For some people, four years seems like a lifetime in college, but in reality, it flies by in the blink of an eye. I asked seniors across IUP’s campus “In one sentence, what is the most interesting/useful piece of advice you could give?” Most graduating seniors struggled to pare down four years of experiences and struggles into one short sentence, but here’s what they had to say:
“Never sell yourself short; the only limitations we have are the ones we put on ourselves.”-Juan, marketing
“Get involved, make memories while you can; the classes are important but make sure you have fun.” –Lacey, psychology
“Always take advantage of opportunities for growth.” –Justin, psychology
“Don’t allow a poor score to define you; nobody’s perfect.” – Merl, pre-dentistry
“Eat the frog; in other words, do the thing that you are dreading first and don’t stop working until it’s completed.” –Katie, nutrition, dietetics
“Prioritize time with friends, sometimes over academics honestly.” –Joe, criminology
“It’s okay to have doubts and be scared—I don’t think anyone is ever fully confident and ready.” – Kristin, studio art
“Above aspiring to get good grades, that it’s important to find ways to pursue your professional interests on campus; there are so many organizations and such that give you hands on skills and leadership opportunities to put on your resume, so getting involved is a good way to make friends and connections, as well as grow professionally.” –Kiana, communications media
“Call your parents at least twice a week because it really helps with the stress that comes with college!” – Kayla, speech-language pathology and audiology
“Please, please, please never waste your time; these 1460 days that we get to be here are some of the most precious of your entire life, so never waste time doing something that makes you feel as if you aren’t living those days to the fullest.” –Jake, nutrition, dietetics
“Being yourself is the most important aspect of life.” –Maddie, speech-language pathology and audiology
“Experience as many things as you can; don’t waste time.” –Tae, criminology
“Take advantages of all the opportunities that come your way.” –Morgan, accounting
“I think it's good to take the time to go on crazy adventures (i.e., a spontaneous road trip to the Sonic two towns over or a late night trip to Niagara Falls) and use your time to do silly things instead of that 15 point assignment, because once you graduate, there isn't nearly as much time to be immature or goofy left.” –Stephanie, child development and family relations
“A pessimist complains about the wind, an optimist hopes for the wind to change, but a leader adjusts the sails.” –Ryan, accounting
“It's so easy to get stressed out in the moment of exams or finals, and get caught up in your GPA, but when you truly think about it, what really matters in life is not your grade you got on that English paper, or if you answered every question correctly in lecture, it's about showing love to others, being a good influence, making a difference, and enjoying the ride along the way.” –Sara, secondary math education
“Always believe in yourself; don't feel like you aren't good enough, aren't smart enough, aren't able to do it, and if you put your mind to it then you can accomplish anything.” –Rebecca, hospitality management
“My advice would be that if there is anything that an advisor, upperclassmen, family member or anyone else with more experience than you says will help you get a job you should do it.” –Ryan, nursing
“I would say, use this time to have fun with your friends, but also always be bettering yourself and preparing yourself for your future!” –Hannah, nutrition, dietetics
“Now is the time to take chances--there will never be a more opportune moment to try new things." –Danielle, social studies education
How would you sum up your college years in one sentence?
