Some of our most recent seniors were asked to reflect on their transformative NDSU experiences and give helpful advice to potential students. Read their responses below.
LAURA PAULSRUD
HOMETOWN: Hillsboro, North Dakota
MAJOR: Nursing
What is your advice for adapting to being a college student?
Join a club. Finding people who enjoy the same activities you do is an amazing way to get involved and feel like you belong here at NDSU.
What is your favorite thing to do and favorite place on campus?
My favorite thing to do is anything NDSU homecoming. The whole town is full of buzz from kids to alumni and it really brings the community to campus. My favorite place on campus is the fifth floor of Aldevron. The view of campus is so great and the natural lighting makes the perfect study or hangout space.
Do you have advice about living on campus?
Enjoy every minute you can because you only have four years here. Go out of your way to meet people on your floor and make the most memories you can. You will miss living with people who may just go on to become your best friends.
What do you wish someone would have told you?
Learn how you study best ASAP. It took me a few years to truly understand my study style. Try out group studying or ACE tutoring because once you find what works best school becomes a lot easier. Along with this, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your professors are there to help you so talk to them they really aren’t that scary.
What is your general advice for college students?
Step out of your comfort zone. College is a time to find yourself and decide who you want to be. Try new things and if they don’t work out don’t worry there’s always something new. Four years goes fast so maximize every minute.
WINNIE WENIGER
HOMETOWN: Carrington, North Dakota
MAJOR: Strategic communications and visual arts
What is your advice for adapting to being a college student?
Don’t be afraid to use resources on campus. They’re there just for students to use, so be sure to utilize them. This can include the counseling center, ACE tutoring, career and advising center, and so much more.
What is your favorite thing to do and favorite place on campus?
My favorite thing to do is hang out in the Memorial Union with my friends while we do homework and share a meal. My favorite place is Festival Concert Hall, I have lots of good memories of seeing shows and being on stage there.
What will you remember most about NDSU?
I will mostly remember the Bison pride at NDSU. From the sports to the arts to general living, people love to show their loyalty to the green and yellow. Being right in the middle of it was such a fun experience. I’ll miss it, but it’ll make me visit as an alum.
What do you wish someone would have told you?
It’s okay to change your mind. College is all about trying new things to figure out what you like, and even what you don’t. Change is natural, so embrace it.
What is your general advice for college students?
Get involved. There are so many clubs and career and volunteer opportunities you can take part in. Having those shared experiences with others was the most influential part of my time here and I’m glad I participated in as many things as I did.
ABUK AKECH
HOMETOWN: Fargo
MAJOR: Psychology, neuroscience minor on a pre-med track
What is your advice on adapting to being a college student?
Ask questions. Ask questions to your professor, advisor or learning assistant. Asking questions does not make you weak, nor does it make you look stupid. It tells everyone that you are willing to learn and by asking questions, you are building connections with everyone as well as not being confused about what to do next.
What will you remember most about NDSU?
I will remember and miss my professors the most. Being in the STEM department can be challenging, but when you have such wonderful and encouraging professors, it becomes so much easier. I have had a lot of professors encourage and team me things I would have learned if I had just showed up for class and left when the time was up. These professors advocated for me and helped me professionally, and for that I am forever thankful.
What do you wish someone would have told you?
I wish someone would have told me to slow down. Sometimes I tend to do a lot and stretch myself to get to the next stage. But you cannot pour from an empty cup. Find ways to fill your cup, whether that is hanging out with friends or simply taking a nap.
What is your general advice for college students?
Have fun, but also know that you are here for a reason. Pick your friends wisely, because they become reflections of you. Choose people who love you openly and push to do your best.
YIQI YUAN
HOMETOWN: Fargo
MAJOR: Apparel, Retail Merchandising, and Design
What is your advice on adapting to being a college student?
For academics, make sure to read the syllabus. They are super important when it comes to how professors grade things, deadlines and course schedule. Also, make sure you use some type of planner that keeps track of the due dates of exams, assignments and projects wo they are turned in on time.
What is your favorite thing to do and favorite place on campus?
My favorite thing to do is the annual tie-dye t-shirt day. It’s such a great opportunity to go out with friends and roommates and meet new people.
What do you wish someone would have told you?
Enjoy and live in the moment while you can. Go out, meet new people and attend campus events with your roommates or friends.
What is your general advice for college students?
Don’t be afraid to seek help and/or support, whether that’s questions about classes, campus life or any concerns that you have. Everyone is super nice and kind. Build connections with peers, professors and even other faculty. I am so thankful that they have helped me throughout my college journey.
Do you have advice about living on campus?
If you ever find yourself alone late at night at the library and need someone to walk you back to your dorm or your car, you can contact campus police, and there are blue light emergency phones located throughout campus. NDSU is a safe place and people here care a lot about student safety.
KACY SCHUMAN
HOMETOWN: Apple Valley, Minnesota
MAJOR: Finance
What is your advice on adapting to being a college student?
Take time to do the things you enjoy and build them into your schedule. College is about experiencing so many different things.
What is your favorite thing to do and favorite place on campus?
Getting Caribou in Memorial Union and working on homework. It’s fun because you will see so many different people.
Do you have advice about living on campus?
I love the comfortability and accessibility of living on campus. Go to hall events and use the amenities of living on campus.
What do you wish someone would have told you?
It is okay to be nervous, this is a huge transition and make sure you ask questions. So many people are here to help you.
What is your general advice for college students?
Take every opportunity you have. You will learn, grow and create so many memories.
CARSON MARKOVICH
HOMETOWN: Hutchinson, Minnesota
MAJOR: Microbiology
What is your advice on adapting to being a college student?
College is a much different experience from high school, but don’t let that scare you. College is also a fresh start and a time for you to do some self-discovery. You will have much more time in college, so find something to fill that time. Pick up a new hobby, learn self-care skills, join an organization.
What will you remember most about NDSU?
I am going to miss the people at NDSU. I have made such great connections with students, staff, and faculty across campus that have made my college experience better!
What do you wish someone would have told you?
I wish I was told about what resources NDSU offers earlier. NDSU has so many resources for students to take advantage of. This includes academic (mentoring, advising) and personal (counseling, extracurriculars). Get familiar with what resources are available to you and get help if and when you need it.
What is your general advice for college students?
College is what you make it, so get involved. Whether that is academically, a fraternity or sorority, an intermural team or an extracurricular organization.
