Coming to the University for the first time can be stressful for new students, and a few of the University’s many leaders remember being in similar positions. They have some advice to share. Here’s what they had to say.

University President Mary Ellen Mazey

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“First of all, go to class and talk with your professors. Meet your professors and talk with them about your expectations. Be sure to get involved on campus—find some extracurricular activity to get involved with. Tell first-generation students even though your parents may not have gone to college, this is a new experience, and you need to have true grit and persevere through many adversities. Just look at this as [creating] success throughout the rest of your life by getting that college education. You are as smart and capable as any student on campus.”

Richard Racette III, President of the Undergraduate Student Government

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“Take advantage of any and all opportunities that come your way.”

Scott Chappuis, President of the Graduate Student Senate

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“If we’re looking at first year students—that was about nine years ago for me. But things I wish I would’ve been told nine years ago: one of the big things I’ve noticed is the temptation to go back home. To go back to your friends back home every weekend. That’s what first year students are used to doing—used to being back home with that friend group.”

“But I really want to encourage students…to get involved, because that’s where individuals are going to feel part of the community. They’re going to feel they belong. That’s where a lot of research shows that if individuals tend to go home more often during those first few weeks, they tend to feel more disconnected, and then they tend to fall way and withdraw from the University.”

Angelica Euseary, President of the Black Student Union

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“Find something you’re passionate about, and then stick with it.”

Neiko Alvarado, President of Vision

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“Get involved in some kind of an extracurricular activity. It’s the best way to meet friends and get involved in the community.”

Avery Dowell, President of the University Activities Organization

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“Definitely make sure that you find a group of people who push you and who you trust, so in years to come you can have a foundation to build all the great leadership opportunities and academic successes you’ll have at BGSU.”