Alumni Advice: Starting Strong as a New Student
The newest class of Tommies is gearing up for Welcome Days! We asked alumni on St. Thomas Connect: “What advice do you have for someone who is just about to start their college experience at St. Thomas?” Check out their words of wisdom below!
Interested in getting more alumni advice? Search for alumni on St. Thomas Connect who have volunteered to support your career journey.
“You are about to embark on a journey that is going to be immensely formative and will hold some life-long memories for you. While it can be overwhelming at first, my recommendation is to take things day by day, moment by moment. Keep being grounded in the present and focus on what is in front of you. Be excited to meet new friends, but don’t forget your old ones. And most importantly, be proud of your amazing accomplishment. The University of St. Thomas is an incredible place, and there are plenty of opportunities for you if you’re willing to find them.“
Eshan Varma
“Attend all the events and meet as many people as possible; some are likely to be friends for the rest of your life“
Thomas Engrav
“Discovery your passion and what brings you joy. Then, pursue it as your life’s work.“
Elizabeth (Libby) White, M.A. Ed. S
“St. Thomas has all kinds of wonderful clubs and organizations. Find one you get involved with. Having a foundation and some place to belong is critical your first year and on!“
Michelle Wilkendorf
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Make it to every class; study in a quiet place without distractions’ schedule and budget your time and keep up with your coursework. Meet as many new people as you can and grow lasting friendships. Coffees, breakfasts, lunches, workouts, and long walks may be better than going out for drinks. Take in Summit Avenue, the Mississippi River, and all the other neighborhoods around the school. The Chapel is always calling you.“
Marc Shrake
“That it is ok. It is ok to dive into a degree path if you already know what degree you are working towards. It is ok to just take generals since you don’t know what you want to do yet. It is ok to keep up activities that you did in High School. It is ok to try new things to see if you like them or not. The only requirements for who you want to be outside of the St. Thomas degree requirements are your own and it is ok to do and try new or stick to tried and true.“
Elaine Reeves
“Trust in your own experience and insight. When students’ graduate college, they have already lived 20-30% of their lives. That begets a great deal of personal experience and ‘gut instincts.’ Don’t get pulled in by Facebook posts and Blogs with 500,000 followers. Trust your experience, your education, and your gut.“
Dan Gora
“Do well, yes, but more importantly, make memories. They stay with you forever!“
Taylor McMonigle
“Focus on solving your “today problems” — Ask yourself “Is this something ‘important’ AND ‘urgent’? Learn to protect your Time, Money, Morale, and Focus!”
David Duccini
“Enjoy the experience. Balance fun and school work. Make friends and some will be your friends for the rest of your life.”
Linda Ladley
“Experience as much as you can in every way that you can academically. Try new things, meet new friends. You’ll be happy you did. Do not limit yourself to any one group one thing one type of experience this is a time for you to try new things from an academics.”
John Alpers, PhD
“Enjoy and become involved on campus. Go out of your way to meet new and different people. Create and expand social circles. Learn the importance of time management.”
Bill Kilduff
“Take advantage of every opportunity UST presents. Embrace new ideas and experiences.“
Paul Ford
