Quotes Complied by Bridget Butera and Sam Aierle
The thought of starting college can be one of the scariest and most stressful times in your life. but it can also be one of the most enjoyable. St. John Fisher College is hands down one of the most friendly and welcoming of schools. We know that you will be scouring the internet for tips, tricks and hacks to make it through college. Anxiety about what is to come is natural, but fear not! We have compiled some words of advice — Fisher style.
1. Engagement:
“Do not just show up to class… be engaged! Actively participate in all of your classes. Instead of asking your professors, 'Is this going to be on the exam?' Ask questions that will move you further toward your goals.” (Katie Purtell, Senior. Class of 2016)
Being successful in college is more than just showing up to class and doing your homework; college is so much different than high school. You want more than to simply get your degree and start working, you should want to further yourself intellectually and socially as well. Ask questions in class, lots of them; professors are there to genuinely further your education, not just get a paycheck.
2. Be Open, Be Optimistic:
“Start off the year with an open mindset and act as though this is a fresh start to be 100 percent authentic. Join clubs and take advantage of everything Fisher has to offer.” (Kelsey Michener, Sophomore. Class of 2018)
College can be a time for you to reinvent yourself. If you never felt comfortable with how you were in high school, college is a time to test out who you really are; find yourself. You can be who you want to be. Also, there is a club for just about everything here at Fisher. We have an equestrian club, an acapella group, student unions, and even a club dedicated to animals. We have a little something for everyone.
3. Ask for Help!
“Don’t be afraid to ask people for help – whether it’s your favorite professor, the Career Center, and upperclassmen, or even President Rooney! If you are willing to ask, they are willing to help you or direct you to someone who can help you!” (Alexandra Hristodoulou, Junior. Class of 2017)
People at Fisher are nice, like weirdly nice. You can ask any person you see, anywhere on campus, and they will try their best to answer your question or lead you in the right direction. It’s okay to ask questions! We were all in your shoes at one point or another and we want you to succeed.
4. Make Diverse Relationships:
“Always try to be meeting new people and making friends. Don’t only hang out with the people you meet on the first day.” (Camille Audette, Senior. Class of 2016)
Yes, the people you meet on the first day of college can end up being your best friends for the rest of your college career, but it’s important that you make other friends. I always say that you should try to make one friend in each of your classes and extracurricular activities. These friends can help with studying for class, going to the dining hall together, and having someone to go to Fisher football games with.
5. Attitude, Attitude, Attitude!
“Your attitude means everything. The attitude you have when approaching a problem will affect the outcome; always stay positive!” (Kaylee Gassner, Sophomore. Class of 2018)
Keep a positive attitude. College isn’t all happiness and sunshine; it’s hard. There will be times when you just get frustrated but it’s important to keep a positive attitude. It’ll make things easier for you and typically resolve the problem. Whether it is roommate issues, difficulties in a class, or even relationships complications, try to keep a positive attitude.
6. Time Management:
“Manage your time wisely and use the library! The library is a nice space to go and I feel 200x more productive when I’m there.” (Allysa Vitch, Junior. Class of 2017)
Lavery Library is a great place to go to work on homework. The upper level is the quiet floor which is perfect for people who need complete silence in order to concentrate. Managing your time wisely in college can be difficult at times but it is necessary in order to be successful.
7. The Hunger for Knowledge:
“Stay hungry; this may sound off, but trust me: college is likely the first time where you can literally write your own pages to your story. Stay hungry in class, extracurricular activities, and life.” (Colby Brown, Senior. Class of 2016)
When you come to college, try not to have the tunnel vision “I’m here to pass my classes and get my degree.” This happens to a lot of people and stop seeking knowledge. College is your opportunity to have questions answered and have your mind expanded more than it has ever been. Don’t just learn the information you need for class, open your minds and seek further knowledge—knowledge you want to know.
8. Time Flies...
“Do as much as you can and work as hard as you can. The next couple of years fly by and I can say for myself that I would rather have been exhausted and have been involved in a lot, rather than done very little.” (Scott Swigart, Senior. Class of 2016)
People say that your college years are the best years of your life; they truly are. Unfortunately, with all the enjoyment, you’ll realize that time will fly by so quickly. I remember moving onto campus the first day of my freshmen year, and now as I write this, I am about to complete the halfway point of my college career. Enjoy every second as it doesn’t last forever.
9. "Life Begins Where Your Comfort Zone Ends"
“The most important part of freshmen year is stepping out of your comfort zone just a little bit. The more willing you are to take chances, the easier the adjustment to college will be. You will be able to make lots of great connections with people throughout campus.” (Natalie Tuites, Senior. Class of 2016)
From the first week you move on campus, our job is to help break you out of your shells; free you from your comfort zone. Being able to just be yourself is an amazing feeling. Here at Fisher, we encourage everyone to be themselves regardless of how “uncool” it would be to some people. You can’t truly live in the shadows of others.
10. Welcome Home:
“It’s not just a saying when we are called a family. The people at Fisher are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. Any of us would love to see you get involved in our clubs! (Marissa Roach, Sophomore. Class of 2018)
You’ll hear this expression thousands of times while you’re at Fisher but it couldn’t be more true. Fisher is home to us, and soon home to you; a place you feel accepted, welcomed, and comfortable. Moving into Fisher was moving from one home to another; easy. You’ll have the time of your life here, meeting friends, going to events, the food, and so much more.
