Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
In celebration of our graduating seniors, we reached out to graduating members of our leadership programs and student organizations and asked
What advice would you give to your freshman-year self?
Abby St. Martin
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help—college is a learning experience, and no one expects you to have all the answers. Professors hold office hours for a reason, and they genuinely want to see students succeed, so don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification on assignments. Academic advisors can help you navigate your course load and career goals, while tutors and study groups can make challenging subjects more manageable. Beyond academics, campus resources like counseling services, career centers, and student organizations exist to support your personal and professional growth. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a helpful strategy that will make your college experience smoother and more fulfilling.”
Aiden Bourdeau
“I’d say to put yourself out there more and to not be so afraid, because your people are out there waiting for you, you just haven’t found them yet.”
Alex Lucier
“If I could go back, I wouldn’t want to change much, but I’d remind my freshman-year self to make the most of every moment. College is rollercoaster, and if you aren’t present in every single moment, good or bad, it all slips out from under you and it’s over, just like that. The I-hope-this-night-never-ends moments with friends, the lonely moments working in silence, even the hardest moments spent doubting yourself are all equally important parts of this experience. If you’re spending each of them thinking about due dates, comparing to the past, anticipating the next event, or worrying about what you can’t control, then you are missing out. As the great Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.””
Aliza Solivan
“I would tell my freshman-year self that let time take it’s course, some things may not go your way and it might cause you to think about a different path in the future. Don’t get overwhelmed!!! It will get better, surround yourself with positive people and enjoy every moment with them. Be mindful that you can set so many expectations and goals but don’t get discouraged or worried if it doesn’t work out the way you want! It will always get better when you have positive people that support you!”
Becky Maher
“1. Get involved earlier! I waited until junior year to get involved on campus, and it completely changed my college experience. I was able to make lasting friendships, develop useful life skills, strengthen my resume, and create amazing memories.
2. Take advantage of all the opportunities you have on campus. Go to events, go on trips, explore campus, seek internships, participate in workshops, build relationships with your Professors and classmates. Once you get involved, opportunities will throw themselves at you. Make the absolute most out of your 4 years here.”
2. Take advantage of all the opportunities you have on campus. Go to events, go on trips, explore campus, seek internships, participate in workshops, build relationships with your Professors and classmates. Once you get involved, opportunities will throw themselves at you. Make the absolute most out of your 4 years here.”
Cailin Joyce
“If I could go back to my freshman self I’d remind myself to treat myself more kindly and to recognize whether it’s being discussed or not, other students are impacted in similar ways. It’s up to you to make connections or find those that can help you make them. Getting involved is a primary way to do that. With that said, professors can be great role models and have a number one goal of helping their students. One on one time with them can mean more and be an asset to succeeding in college. It’s best to be upfront, put yourself out there, be honest and focused with what you want. Go after it! As someone once very shy, I flourished at WSU realizing not everyone needs to like me. I’m not some people’s bread and butter, and they aren’t always mine either. I’ve created lasting friendships even in these last few months attending WSU. Being brave, and talking to someone near you in class does not always need to be so abnormal. You find your people and you grow here.”
Daniel Hsu
“Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses. Instead of focusing on the goal, enjoy the journey.”
Elaine Asamoah
“Don’t be afraid to attend club events and meetings. These events are social hubs, and could also be an opportunity to network.”
Josh Gadway
Josh Gadway
“Get involved in student activities sooner rather than later. The friends you make will last a lifetime, and the experiences you gain will help you in the future.”
Kyram Pou
Kyram Pou
“One piece of advice I would give my freshman-year self is to take things one day at a time. Everyone comes into college with many unanswered questions: Will I fit in? How will I perform at this school? Will I be okay? I had these questions in the back of my mind since I kept thinking about the future rather than focusing on what was in front of me at that moment, and it caused me to not perform at my best. When I transferred to Worcester State, I had a completely new mindset of focusing on myself and what’s going on at that exact moment. This newly formed mindset opened so many doors, like being involved, having an on-campus job, and meeting so many amazing people who eventually became my cheerleaders throughout all my endeavors.”
“I would tell my freshman self to not be scared and go outside your comfort zone. I was terrified when I first started college, not knowing anyone else who went here. I thought that I would just sit in the back of the class and go home right after. I was scared of trying new things, so I did not do it my first year. I have since pushed myself outside my comfort zone and wish I started sooner. There are so many opportunities to jump on that you cannot do it if you don’t push yourself. Try new things, the worst thing that happens is that it doesn’t work out.”
Lily Morgan
“I would tell my freshman self to not be scared and go outside your comfort zone. I was terrified when I first started college, not knowing anyone else who went here. I thought that I would just sit in the back of the class and go home right after. I was scared of trying new things, so I did not do it my first year. I have since pushed myself outside my comfort zone and wish I started sooner. There are so many opportunities to jump on that you cannot do it if you don’t push yourself. Try new things, the worst thing that happens is that it doesn’t work out.”
Thank you to all our seniors for their work and leadership over the years, and congratulations on your graduation!
