Don't skip class.
This is the advice upperclassmen commonly give to incoming freshmen.
Freshmen tend to find the transition between high school and college difficult. First-year college students have experienced a drop in emotional health levels according to a 2010 annual UCLA survey. Many also claim they are overwhelmed. To help freshmen with this transition, Otterbein students give advice to help them succeed.
Shaukeria Reese, junior studio art major: Stay focused on your tasks. Always go to class and be on time because attendance is important. People think attendance doesn’t matter when you go to college, but that’s not true. Your teachers check attendance. Also do what you’re interested in, not what your parents want you to do, not what somebody else wants you to do.
Clint Long, first-year grad student: The biggest thing I would say is enjoy the experience and everything that college has to offer.
Sierra Lawhead, junior studio art major: Definitely attend class, it’s tempting to skip but don’t do it, you’ll fall behind very quickly. Don’t be afraid to ask upperclassmen for help. Get out and find something you enjoy to do in the community whether it be joining an organization; Greek Life, Residence Life or Campus Activities Board.
William Day, junior journalism and media communication major: Have a social life but don’t forget about grades. Doing your homework at the last minute is a strategy, but not a good one. And just finish your INST’s, everyone has to do them even though they’re boring.
Claire Lamb, sophomore secondary education major: Working on campus is really awesome and definitely has made a big difference. I found it really helpful to have a job on campus because you don’t have to worry about driving anywhere else. Also the hours are really flexible.
Noah Richelsen, senior English literary studies major: Do as much as you can because four years fly by and it may not seem like it, but time is limited to make the mark you want to make and there’s no better time to start doing that than the present.
Hannah Friedrich, sophomore nursing major: Don’t be afraid to sign up for things that you didn’t think you were going to [sign up for]. And school always comes first; even when you don’t want it to, it always comes first.
