Colgate alumni from far and wide turned to social media recently to offer advice to the Class of 2016. Suggestions on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter ranged from the practical to the pithy and the common theme was clear: make the most of every moment from the minute you arrive!
Brandon Grabowski ’08 said, “Meet everyone on the floor ASAP!”
And Paris Abell ’97 suggested, “Take every opportunity to expand your horizons, have fun, and meet new friends.”
Katherine Pezzella ’09 said, “Spend time in town getting to know the community and its residents,” and Emily Baselt Steiger ’11 commanded, “Go abroad.”
Giselle Winchester ’10 suggested: “Go to professors’ office hours — not only for help with a class. Amazing conversations and new friendships await.”
“Treat your coursework like a job,” advised Amy Dahlin ’94. “Get up at roughly the same time each day, go to class, and do the bulk of your reading and research between 9am and 5pm. Pulling all nighters is a waste of $$$.”
Mary Rose Devine ’14 suggested, “Take advantage of everything you can! More class, more clubs, and find all the secret hidey-holes.”
(Feel free to follow her on Twitter, in case she posts locations of the aforementioned hidey-holes.)
Rob Lowrance ’93 looked to the future. “Take advantage of the liberal arts education,” he said. “Individuals that graduate with a good working knowledge of current data-related tools as well as the ability to think analytically and communicate effectively will be highly sought after.”
And of course there was a bit of weather-related advice:
“If you’re used to warmer temps, wait to buy winter coats until you get to New York, wrote Erika Batten ’07 from California. “Nothing here is warm enough!”
And Jennifer Sharp ’98 said: “Take Intro to Astronomy in the fall. Spring isn’t as warm as it sounds. “
Read more Twitter advice here, or on Facebook, here and here.
What is your advice?