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Starting college can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, so some current ���ϲ����� students share their advice for the Class of 2028 as the 2024-25 academic year gets started.

Owen Crider ‘26

Major: Cinema and Television Arts
Minor: Political science
Hometown: ���ϲ�����, North Carolina
Campus Involvement: , , Communications Fellow, , , , ,

What do you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“I wish I knew that there’s no rush. Meaningful connections will come with time and patience. I would tell myself to keep attending events and saying ‘yes’ to things, but don’t expect to find your place immediately. I would tell myself it would all work out with time.”

What advice do you have for the ���ϲ����� Class of 2028?

“Say ‘yes’ to things. Accept invitations, help people out and accept help. Go to Instagram and follow all the ���ϲ����� organizations, even the ones you’re not a part of and attend any events that seem remotely interesting to you. It’s worked for me. Don’t worry about fitting in, just put yourself out there and meet enough people that you find friends you really click with. Statistically, you will. And have patience.”

Danielle Giraldo ‘25

Major: Strategic Communications
Hometown: Greensboro, North Carolina
Campus Involvement: Residence Life, Kappa Delta Sorority

What do you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“Don’t be nervous to put yourself out there! Everyone is trying to make friends, and no one is judging you for introducing yourself. Keep your door open (while you’re home) on move in day, talk to your classmates and join clubs!”

What advice do you have for the ���ϲ����� Class of 2028?

“Give yourself grace. It’s ok to be nervous, homesick, tired, emotional, etc. You’re entering a new phase of life! It’s going to be hard, and you’re going to make mistakes, but you’re going to learn and grow so much!”

I wish I knew as a that there’s no rush. Meaningful connections will come with time and patience.

-Owen Crider ’26

Kelsi Sheren ‘25

Major: Dance science
Minors: Biology, Dance and Exercise Science
Hometown: Antioch, Illinois
Campus Involvement: ���ϲ����� College Fellow, , New Student Programs, Fraternities and Sororities

What do you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“It will take time to find ‘your people.’ You will meet so many new students throughout your first month but allowing yourself the grace to continue to branch out as you continue through ���ϲ����� is really important.”

What advice do you have for the ���ϲ����� Class of 2028?

“Get really involved in a few organizations, rather than small involvements in a lot of organizations. Getting deeply involved in a few organizations will allow you to have more meaningful connections and experiences!

Owen Bramanti ‘25

Majors: Biology and Public Health Studies
Minors: Chemistry and Statistics
Hometown: Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Campus Involvement: Health Professions Scholar, New Student Programs, Tour Guide, Learning Assistance Tutor, ���ϲ����� 1010 Peer Educator

What do you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“I wish I knew how important time management truly is. It is super easy to overcommit yourself in college, but make sure to block out some time for yourself and make sure that you have the time to do everything you want, so that you stay on top of assignments and extracurriculars without stretching yourself thin.”

What advice do you have for the ���ϲ����� Class of 2028?

“Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Also try something new and take chances. Joining our Student Union Board was something new for me and I was able to meet new friends and have a fun experience meeting different artists and comedians as well as hyping everyone up at bingo!”

Sarah Rothacker ’25

Major: Dance Performance and Choreography
Minor: Communication Design
Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
Campus Involvement: New Student Programs, ���ϲ����� Performing Arts, Fraternities and Sororities

What do you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“I wish I knew about some of the different resources on campus. There are so many offices here at ���ϲ����� who can support a variety of different needs while you are here and it is very comforting to know they have your back.”

What advice do you have for the ���ϲ����� Class of 2028?

“My advice for the incoming class would be to stop for a second and live in the moment. Coming to college is a big adjustment and can bring up many different emotions, and by stopping and taking a second you can learn to enjoy the crazy moments and take in the amazing experience.”