Lessons Learned from Seniors Who Want to Help Students Enjoy the Ride!

Many students find themselves getting overwhelmed in college. Between classes, studying, and going through big life changes, it can all be a lot to deal with. It can be really easy to get stuck in a rut. The idea of several years spent studying and taking classes can seem stressful, and the end goal of walking across that stage with your diploma can seem forever away. But in reality, it will be here before you know it. Seniors in Anthropology, Sociology, and Criminology weighed in with their advice for upcoming classes and some of their favorite moments that have led them to this point.

The seniors had many extracurricular activities, including clubs, jobs, internships, and research. Clubs included the Criminology Club, Student Ambassadors, Pre-Law Pack, and History Club. They had a wide variety of jobs: some worked on campus at Howling Cow and SmoothieU, some worked at their housing facilities, and some worked off-campus at places like Chipotle and the state fair. Their internships included the NC Bureau of Investigation and Wake Juvenile Detention Center and their research included work within the Archaeology labs, Khayrallah Center, and working with professors on manuscripts and projects. Many of them plan to attend graduate school or law school following their graduation. 

College is about more than academic pursuits: college is also about self-care, self-love, making friends, making memories, and having fun along the way. The top things the seniors recommended most were attending Wolfstock, going to football games, going to the career development center, and joining a club that suits your interests. Here are some of the seniors’ favorite events they have experienced in their time at NCSU:

• “Some of my favorite memories include rushing the field when we played Clemson in 2021 and our snow day in January 2022 when my friends and I stayed out until 3am sledding down all the hills around campus.” -Madison Thomas, Criminology major with a Business Administration minor
• I really enjoyed exploring all that Raleigh has to offer! I enjoy going to the nearby lakes, the JC Raulston Arboretum, Pullen Park, and the museums during my free time!” -Lindsay Hazelwood, Criminology and Psychology majors
• “I have enjoyed Wolfstock every year, when Stanley from the Office came and gave us a talk, Packapalooza, and the Belltower Tour.” -Anna Maria Hester, Criminology major with a minor in International Studies
• “Playing spikeball around campus.” -Connor Nelson, Criminology Major with Forensic Science and Political Science minors
• “Athletes in Action! It allowed me to connect to other athletes on the same journey” -Christian Knop, Sociology Major
• “Free-expression tunnel painting, Packapalooza, NCSU Music concerts, NCSU Theater and Musicals, Red and White Ball.” -Alex Soto, Sociology and Anthropology majors
• “Transferring to NC state changed my college experience. Going to classes and the connections I have made at NC State have made the experience unforgettable, and have helped shape me into the person I am today.” Summer Anderson, Criminology major
• “FOOTBALL GAMES!! Volleyball games!!! UAB events!!” -Geena Thomas, Criminology major with Forensic Science and Psychology minors
• “My favorite activity that I have done at NC State is reconnect with the youth inside me. Having sleepovers and makeovers with my roommates and friends have been some of the most precious moments” -Olivia Fiser, Anthropology and History majors

When asked what advice the seniors would tell the upcoming classes of students, here is what they said: 

• “Some of my most memorable experiences were the result of me taking a chance. These four years go by faster than you could ever imagine, so take every opportunity you get to enjoy being a student!” -Madison Thomas, Criminology major with a Business Administration minor
• “Stay focused on school, but still go out with friends and have fun! Having a pretty active social life while balancing school has helped me so much mentally to be able to get through.” -Shelley White, Criminology major
• “If there’s an event that looks interesting to you, go! If you don’t have anyone to go with, don’t let your fear stop you from meeting new people or enjoying once-in-a-lifetime experiences.” -Lindsay Hazelwood, Criminology and Psychology majors 
• “Any event you can go to, or any activity that is possible, with friends. Who you go with makes the event, not the event itself.” -Adrian Oliver, Psychology and Sociology majors
• “You are likely to see similar people in classes as you get farther along in your journey here, so making friends or just acquaintances with these people can be beneficial as well.” -Madison Hofner, Psychology & Criminology majors with a minor in Cognitive Science
• “Join any club you want, whenever you want.” -Nicole Nadeau, Psychology, Sociology, & Africana Studies majors with  minors in Forensic Science, Religion, & Social Work
• “Explore buildings even if you don’t have a class in them.” -Ally Myer, Criminology major
• “ Get out of the person you are and do something different. Hang around different people, do and see things differently. Don’t let fear stop you from being great. Don’t let anxiety rule your life. Take accountability and take control today not later.” -Kaitlan Farrior,  Psychology, Sociology, & African-American Studies Majors with minors in Anthropology, Forensic Science & Social Work. 
•  “Being successful in class is top priority, but remember it’s important to take part in the social aspect of college too. Go to that football game. Stay up late with friends in the library. Join your favorite club. Do anything and everything!” -Lauren McBryde, Criminology major with Political Science and Global Leadership minors
• “Take every class seriously and go to at least one sporting event.” -Monte Judd, Criminology major  with minors in Classical Literature and Political Science
• “Slow down. Everyone thinks being in college is about getting out as fast as you can with the best grades possible, but no one ever tells you to slow down, enjoy the ride, take it easy, and don’t rush it.” -Alex Soto, Sociology and Anthropology majors
• “Don’t take everything so seriously! Everyone is in the same position as you, be patient!!” -Geena Thomas, Criminology major with Forensic Science and Psychology minors
• “No matter where you are, there are people in your life who see the very best in you. Learn to share their joy and pride in you, because you are capable of doing incredible things.” -Dmitri Fisher, Anthropology major
• “Don’t be afraid to try new things! College is all about growing and changing– academically, personally, and professionally– so don’t limit yourself. You never know what you could become!” -Sarah Isenhour, Criminology and Psychology majors with Cognitive Science and Political Science minors
• “It is very easy to feel afraid, scared to reach out to others, put yourself on a podium, bare yourself to people who may judge you. Do it anyway.” -Olivia Fiser, Anthropology and History majors

So take the advice of these seniors and get involved! Make the most of your time here at NC State and don’t let yourself get caught up in the stress of it all. There is only so much time before graduation day is here!

By Katie Call, Sociology Major and Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassador