SA Advice

Student Advisor Advice

Use your student planners! They are a great tool to help develop time management skills, which are essential if you want to be able to experience the wealth of different on campus activities and events that Whitman offers, while staying on top of homework. --Alyssa Bader

Elliot [Okantey, 2008-09 ASWC President] told us at our Convocation to “do everything.” This has been the best advice anyone could have given me. Be bold. Try new things. Have fun. --Michael Hanley

Even when you are stretching your comfort zone and trying new things, be true to yourself. --Katie DeCramer

Explore a range of classes early with an eye towards professors as well as subjects. Your professors and fell students animate a great class far more than a subject often does. While this may seem obvious, your field of study should be what you enjoy most. --Tristan Grau

Try to set a reasonable timeline when you sit down to do homework. Many people become less efficient after working for a few hours, so give yourself breaks to get away from your desk (not facebook breaks!). Work out, go for a walk, bake something, or take a nap! Take time to figure out the schedule that works for you, not necessarily your roommate or friends. Do only what you can manage while still getting a reasonable amount of sleep and time to relax. --Noah Henry-Darwish

Don’t overburden yourself on the first semester; take time to get into the college groove and have fun while you can! --Omar Ihmoda

Keep your door and mind open. You’ll meet lots of people and expand your ideas/experiences. --Emily Johnson

Don’t lose yourself in academics. Yes, college is about getting an education, but it’s also about meeting new people and exploring yourself. --Ruth Mattmiller

People here are nice. I came from a pretty rude high school where I was used to never saying “hi” to people. Here, everyone says, “hi!” Even upperclassmen talk to freshmen if you open up. So give people a chance and don’t be afraid to tell someone your have a “friend crush” on them – really it’s quite a compliment! --Rhya Milici

Don’t forget to have fun this year! The first year can be stressful, but behind the hard work is a lot of excitement and entertainment. Don’t miss it! --Eric Nesbit

You might feel a little overwhelmed at first, but there are lots of resources on campus. Never be afraid to go talk to a professor and take advantage of the opportunity! --Monica Paulson

Do all your reading. If you don’t you won’t have anything to say and writing papers will be twice as much work. --Liz Reetz

You are only going to be in college once… seize every moment and every opportunity for all it is worth. Accept the failures and successes that come your way as learning experiences that will better you in the long run. Follow your passions and never give up… only then are you a true Whittie! --Natalie Tamburello

College is just another stage of your life. There is no reason to be intimidated by it. Education and entertainment are provided. However, to find a balance between them is critical. You always have to keep in mind that academics go first, and be aware that the decisions you make will have a great impact on your future. So, make the best out of college by making the right choices. --Freddy Sanchez

Get involved as much as you can! --Sarah Wright