We made it, seniors! We’ve put in the time, the sweat and the grind to get through these last four years, and now we’re graduating. Before we leave CWU, let’s take a second to look back and impart some words of wisdom to those coming after us. The seniors here at Hype will kick it off. – Wyatt Langstraat, Class of 2020
BETHANY EATON, HYPE OFFICE ASSISTANT Ask older students in your major what they did to succeed. They know firsthand how hard the classes are, and they know how to study. They may look scary, but they are just sleep deprived and in desperate need of caffeine. Get to know them and ask them questions! Do not study in places where you relax or sleep. Your brain will start to associate these places with stress and anxiety, and you won’t be able to sleep as well or relax when you want to. Get out of your room and pick a spot you know will always have the highest productivity.
MATT CONRARDY, HYPE DESIGNER Growth comes from constantly trying new things and immersing yourself in moments of being uncomfortable. Challenge yourself to take advantage of all the opportunities that arise, while recognizing when it is time to say no and focus on what is going to benefit you and your goals the most.
KATHLEEN ANDERSON, HYPE DESIGNER You’re going to struggle and fail sometimes, but just be thankful you’re in an environment that facilitates good growth. The friends you make freshman year won’t always be your friends for the rest of college, and that’s okay. If you have the chance, take a class on something you’re really interested in, even if it doesn’t have anything to do with your major. Sleep is important, and I highly recommend eight hours of it a night. Try the sweet potato tots from north campus. You won’t regret it!
MEAGAN CURTIS, HYPE DESIGNER Freshmen, don’t be afraid to talk to upperclassmen pursuing the same major. Making those connections will help you develop your skills and create a pool of resources.
JENAE HARRIS, HYPE DESIGNER Spend intentional time investing in relationships with your professors, coworkers, classmates, your best friends, and even that one random friend you made in class one quarter. At the end of your four years you’re not going to remember everything from your classes or all the late nights you stayed up studying. You’ll remember the people who were there with you through it all. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in all the goals we wanted to accomplish throughout college but maybe didn’t. Remember that you are not the sum of your “failures.” We are constantly learning & changing — allow yourself room for constant growth.
WYATT LANGSTRAAT, HYPE WRITER It’s okay to say no to things. It’s not the end of the world. Focus your attention on a few flourishing activities rather than spreading that attention thinly among lots of different activities. Find a group of people who take the time to know you and make you feel cared for. It’s scary when school ends and you have to enter the “real” world, but if you are involved in a community that loves you, at least you have a group of friends to do that life with.
SLOANE MILLER, HYPE DESIGNER Self-sufficiency is so crucial! It’s kind of like parenting a 6-year-old, except that 6-year-old is you. Should you have ice cream for dinner? Probably not. Should you go out with friends tonight instead of finishing that 5-page paper due soon? Finish that paper! Your pals can wait. It really applies to anything and everything you do at this stage in your life. When you figure out how to say no to your crazy impulses, and how to say yes to taking care of yourself and getting to the grind, you are UNSTOPPABLE! But it’s also just as important to be kind and reasonable with yourself. Set goals, and don’t stop until you’ve reached them. Treat yourself when you’ve earned it, take yourself out on a solo date every once in a while. I think it’s super important that you surround yourself with people who respect and support you, but it’s crucial that you learn how to be comfortable being your own independent individual. No one is going to have your own back like you do!
ZAHN SCHULTZ, HYPE VIDEOGRAPHER Don’t be afraid of failure. Use your time at school as a place where you can fail safely and have the opportunity to grow and learn from it. Oh, and don’t forget to have fun!
ZACH THOMSON, HYPE DESIGNER Just because you’re graduating doesn’t mean you stop learning new things.