Senior to Senior Advice

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As a graduating senior looking back on my four years here at Purdue University, I have gathered some pieces of wisdom that I want to share with the incoming class. I have been so thankful for my time here, and I truly believe that I have grown into a happier, healthier, and more capable version of myself. If you are looking to have a fulfilling college experience, I hope you keep these points in mind.

Isa's first day on Purdue's campus

Put Yourself Out There!

As cliché as it sounds, this might be one of the most important aspects of college. You have four years to try new things and meet new people. During orientation week, the B-Involved fair is held on the intramural fields where rows of information can be found on the different student organizations here on campus. I highly recommend you check out some clubs, and maybe even attend some callouts! Joining clubs is a great way to build a community throughout your first semester on campus. There are also some major-specific clubs to help you find friendly faces in your classes. Some of my favorite involvements have been intramural sports, as I have got to continue playing the sports I loved from high school.

Isa with her intramural volleyball team

Additionally, the Women in Engineering Program hosts many opportunities for you to get involved. Through the Mentees and Mentors Program and volunteer events, there are many ways to meet some new people. The WiE Living and Learning Community is also a great way to find a community as soon as you step foot on campus. I participated in this Living and Learning Community my freshman year, and I cannot recommend it enough. Being able to meet other female engineers throughout my first couple of weeks here at Purdue really set me up to be successful not only in class but also socially as I met many of my best friends. For more information on the women in engineering program, read this blog on the many resources WiE provides by clicking here.

Isa moving into her dorm in the WiE LLC

Collaborate, Don’t Compete

Coming into Purdue, I did not understand the importance of collaboration. Now looking back, I know that collaboration was one of the reasons I was so successful here. Instead of competing to get the highest grade on an exam, forming study groups with my peers helped me actually learn and understand the material. Engineering can be challenging at times, so having that support from a study group can truly make a difference.

Collaboration is also an essential skill that is highly used in industry. Throughout my three internships, there was not one time when I was on my own. I had to learn how to work with people from different backgrounds to find the most optimal solution. While I may have had a certain project to my name, I was constantly reaching out to coworkers to understand the best way to attack a problem. My collaboration skills that I developed at Purdue have become indispensable, and I will use them throughout the remainder of my career.

Have Fun!

Remember to have fun in between your studies. College is not only about achieving good grades, but it is also about enjoying your time. Going to sporting events have been some of my favorite memories; from football to basketball to volleyball and everything in between, I love the electric environment Purdue fans create to cheer on the Boilermakers.

Isa with Purdue Pete and friends at a baseball game

There are also plenty of sights to see around the West Lafayette and Lafayette area; from farmer’s markets, to candle making, to pottery painting, and even a cat café, there are plenty of ways to relax and have fun off campus. To learn more about off-campus activities, read this blog by clicking here!

While four years may seem like a long time, it goes by fast. I hope you love this school as much as I did as it has provided me with countless professional opportunities as well as memories to last a lifetime. I hope I was able to help you adjust as you start your journey here. Remember to enjoy it and live in the moment! Boiler up!

Isa Hollenstein, BME '26

Women in Engineering Leadership Team 

 

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Email: welink@purdue.edu 

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Purdue Women in Engineering

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