From Graduate to Graduate: Advice to a Recent High School Graduate from a Recent Purdue Graduate
Dear Recent High School Graduate,
Saying the last four years have flown by is an understatement. It feels like just yesterday I was starting this journey, arriving on campus for the first time, nervous of the unknown yet excited about what the future held for me. Yet just four days ago, I walked across the stage at Elliot and received my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, ending my undergraduate journey, and preparing to start a new chapter of my life. Once again, I find myself nervous yet excited as I start this new chapter of my life, similar to where I was four years ago.
I won’t lie to you: I delayed writing this blog. Not because I did not want to or did not know what I wanted to say, but because writing this blog meant that I had to admit that this incredible chapter of my life was over. Purdue has truly become a second home to me over the years, and I would not trade this experience for the world. Before you come to campus and get your chance at living your own version of the Purdue experience, here is some advice I wish I had been told four years ago.
Although this seems obvious, I wanted to add this one as a reminder. As an engineering student, it can be easy to get caught up in the hubbub of school and academics, but its important to embrace life outside of that setting as well. Some of the most valuable skills and lessons I learned while in school were not taught to me in a classroom, but through the friendships and experiences I had outside of it. You are only this young once, so try to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. Go to that conference. Reach out to that professor about that cool research opportunity. Attend basketball games. Apply for that internship. Join that club. Go on that spontaneous fountain run. Purdue has so much to offer, and the moments and memories you create from these opportunities are priceless.
Engineering is challenging for everyone, and it is completely okay to admit that you don’t know something. Rely on your professors, TAs, and classmates, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Purdue engineering is a collaborative environment: embrace it. Office hours and tutoring is there for a reason, take advantage of it.
Going into college, I knew I wanted to pursue a degree in civil engineering and go to graduate school afterwards. I had a meticulous plan as to how that journey would look for myself, and four years later I am proud to say that I have achieved my goals, yet not the exact way I thought I would. Life is not linear, and it is okay if your plans deviate from what you had originally planned. Instead of fearing change, embrace it, as sometimes change can be for the best. For example, you may come into college thinking you want to do one type of engineering, then discover another type of engineering that might fit your interests better. My advice is to explore every avenue, as that is what the First Year Engineering program is for.
If there is one thing that had the biggest impact on my time here, it was choosing to get involved. Nearly all my friends are from my time as part of various organizations I have joined on campus, such as Boiler Gold Rush, Purdue University Dance Marathon, Women in Engineering, Chi Epsilon, and Kiewit Scholars. Although only two of those five organizations I just listed is related to my major, they all have had just as much of a profound impact on me as any class would have. These organizations helped me find my community on campus and have given me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself while leaving a positive impact on the Purdue community. I have also gained leadership experience and soft skills that cannot be taught in the traditional classroom setting through my involvements. The friends I have made through my involvements are truly my people, and I am beyond grateful that I took that step outside of my comfort zone to build my community. Purdue is a big campus, and having that community is what really makes it feel like home.
As you prepare to walk across the stage at your own graduation and turn to see what is next for you, remember to cherish your time. Take photos, spend time with the people you love, and hug your friends. You did it: you graduated high school! Although you may be closing one chapter of your life, the next chapter is about to start, and as someone who just finished theirs, its going to be incredible and there are so many more memories to make. College and high school are similar in the fact that they don’t last forever; so soak it all in.
Congratulations to the class of 2025! I cannot wait to see the amazing things you do here this fall. Boiler Up and Hammer Down!
Best,
Emily
Saying the last four years have flown by is an understatement. It feels like just yesterday I was starting this journey, arriving on campus for the first time, nervous of the unknown yet excited about what the future held for me. Yet just four days ago, I walked across the stage at Elliot and received my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, ending my undergraduate journey, and preparing to start a new chapter of my life. Once again, I find myself nervous yet excited as I start this new chapter of my life, similar to where I was four years ago.
I won’t lie to you: I delayed writing this blog. Not because I did not want to or did not know what I wanted to say, but because writing this blog meant that I had to admit that this incredible chapter of my life was over. Purdue has truly become a second home to me over the years, and I would not trade this experience for the world. Before you come to campus and get your chance at living your own version of the Purdue experience, here is some advice I wish I had been told four years ago.
Embrace College
Although this seems obvious, I wanted to add this one as a reminder. As an engineering student, it can be easy to get caught up in the hubbub of school and academics, but its important to embrace life outside of that setting as well. Some of the most valuable skills and lessons I learned while in school were not taught to me in a classroom, but through the friendships and experiences I had outside of it. You are only this young once, so try to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. Go to that conference. Reach out to that professor about that cool research opportunity. Attend basketball games. Apply for that internship. Join that club. Go on that spontaneous fountain run. Purdue has so much to offer, and the moments and memories you create from these opportunities are priceless.
Ask Questions
Engineering is challenging for everyone, and it is completely okay to admit that you don’t know something. Rely on your professors, TAs, and classmates, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Purdue engineering is a collaborative environment: embrace it. Office hours and tutoring is there for a reason, take advantage of it.
Don’t be Afraid of Change
Going into college, I knew I wanted to pursue a degree in civil engineering and go to graduate school afterwards. I had a meticulous plan as to how that journey would look for myself, and four years later I am proud to say that I have achieved my goals, yet not the exact way I thought I would. Life is not linear, and it is okay if your plans deviate from what you had originally planned. Instead of fearing change, embrace it, as sometimes change can be for the best. For example, you may come into college thinking you want to do one type of engineering, then discover another type of engineering that might fit your interests better. My advice is to explore every avenue, as that is what the First Year Engineering program is for.
Get Involved
If there is one thing that had the biggest impact on my time here, it was choosing to get involved. Nearly all my friends are from my time as part of various organizations I have joined on campus, such as Boiler Gold Rush, Purdue University Dance Marathon, Women in Engineering, Chi Epsilon, and Kiewit Scholars. Although only two of those five organizations I just listed is related to my major, they all have had just as much of a profound impact on me as any class would have. These organizations helped me find my community on campus and have given me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself while leaving a positive impact on the Purdue community. I have also gained leadership experience and soft skills that cannot be taught in the traditional classroom setting through my involvements. The friends I have made through my involvements are truly my people, and I am beyond grateful that I took that step outside of my comfort zone to build my community. Purdue is a big campus, and having that community is what really makes it feel like home.
As you prepare to walk across the stage at your own graduation and turn to see what is next for you, remember to cherish your time. Take photos, spend time with the people you love, and hug your friends. You did it: you graduated high school! Although you may be closing one chapter of your life, the next chapter is about to start, and as someone who just finished theirs, its going to be incredible and there are so many more memories to make. College and high school are similar in the fact that they don’t last forever; so soak it all in.
Congratulations to the class of 2025! I cannot wait to see the amazing things you do here this fall. Boiler Up and Hammer Down!
Best,
Emily
Emily Helmuth, CE'25
WE Link Leadership Team
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