We asked recent graduates of Northwestern to share their best advice for the incoming freshmen class. This is what some of them shared:
Try Something New
"Try something new that requires you to trust God for success. What it is depends on what you're used to—it may mean taking a class that you're not sure you can pass, or it may be going on a mission trip to the other side of the world. Choose to do something that makes you uncomfortable and wait to see what God has in store for you."
Emily Holland '16, English major
Eat the Muffins
"You must eat the muffins. The muffins in the Billy are the best muffins I have ever eaten in my life. They are a UNW must, but hurry, because they usually don't last after chapel!
The coolest study/prayer space on campus is in Naz. To get to this space, you have to use the stairs in the science wing of Naz and take them up to the top. These stairs lead above the fourth floor and there is a small space with a journal where students have written thoughts, prayers and stories over the years! It's such a cool space and you have to check it out.
Lastly, my most important thing I have learned is that you need to be intentional and get involved at UNW! The community of Northwestern is phenomenal, but if you don't get involved and invest yourself in the community you'll miss out! Invest yourself into the community and you will be amazed looking back at your time how God used UNW to grow and shape you.
Now get excited, because the time you have at UNW is going to be awesome!"
Jonah Traaseth '16, Bible & Spanish major
Find a Church, Take Good Notes, Get Involved
"Make the most out of this college experience — find a local church to attend, take good notes, ask questions during class, get involved on campus, and don't be afraid to start up a conversation with the person in line behind you at the Billy (they may end up being one of your closest friends)! Be open to what God's plans are for you and be aware of how the Holy Spirit is leading you.
Last, but not least, know that you are not alone during this time of transition! So many people (on and off campus — students, staff/faculty, alumni, friends, and family) are praying for you! Enjoy every second of your time here at Northwestern, it may not seem like it now, but it really does fly by!"
Catherine Funk '16, Elementary Education & Bible major
Don't Leave With Regrets
"Everyone always talks about how great the community is at Northwestern, and the best way to experience it is to get involved! So, do theater, music, sports, intermural, clubs, student ministries, campus events, or be a student leader; whatever interests you, do it! Don't spend your senior year of college saying, 'I wish I would have tried that.'
Also, life can get hard while you are in college, but you don't have to go through it alone. God is going to give you friends and faculty here at Northwestern that will celebrate with you in the good times and carry you through the hard times.
Finally, it will be really tempting to stay up until 4:00am every night in the student center with your friends. DON'T DO IT! Sleep makes college easier!"
Mitch Geiken '16, Ministry major
Develop Deep Friendships
"Everyone is broken; everyone is fighting pain from the past or in the present. Everyone also has a deep desire to be truly known and seen. To achieve this desire, find friends who you can be open and real with. Develop friendships that will keep you accountable as they push you towards Christ. Vulnerability begets vulnerability and that allows for a beautiful picture of Christ-centered community." (James 5:16)
Britt Gonyea '16, Criminal Justice major
