishing, moonlight kayaking, all college clubs activities, and Walla Walla’s life beyond Whitman College. Though very small, Whitman and Walla Walla can provide resources to supply for all kinds of interests you may have. Before you know it, they help you shape various interests, discover new abilities, and prioritize among academics. And… before all those difficult life-changing arrangements take place, the semester is over. --Elena Zheglova