The Engineering Experience

Dear High School Seniors,      I remember being in your shoes four years ago. I had just finished applying for college, savoring all the “lasts” with friends and in the sport I had dedicated four years of my life to, and was counting down the days until Winter Break and weeks until graduation in the spring. I remember balancing mixed feelings about the future. Funnily enough, it feels as though I am reliving many of these experiences and feelings all over again as I near the end of my penultimate semester at Purdue. While similar, I have found my outlook on these experiences and feelings have changed, reflecting everything I’ve learned about myself and about life these past four years. Here is what is the same, what is different, and the advice I have for you as you go through these experiences as well!      Similar to you, I am trying to savor and cherish all of my “lasts” here at Purdue: last football games as a student, last events I get to participate ...

Senior year of high school is such a busy time, but it is also an important year to live in the moment! It is your last year of high school, and for a lot of people, your last year with your family in your hometown. While it is important to put your best foot forward into your applications and schoolwork, it is also important to be intentional about enjoying your life. Don’t sacrifice your joy While your to-do list is often long between juggling college applications, school work, extracurriculars, and a social life, time management is such an important skill to learn! Sometimes, it’s important to put tasks aside and take time to do something that brings you joy. I spent Halloween night my junior year on my bedroom floor writing my common app essay, but this meant I missed out on a special night with my family. Be intentional with the people closest to you, whoever that may be! I’ve found that making time for joy will also help you be more motivated and productive when you do sit down t...