Secrets to success

Staci Streit

Fresh young faces all around the nation are gearing up for college this fall, buying new extra-long bedding and shelling out hundreds of dollars on books that may or may not get opened.

Meanwhile, Misty Remus, a social work major and recent Washburn graduate, is picking up the remnants of her apartment and preparing for her “big kid job.” After four years at Washburn, Remus can say she gained a whole new perspective in her time here.

“No one from my hometown was coming here,” she said. “I wanted to meet new people and have a fresh start, and I did. I learned a lot.”

Emily Minneman is also spending a few moments looking back on her freshman year at Washburn, though for her ,the memories are a bit more fresh. Minneman came to Washburn last year, where she spent her first year in the Living Learning Center. She will return to campus and classes this fall.

“I am definitely ready to go back,” she said.

Although these two are at different points in their lives, they both have some fond memories from their first year at Washburn. There are a few pieces of advice they offer to new Washburn students starting classes in the fall.

Their first suggestion is to get involved in as many activities as possible, both on and off campus. One option popular with both Minneman and Remus was attending Washburn athletic events, a highlight of their experiences.

“It is fun, and you meet tons more people besides the ones in your dorm,” said Remus.

Both said that a large portion of their time and activities revolved around living in the residence halls their first year.

“I’m really glad that’s the route I went, at least for my first year,” Remus said.

Minneman noted the importance in getting along with roommates.

“We spent tons of time together,” she said. “When we weren’t going to class, wewere normally all hanging out together, so I’m glad we hit it off right away. It made the year go by smoother.”

As for the dreaded “freshman 15,” Minneman and Remus used the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC) to fight off the extra pounds.

“I might have gained three or four pounds over the year, but I really think ‘the freshman 15’ is kind of a myth,” said Minneman “Just make sure to exercise.”

Remus said she took the required lifetime wellness class her first semester at Washburn and went on a few extra walks with friends because of some good advice from an upperclassman on how to stave off any unwanted first-year weight.

Yet more important than living in the dorm or working off the Union food at the SRWC, both Remus and Minneman agree the best piece of advice they could offer to incoming freshmen is quick and simple.

“Have fun.”