This past fall at Portland State University, a vibrant group of over twenty students decided to confront a topic many shy away from: failure. This wasn't about simply cataloging missteps, but rather delving into its nuances, understanding its emotional impact, and most importantly, learning practical strategies to navigate it more effectively. Our classroom became a laboratory for examining setbacks, fostering open discussions and shared vulnerabilities. 

Embracing this spirit of collaborative learning, we set ourselves an ambitious goal for the term: to collectively write a book. Initially, the scope was broad, but through lively brainstorming sessions and a shared desire to make a tangible impact, our focus sharpened. We envisioned a friendly and insightful guide specifically for new PSU students. 

This wouldn't be a dry academic text, but a collection of real-world lessons, the kind you only learn by going through the university experience. Packed with our collective wisdom – the pitfalls we stumbled into, the resources that saved us, and the unexpected joys we discovered – this book aims to be a supportive companion, helping incoming students not just survive, but truly thrive during their crucial first year at PSU. We hope to offer the kind of honest, relatable advice we wish we'd had when we first arrived.