As another school year draws to a close, new students will be entering Monmouth’s gates. The editorial staff at The Outlook is comprised of a diverse group of students from different graduating classes and different majors. While the editors agree that this University has a lot to offer, they all felt that there were some key pieces of advice they wish they would’ve gotten upon entering their freshman year.
Many editors commented on the campus itself. One editor commented on the campus size. The editor said, “One thing I wish I was told about Monmouth was what the difference was between a small school campus versus a big campus. I didn’t realize how small Monmouth really was until my first semester.”
One editor saw the campus size as a benefit. “I wish I was told at length how incredible the small campus size is. Everyone is always after the ‘college experience’ as if you were on a huge campus, you see new faces every class, etc. But, the beauty of going to a smaller school is that you can actually make long-lasting relationships with people that you end up seeing every single day.”
Another editor remarked that the beach was an enormous plus to attending the University. “The fact that we’re on a beach is a huge benefit that has made me love my time here; even though it’s usually too cold to really enjoy it – it’s nice to have easy access to the beach, and to have the opportunity to live there is great.”
Many editors stressed the importance of campus involvement and offered advice to potential freshmen. “I wish that I were told how truly important it is to join clubs and be involved in the campus community. Even though I eventually found my way with The Outlook, I think it’s important for prospective students to know that with the school being small, making an effort to stay on campus and get involved can truly transform your experience,” an editor said.
Agreeing, another staff member commented on the benefits of trying new things. “I encourage new students to of course get involved, but to also not be afraid of trying new things academically. Even though you enter a more focused curriculum based on what you’re studying, try and take a few classes that interest you or are outside of your comfort zone. Sometimes you’ll end up making valuable connections with other students in your classes and the professors that teach them.”
An editor offered the advice that new students should just do the things they always thought they couldn’t do. “I never would have imagined that by the time I’m a senior I would be doing half of the things I am currently doing or being friends with half of the people I am friends with today. Being okay with being uncomfortable is what college is for, you’re supposed to feel weird and awkward, and then it all stops once you’re about to graduate, that’s when you find your niche,” the editor said.
On the educational spectrum, one editor advised that new students pay attention to their studies, and to build relationships with their professors. A staff member said, “Some advice I’d offer to an incoming freshman would be to really crackdown on assignments, not waiting until the night before to complete them, and to be confident in their position as a college student. It’s so easy to bring certain tendencies from high school into the college environment. It’s best to put yourself in the mindset that you have responsibilities to prioritize.”
The editor continued, “I encourage them to get to know their professors, especially the ones in their department. They’re super helpful, they know more than you do, and that might just save you when it comes time for a recommendation letter, an extension on a paper, or when you’re one point away from an A. Plus, some of them are genuinely super interesting and have had great careers before working here,” the editor said.
Another editor agreed, saying, “Being able to get to know my professors on a personal level and be in an environment that nurtures my academic growth has made me feel very good about my experience so far. The school really does care about your personal and academic success, and I’ve definitely taken advantage of that. Like any other student, sometimes the workload and the hours spent committed to clubs is difficult to balance, but the outcome truly makes it worth it.”
Scheduling was another issue editors believed new students should be paying attention to. “I wish I knew about scheduling and that professors in my department only teach specific courses during specific semesters,” the editor said. “I would encourage students to meet with their advisor as much as possible to create a solid outline of a current and future schedules,” the editor continued.
Overall, the editors agreed that the number one priority is happiness and strong mental health.
“I would say to give yourself enough time to settle in and figure yourself out. Don’t worry about how everyone is falling into place so quickly, and worry about how you’re bettering yourself and doing what’s right for you. Work hard and all of the right things will come to you,” an editor said.
And final advice from an editor that reflects the viewpoints of the entire staff, the editor said, “My advice is to pursue your interests with everything inside of you. Regardless of your major, you can find a way to embed your passion into your career pursuit, and that is the only way to reach success.”