Skyler Pyle – Force yourself to ask! Ask your professors for the extra help. Ask for that study guide, for more time or to drop assignments you feel are unnecessary. Ask the stupid questions, ask a fellow stranger for help or if they need help. Just ask in life, because if you don’t ask, you’ll never know what the different outcome could have been. Life changes with questions and knowledge. People always say, “life is short” but really, it’s the longest thing you’ll ever do, so make every moment count. Take chances, go places, be adventurous and dang it, ask questions!
Kelsy Thompson – Education is a privilege. When finals are looming and your Facebook feed is bursting with the adventures you’re missing out on, it’s easy to see college as a chore. In reality, we’re all lucky to be here. College is an opportunity that sets you apart from the rest of the world. It’s your chance to learn about yourself and the things that interest you while preparing for your desired career. Most people never get that opportunity. More than anything else, receiving an education has the power to change your life if you’ll allow it to.
Abigail Payne – Everyone develops at their own pace, so it does you absolutely no good to compare yourself with others. Sometimes other people get opportunities that you want. It happens, and there’s not always a reason why. Maybe the other person has more experience. Maybe they’re genuinely more talented than you are, or maybe they study like a mad person. Just because someone else is better doesn’t make your gift or talent less valuable, less important or less beautiful. I’ve learned that God created me to be who I am right now because that’s what I need to be doing and that’s what He needs me to do. Sometimes that takes a little faith and a little time to accept, but once I accepted I was my own person and no one else, I found so much more joy in life!
Matthew Kunes – I learned, just a few months ago, that you can actually put money on your Wildcat card for printing in the computer labs on campus. I thought the amount of money loaded every semester was set, and you couldn’t add any more. I always dreaded the class where we did a 5-copy peer-review of a 10-page paper for that reason. I was a frugal printer.
Liz Ruttenbur – I learned, the hard way, that the $5 you originally have on your Wildcat card cannot be used for much-needed munching. You can only use that for printing and copying. This made for a horrible, tummy rumbling day.
Michael Grennell – No matter how tired, lazy or sick you are, don’t skip class. It’ll really mess you up. Also, if you feel lazy and need to get to Lind Lecture Hall, take the 603 bus off of Harrison Boulevard by Wildcat Village. It will take you all the way to Lind.
Danielle Murphy – Don’t register for classes at 7:30 a.m. if you’re not a morning person. It makes for a rough semester. Another thing, if you can get by using an older edition of your required textbook, do it! It’ll save you tons of money!
Kaitlyn Johnson – Every teacher has their own way of teaching and structuring their class. By asking questions, sitting close to the front and introducing myself to the professors, I’ve found I am more successful.
Timothy Potter – Get involved in programs on campus. There’s a club or organization for everything. Go out and try something new, you never know what you’ll find.
Kate Konchar – I thought I knew everything. I am outgoing, so I made friends. I like to explore, so I knew where everything was on campus. I am curious, so I asked which professors to take. And then midway through my third year at Weber, I learned about CatTracks. It helps you graduate.
J. Michaela Funtanilla – B.J. Novak is kind of brilliant.
Jennifer Perry – This took more than two years honestly, but what I have learned is that you should speak up. I’m shy and have often been too scared to ever share an opinion or a thought at risk of looking stupid. What I have learned from attending a university is that people really need and want to hear others’ thoughts and opinions. I know I’ve missed opportunities to share things in the past because I was too scared. We all have voices worthy of listening to!
Charles Bowker – Ask before you buy the book. Nine times out of 10, you won’t need it. That principle will save you a lot of money. Also, Weber has a free climbing wall.
Christina Reekie – Learn to be alone. Travel as much as you can. Just get out there, because it can all be taken away and you’ll never have the chance to travel while you’re young again.
Tyson Jex – Don’t put off taking math 1010, or any math classes for that matter. If you feel you can stick it to the man, they will find you and make you suffer. It will come back to haunt you. Just get ready to sacrifice a good chunk of your life in the Hub.
Alexis Rague – Trust your instincts. After three longs years in high school, I’ve learned you are the best instructor you’ll ever have when it comes to doing what you want. Don’t ignore your gut, especially with test questions! Too many opportunities in life have been missed because people don’t have the courage to listen to what they had to say. Bad things can be charming, decisions can be daunting and there is always someone who thinks they know what’s best for you, but if you pay attention to your instincts, you will survive the shifting tides wherever you go. Stick to your guns!
Karissa Wang – If you’re going to judge, don’t do so based off of first impressions. People always talk about how important they are, but I find that more than half of my first impressions are wrong. My favorite people turn out to be the ones I started out disliking. Just seeing a few actions and engaging in sparse conversation does not glean accurate insight into someone’s personality, motivations, feelings or situation.
Chase Bourgeous – You should major in something you are passionate about, but can also be used for your future career. After switching my major from music to creative writing to social work and finally to microbiology, I learned I had to give up the idea of having my hobbies as a career.
Madison Swensen – Make sure your busy schedule has a little block of time for you to do something fun. Whether it be 20 minutes to read a couple chapters in a new novel, or a quick bike ride around the block, you need a little time to relax and do something that makes you happy.
Jamii Freston – If you have a class in the Lind Lecture Hall at 9 a.m., there won’t be a lot of “W” parking available. Use office hours. If your professor knows you, they will be more willing to work with you.
David Winkworth – I learned that you are always going to make mistakes, no matter what you do in life. I have also learned it’s OK to fail. Failing doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Failing means you tried and you never have to ask the question “what if.”
Derrick Gainsforth – It took me two years to learn that a “two-year degree” realistically meant it would take more like three or four years to complete. In turn, a four-year-degree really takes about five years. I’ve learned in higher education that two plus two truly can equal five.
Ariana Berkemeier – I’ve learned that the preparations you do now create a base for what lies in the future. Everything you wish to pursue requires work in the present in order to achieve it down the road. A person can accomplish anything they set their minds to, as long as they have the drive and perseverance to see it through.
Rachel Badali – Dress in a way that makes you feel most confident and comfortable! I’ll never ever part with my yoga pants and flip flops, but I also enjoy a pretty dress or some nice boots. Your life is reason enough to dress up, so don’t be afraid of being overdressed.
Tyler Wilson – Our relationships with people are what matter most, and we can accomplish anything we put our minds to!
Emilee Atkinson – Be yourself. Do not let the world dictate who you are and what you do. Do not let the world tell you that you are anything less than what you want to be. Trust me, you’ll be so much happier!
Janessa Richardson – Life is far too short to live for money, fame or praise. Do what makes you happy. Don’t be afraid of failure. Spend your time with the people that mean the most to you, and bring you the most joy.
Brett Ferrin – Parking tickets add up really fast. Buy a parking permit. It’s totally worth it.
Autumn Mariano – Even though it’s easy to get buried under school work, work and extracurriculars, it’s important to remember to make time for friends and family. Those guys rule. Don’t forget about them.
