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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
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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 |
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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
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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
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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 |
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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
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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 |
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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 |
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