HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME—
Putney is an English major with an economics minor from Roanoke, VA and plans on working at home this summer before moving to Charlotte.
“Four years. You have four years here, and it will be the fastest four years of your life.”
I sat on the seal of Old Main on a hot August afternoon nearly four years ago surrounded by the entire Class of 2015, and didn’t quite grasp what I was hearing. The eager new college student in me was just ready to rock and roll, disregarding the notion that time flies.
“Now, take advantage of it. Take advantage of the wonders Wofford has to offer.”
These were the words that stuck. Time freaks me out. It passes so quickly and it carries so much. Sometimes it feels like it’s gone in the
blink of an eye, other times it’s a long and grueling all-nighter in Milliken making me wish I had a fast forward button. College has the good, the bad and certainly the ugly (ahem, never wake a student before 11 a.m. on a Saturday morning), but at the end of the day it’s all about taking advantage of the experiences afforded to you under all circumstances. As I part ways with a beautiful place and a community of people that is near and dear to my heart, I have a bit of advice and self reflection for those of you who are lucky enough to have more time here:
The Freshman Year:
Dive right in. Free time was a myth someone cruelly told you about, but that is not some- thing to be upset over. It’s a hit the ground running year, so lace up your shoes (maybe even a double knot). You’re going to learn things in the classroom, but also outside of it. Both are influencing you and helping you grow more than you even recognize at the time. You experience true independence, which is invigorating but also an adjustment. Adjustment is the word for this year, or maybe it’s tornado.
The Sophomore Year:
Keep your head up. This is a huge transitional year. *Stuff* gets real, really fast. For many of you, this year marks radical change in so many ways. But hey, change is a good thing. A new year, a new you? Maybe. Perhaps you’re following the same plan you have always had, or perhaps you’re trying different paths. You’re constantly exploring, whether it’s places, other people or yourself. Despite the ups and downs, the trials, the anxieties about the future and life, keep your spirits up. Appreciate those annoying GenEds you do not understand the need for because they’re somehow contributing to making you the well-rounded individual Wofford is known for producing. Stay in touch with the friends you made previously, but also open up to the new hall-mates and classmates.
The Junior Year:
You have arrived. Older? Yes. Wiser? Maybe not. The year of the abroad, the year of 21, the year of the internship, the year of how did I get here (in the damp walls of Wightman) and cross your fingers for Phase III next year. Go abroad and continue to expand those ever-growing horizons. Don’t go abroad and take advantage of getting to know Wofford in a different way. Apply for things (with confidence). Be a leader on or off campus.
The Senior Year:
Drumroll, please. Ensue excitement and panic all at the same time. I referred to this last semester as my “Yes Semester.” Totally exhausting, but totally worth it. So, let’s call this “The Yes Year.” Celebrate the big and small things. Celebrate each other and everything you have seen and done. Celebrate yourself, your accomplishments, and your promising future. Soak up the Wofford sun as much as possible. Take the longer route to class just so you can admire this campus once more. Reflect on what has transpired leading up to this point. A nostalgic trip back to freshmen dorms is never a bad idea. Thank the people who got you here. It’s bittersweet, but be grateful for your preparedness as you enter the real world.
— Grace Putney
Parting words of Wisdom from the Class of 2015: Sappy seniors reflect, share advice with younger Terriers