Some advice you probably didn’t get at ROAR Orientation
At the WSU Vancouver ROAR orientation, student ambassadors often encourage incoming students to ‘get involved’ along with a variety of other information they feel is important for new students.
For many incoming students, these presentations can be overwhelming. Often some information is lost or deemed unimportant. To help clear up some of this up, a few graduating students from different backgrounds have provided some works of encouragement and advice from their WSU Vancouver experience for cougs who are new to the pack.
Connor Brown entered WSU Vancouver straight out of Skyview high school. He decided two years into his time at WSU Vancouver to change his degree from electrical engineering with a minor in business, to management information systems (MIS). Brown’s advice to new students is to take advantage of campus resources.
“Use those opportunities to build relationships and find people to help you reach your goals together. You’re only here for so long, so get the most out of your experience,” Brown said. He graduates in fall of 2019.
Digital technology and culture major Briar Anderson transferred to WSU Vancouver after completing the running start program at Clark College. She said she chose to attend WSU Vancouver because “it is close to home.” Briar encourages students to embrace opportunities on campus.
“Don’t compare your educational journey to anyone else’s or feel pressured to conform some way to fit a norm or standard,” Anderson said. She graduates this May.
Another senior, Sammy Magaña, took a year off after graduating high school to do some travelling before coming to WSU Vancouver. Magaña backpacked solo through South America, hiking in seven countries in six months. Magaña explained how this experience helped her realize her passion for the integrated strategic communication major. She advises new students to get to know their professors and to network. “Remember who you’re going to school with,” she said. Magaña graduates in fall 2019.
Anderson, Brown and Magaña emphasized to new students that no matter what path brings you to WSU Vancouver, building relationships and establishing connections can help further you along and everyone’s journey is unique.