Michaela Estruth | Collegian
Four sophomores, Fernando Bravo, Ginger Anderson, Jack McCoy, and Juliana Undseth, shared their experiences from their freshman year to guide the class of 2025.
“I came to figure things out,” freshman Grace McNeil said. “I was a bit overwhelmed with the new experiences and opportunities and thought this would help put my feet under me.”
Senior Sonya Wirkus ran the event as student director of Academic Services. She asked the panelists a variety of questions about social events, time-management, and study habits.
Wirkus asked the sophomores to rate their first year at Hillsdale on a “thumb scale,” and each raised their thumb halfway between up and down. The sophomores explained the rating, saying that freshman year contained both good and bad times. Overall, they concluded that their first year at Hillsdale was a positive experience.
After Wirkus ended the general discussion of freshman year, she directed the conversation toward practical study tips. McCoy suggested the Heritage Room as the best study spot. Bravo recommended the cubicles outside the Writing Center.
“It’s quiet, and most people don’t know about them,” McCoy said. “Also, you can stay there until the cleaning staff kicks you out, which rarely happens.”
Other students suggested working outside or on “The Bridge” between the Herbert Henry Dow and Strosacker Science buildings.
“I put everything on Google Calendar: class, assignments, meetings, coffee meets,” Bravo said “That way, I could easily see my availability if someone asked.”
Others suggested physically writing down assignments in a planner.
The sophomores agreed that the time of a Hillsdale student is limited, and one cannot do it all.
“You are a limited human being,” Undseth said. “You can’t do everything, so do your most important work first.”
Wirkus asked the panel about how they determined what student activities to join.
“Expose yourself to lots of things, but don’t feel like you have to commit to a specific group on campus just because you expressed interest,” Bravo responded.
Besides studies and social events, the panel also emphasized the importance of spiritual growth and nourishment.
“Have an attitude of serving rather than constantly gaining,” Bravo said. “Prioritize what’s important. Everything should revolve around that.”
The panel encouraged freshmen to find a local church, join a Bible study, and find time to rest.
Anderson shared that the highlight of her freshman year was star gazing and talking with her friends.
“I had so many highlights from freshman year,” Anderson shared. “There was this one night when a group of my friends and I went stargazing and it was great.”
Undseth shared that prayer and friends were her main support during her freshman year.
“In hard moments, pray,” Undseth said. “This is what friends are for. Open up and encourage one-another.”
McNeil said she found the guidance she seeked from the panel.
“I learned a lot about freshman year and am still talking with Ginger about homework advice which has been super helpful,” she said.
