At Otterbein the most important lessons aren’t always found in a syllabus, but through experience, community, and growth.
Transitioning into college is a journey that is best navigated with insight from those who’ve already finished, so we asked seniors across campus what they wish they had known from the very beginning. Below, Otterbein’s Class of 2026 shares the essential lessons they learned beyond the classroom.
"What I wish I had known. I would say, try to network, try to meet people, and make a community, keep going to your professor's office hours, make means for your advisors, and just try to find people out there that will help, so you can have opportunities outside of college," said Jaya Johnson, a senior majoring in allied health.
“I wish I had known to get involved in things sooner, or known about other opportunities when I first started,” said Lydia Smathers, a senior majoring in Pre-Vet and Biology
"If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing, it would be that it’s okay to make mistakes and that you don’t have to be perfect to fit in. At Otterbein, we often like to say that our community is inclusive and welcoming to everyone, but honestly, it’s not a lie," said Rowan Ratvasky, a senior majoring in Global Studies and Political Science
"There’s always another time to watch a movie, hang out with friends, or go to a party, but you only have 1 education. Make it count," said Ryan Clendenning, a senior majoring in Nursing
"I wish I had known that how much more stuff I could have been involved with on campus. My first year, I stayed in my dorm all the time, so I wish I had been more involved at the beginning of college. First years should get out of their dorm more, get more involved on campus, and network with everyone on campus," said Shantae Levy, a senior majoring in Allied Health
"Something I wish I had known before coming to Otterbein is just making the most out of all the opportunities, all the events that are on campus. 4 years sure does fly by fast. So just take advantage of everything while you can," said Branley Preston, a senior majoring in Public Relations and Graphic Design
"One thing I wish I had known before coming to Otterbein would be how many opportunities I was gonna get to have throughout my four years here and how the environment here fosters a good learning community," said Juju Grubich, a senior majoring in Allied Health
"One thing I wish I had known before coming to Otterbein is the connections and bonds that I would make here. I was nervous coming to college, but if i wouldn't have know that i wouldnt had be as nervous. I have friends here that I will be friends with for the rest of my life," said Aiden Mick, a senior majoring in Sports Management
"One thing I wish I knew was how to say goodbye to the people who changed my college life for the better. Each year, I watched a class of seniors who helped build me into the person I am today walking across the stage, and no matter how many times it happens, it never gets easier," said D'Andre Person, a senior majoring in Journalism and Media Communications
