Reflections from students - and from home
Starting college is a big transition. It’s exciting, unfamiliar, and full of moments that can feel both energizing and overwhelming. This section is here to offer some perspective along the way.
You’ll find advice from current Michigan students who’ve recently navigated their own freshman year, along with thoughtful words from our parents - sharing what they’ve learned, what they’ve observed, and what they hope Maddie will carry with her into this next chapter.
Everyone’s path is different, but hearing how others have found their way can help make the journey a little easier and remind you that you’re not alone in figuring things out.
Advice From Home
From Dad:
Mads - college is about exploration and experiencing as much as you can. My advice is to embrace that concept and, while staying true to who you are and what you believe, push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Do hard things and allow for failure. Become even more comfortable being uncomfortable. Stay open to the possibility that a seemingly wrong turn could be the exact direction you were meant to go. Keep an open mind and try not to be absolutely certain about anything. Above all else, take in all you can and have just so so so much fun!
From Mom:
Maddie, my advice as you head off to Michigan is simple: keep your door—and your mind—open.Say yes to new experiences and meet as many people as you can. Those first few weeks will be overwhelming, exciting, nerve-wracking, and maybe even a little scary—but that’s all totally normal. This is your moment. Enjoy it. Shine bright.
A few things to remember:
• Michigan gets really cold—don’t be like your sister… ZIP UP YOUR COAT!
• When someone asks where you're from, it's Philly, not the 4th floor.
• If you can, avoid Friday classes—Thursday nights are kind of a thing.
You've got this, Maddie. Go Blue! 💙💛
Advice From Friends
Anya Gupta:
Make a light 4 year plan with your advisors when choosing classes if going abroad is something your interested in so you at least have a broad understanding of what courses you’d have to take to line up timing and meet requirements.
Mia Quintana:
Get involved on campus early on (find clubs and other orgs that line up with your interests) and then once you’ve been in them for a bit take on leadership (huge for the resume). Also be sure to establish relationships with your professors or other professional mentors depending what you want to do postgrad that is helpful for letters of rec etc.
Sophia Filipof:
Be sure to spend as much time with your friends as you can!! Take the time to explore opportunities related to your major because you can meet great people through it
Sophia Ferrigno:
"Work hard play hard"
My Final Words
Freshman year is going to challenge you in ways you can’t fully prepare for, but that’s not a bad thing. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Everyone is trying to find their people, their routine, and their place, even if they look like they have it all together. Some days will feel exciting and full, and others might feel lonely or confusing. That’s all part of the process. My advice is to be patient with yourself, ask for help when you need it, and say yes to the things that spark your interest - even if they make you nervous. One of the most freeing things you’ll realize is that nobody is really watching what you’re doing. Everyone is too focused on themselves to notice if you sit alone at lunch or get lost on your way to class. And once you accept that, it becomes so much easier to just be yourself, take risks, and make the experience your own. College is a time to explore who you are and who you want to become. Let yourself change. Let yourself grow. You’re going to be okay. Go be great, Mads! Go Blue!!!