33 From Us to You

From Us

By: Saba Aamir Staff Writer

Name: Taylor Petz Major(s): Management & International Business Year: Senior

Involvement:

As a freshman at USF, I got involved as an athlete on the women’s golf team. Sophomore year, I began to become more involved in student life activities as President of Student Activities Board. Ever since, I have been involved with other student life clubs including: Student Government as Vice President of Student Endeavors, Servant Leader for the College of Business and Health Administration, my position in Peer Ministry, and a RA for Peer Ministry (to name a few!). I love helping others to make memories in college. My goal is to be there for the freshmen—I was once in the position of not knowing what college was like too!

Tips For Incoming Freshmen:

Get to know your Professors and plan out your weeks of studying. College is all about work/life balance! If you learn this early on in college, it will help you as you go to start working an internship or in the real world after college.

AND of course, get involved. Trust me, I know it is easier said than done, but getting involved truly helps build your character and build relationships with others (all of which will help once you go into the professional world of work). It can be as simple as sitting down next to someone new in class that you have not met yet.

Lastly, enjoy it. There will be ups and downs of college. As I go into my senior year, I have realized that I am not the same person I was 3 years ago, and that’s okay. We change in college, and it is a part of life so learn to become proud of the person you become by making the right decisions. It can be confusing at first, but you will figure it out. If you can’t, you can always find an upperclassman to help guide you!

Name: Bryan Ennis Major(s): Digital Audio Recording Arts Year: Senior

Involvement:

I got more involved on campus by going to the different events offered by USF. Going to different events brought me new friends and connections that led to opportunities like being a part of the Orientation Board and other clubs.

Tips For Incoming Freshmen:

Your four years will go by so quickly! Take advantage of all the activities and events USF has to offer. Going to events hosted by the school and joining clubs is the best way to meet new people. It’ll also give you free trips and transportation to fun places like downtown Chicago! Get out of your comfort zone. That’s usually where you create the best memories! ;)

Name: Sarah Vandermolen Major(s): Communication & Media Arts Year: Senior

Involvement:

During freshman year, I was a little scared to get involved in any clubs because I didn’t really know anyone. I wasn’t sure if I would have time for anything more than my classes. Because I started as a communication major, I heard a lot about the media clubs on campus since the first day of school. The USF Encounter caught my attention, and I’ve been writing for them ever since. I’ve loved every second of being a part of the club, especially when I was Editor-in-Chief. Being more heavily involved with the paper was the best choice I ever made.

Tips For Incoming Freshmen:

My biggest tip for incoming freshmen is to take time and have fun. During my freshman year, I was so set on getting my work done before letting myself do anything enjoyable. Due to COVID-19, I didn’t get to have my first full year in college until the fall of 2021, which happened to be my junior year.

Because I knew I was graduating early, I wanted to do all the things I missed out on and more. I began being way more social and attended so many more events on campus. I even skipped some of my classes every now and then to go out with friends or to just take a well deserved nap (emphasis on ‘some’ classes). I stopped worrying so much about school, school, school and instead focused on how I could make the most of these four short years. I’m happy with the decisions I’ve made. Hopefully by the end of your 4 years, you’ll be able to look back and say the same!

Name: Allison Heard Occupation: Director of Institutional Diversity and Title IX Coordinator

Advice For Incoming Freshmen:

Set a steady pace for yourself. Don't try to rush things. College will last at least four years. Also, do not try to date the first person who shows interest in you. Not everything that sounds good, is good for you. If someone truly likes you, they will let you prioritize your studies first.

What characteristics can help a student achieve success at USF?:

You have to be willing to ask for help. It is not a sign of weakness but of strength. Love yourself and every little flaw and imperfection. Have faith. When things seem to go array, just breathe. Just breathe!

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