Alumni answer: what advice would you give your freshman self?

Ishita Agarwal, a 2024 graduate in marketing

“(I’d tell myself) To stretch myself a little more and be involved in one more memorable club, conference, course or event.”

Madison Haynes, a 2021 graduate in hotel and tourism management

“Relax and enjoy your time on campus. Go to more sporting events, get involved as much as you can and just know that everything will work out for you.”

Haynes recalled panicking about her career choice and what she would do with her major after graduation.

“Less than 3 years later I am fully utilizing my major as a recently promoted director of sales for two hotels in Lafayette,” she said. “I was going through a lot while at Purdue financially, emotionally, mentally... always worrying about the future. I can confidently say I feel the complete opposite today. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for my experiences at Purdue.”

Allie Bransky, a 2024 graduate in environmental and ecological engineering

“Cherish the fact that you are surrounded by peers who are in the exact same place in life as you! Help each other out. Find community!”

Bansky’s favorite memory was running around in the rain as a study break, she said.

“Helped us stay sane,” Bansky said.

Robert Painter, a 1973 graduate in veterinary medicine

“Have more fun and study less. Make more friends.”

Anthony Scott, a 2024 graduate in industrial engineering

“Take it slow. It will go by in the blink of an eye. Stress is inevitable, but learning how to manage it and work around it is the key to success and happiness during college.”

Vicky Qiu, a 2024 graduate in general management and marketing

“There’s a sea of people out there. Don’t think it’s the end of the world just because one friendship doesn’t work out. Put yourself out there and make new friends and put some effort into hanging out with them.”

Prachi Sharma, a 2022 graduate in economics

“Have patience and everything will work out and don’t overload yourself with credit hours.”

Emma Zaicow, a 2023 graduate in animal sciences

“Even if you can’t find a friend to join you, go to any club callouts that are interesting to you! It’s great to have friends in multiple places. Try not to keep your circle small, especially for your first year.”

Kent Vansickle, a 1984 graduate in accounting

“Find yourself. Don’t try to force yourself into a major you don’t enjoy.”

Andrew Pranger, a 2024 graduate in neurobiology and physiology

“Deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life at 18 is a near impossible task. The world is so much larger than one major and it needs exploring. Take classes not related to your intended major, join clubs for fun, and remember that it’s completely okay to switch the path you’re on.”

Sydney Hartman, a 2023 graduate in materials science and engineering

“Chill and be willing to work hard without getting emotional about how hard it is or how much you’re afraid of failure.”

When asked about their favorite memories, Hartman said living with their best friend, finding professors they adore and more.

“Losing who I thought I was and then finding myself, cliche, I know,” Hartman said, “getting drunk at Cactus while on a terrible date and then slipping and falling on some spilled beer, walking around and graduating finally.”

Max Otterbacher, a 2023 graduate in neurobiology

“College is an extraordinary opportunity to learn things that you may never have the chance to learn again. Take interesting classes, ask questions, and don’t put grades above everything else,” Otterbacher said. “It is also just as important to learn outside of the classroom as well. Be social, go to parties, join clubs, and learn how to talk to people. Learning to overcome the discomfort of stepping outside of your comfort zone is a skill that will open more doors for you than you can ever imagine.”