When I received my official diploma in the mail last week I immediately felt proud, excited, and completely ready to jump into my future. Mixed in with my feelings of excitement and anticipation, there was a strong presence of nostalgia. I can’t help but look back on the past four years at Clarkson University and think about how fast they went by.

Aside from my degree, I left Potsdam with friendships, memories and life lessons that will stay with me forever. Recent conversations among myself and some of my closest and now graduated friends are often reminiscent of the time we spent together and how we would certainly do anything to be back in 2017 when we first stepped on campus!

This got me thinking about the current underclassmen and incoming students of Clarkson University. I’d like to personally give each and every one of you a heads up about how fast your time at Clarkson will fly by. I strongly urge you to make the most out of every opportunity that crosses your path. Don’t just take my word for it either! I asked 10 of my fellow Clarkson University 2021 classmates to share any pieces of advice they’d like to give to the underclassmen and incoming freshman of Clarkson University and here is what they had to say!

Tia Stoddard – Civil & Environmental Engineering
“Enjoy every experience because you are only in college for 4 years and they won’t last forever. Make the most out of these years. College doesn’t last forever but the memories and friendships you make do!”

Hawa Dramé – Global Supply Chain Management
“Success is a never ending loop. You Do, You Learn, You Upgrade and Repeat.”

Rylee Lebourveau – Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Project Management Minor
“Get involved in as many different activities/clubs you can to meet people from different groups and to get to know your professors.”

Kristy Pidgeon – Psychology
“Manage your time and keep proper balance in your life. Use an agenda and block off time for homework, friends, family, relaxation and anything else you need – it is all possible if you schedule for it!”

Jack Sardo – Global Supply Chain Management
“Start everything as early as you can, not just work but your career search as well. While work does seem to be overwhelming at times make sure to put some time away to have some fun with friends.”

Meaghan Hector – Financial Information & Analysis
“Go to your professors office hours and make connections it will be great references when you were looking for an internship or job in the future. Also continue to reach out and make friends with your classmates as some will become your best friends for life.”

Tyler King – Computer Science
“Take advantage of office hours. Professors are more than willing to help you out with your work and it always helps to talk to the person who knows what the answer to the problem is.”

Marie-Pier Coulombe – Engineering & Management
“Do not be afraid to go out of your comfort zone to achieve the goals you set for yourself. Trust your gut and if you really work hard you will achieve everything you set your mind to. The only thing that can stop you is « you » and it is ok to not be the best at everything. Everyone needs to start somewhere but if you keep going and you take one day at the time, you will find yourself improving and getting better every day. This is what matters most, not the results but the process to get to where you want to be.”

Michael Welch – Innovation and Entrepreneurship
“Don’t be afraid to prioritize and make time for important things even if you come up short elsewhere.”

Élizabeth Giguère – Global Supply Chain Management 
“Of course you should be keeping up with your work and assignments and studying; but you should also prioritize making time to enjoy all the little things and friendships that you will make at Clarkson, because it will all be over before you know it!”

Avery James-Mitchell – Global Supply Chain Management, Marketing and Communications Minors
“Don’t wait until your junior and senior year to start stepping out of comfort zone. You will see the most growth within yourself when you push yourself to do things you feel a little nervous about!”

Thank you for reading!