Seniors, drop some wisdom here!

What is something you wish you did as a Sophomore?

  • I wish I didn’t procrastinate multivariable calculus and made friends during p-chem.

  • I wish I didn't put so much pressure on myself; grades are not always going to be perfect, and that's okay! You have to pick and choose your battles and invest your time into other activities that make your VT experience memorable!

  • Find a good study group right away, develop connections with professors (go to office hours to introduce yourself even if you don’t have a question). Finally enjoy college. It’s about education and good times.

  • I wish I had relaxed more when I went in for tests. It’s very easy to get nervous, rush, and get stuck on problems. Study hard, relax, and read the whole problem before you start.

  • Consider a Co-Op.

  • Not be scared to ask my colleagues and professors questions. If you're scared to ask something out loud in front of the class, write down the question next to the section of notes of that topic, then ask it in an email or go up to the professor after class.

  • Spent more time with friends!

  • Sleep. Really, do it, and not halfheartedly. There is nothing romantic about pulling an all nighter in the library. As a sophomore, I deceived myself into thinking that I could thrive on caffeine and grit. Junior year is unforgiving. UO lab is too.

What Words of Wisdom to you have for ChE Sophomores?

  • STAY STRONG!!! BUILD FRIENDSHIPS!!! IT WILL MAKE EVERYTHING EASIER!!!

  • Don't give up! It's tough, but if you put in the time and effort into office hours, homework, and job fair prep, success WILL come! Make relationships with professors, and network inside AND outside of your ChE grade-level!

  • Confidence is 50% of the battle during job fairs and interviews. Display confidence in yourself and your answers. Also try to connect with the recruiter on a personal level with hobbies and interests such as sports. Go in prepared to talk about both your success and failures. Remember, confidence is half the battle.

  • Apply to as many opportunities as you can, study hard, and know how to balance class work with outside life. Companies don’t want to hire a machine. If they want a machine, they’d build one. They’re hiring a human, so make sure to develop yourself as a person too.

  • Try to get as much experience as you can. Also learn time management skills now- you’ll need them a lot, especially by junior year.

  • Develop relationships with your professors early on. After the first day of classes, introduce yourself. At office hours, try to talk to them about things other than school. This also applies to any employers!

  • Don't be afraid to reach out for help. The professors are the sweetest and they are your key to success in the course. Ask questions, attend office hours etc. Switching from general courses to ChE courses is a difficult transition and they can help you in the process. Also, try to balance out your time outside of studies as well. Have some time to yourself and also look into research or internships.

  • Enjoy life. Chemical Engineering is demanding, but sometimes it's important to close your textbook, shut down your laptop, and go do something to relax. Climb a mountain. Have brunch at the Farmer's Market. Lay in a hammock at the duck pond. Dedicate time to whatever makes you happy, and make sure not to miss out on all that Virginia Tech, the Hokie Community, and the NRV have to offer.