Senior shares advice for her freshmen self

Posted 5:01 p.m. Monday , Sept. 8 , 2025

Senior shares advice for her freshmen self

Lilly Ninneman is a senior at UWL and a proud campus Vanguard. As a freshman, she shared a series of blog posts offering advice to new students. Now, with years of experience behind her, she revisits those early reflections to offer fresh insights and even more guidance for incoming Eagles.

By Lilly Ninneman

If I could sit down with my freshmen self, I'd have a lot to say.

I remember moving in, wide-eyed and terrified, yet equally excited. Back then I thought success was only measured in GPA calculations, having a perfect attendance and making a ton, I mean A TON, of friends. All these things do matter - to a degree - and are an important part of the college experience. However, it's now four years later, and I look ahead to my senior year of college wishing I had told my freshmen self some other equally important tips and tricks to "making it" as a UWL Eagle.

As I reminence on the past three years of my college experience, I can't help but be proud of all the things I have learned. Sure, I may be graduating with knowledge of psychology, I can accurately read statistics and I can identify most muscles in the human body (shout out to BIO 313). But I walk away with more knowledge and lessons than I could have ever imagined, most being taught to me when I least expected it. So, what truly is the key to being a successful college student? And what do I wish I had told myself three years ago, as I entered the most exciting, yet nerve racking time of my life?

The tips I shared as a first-year student still hold true today as I start my last year at UWL. However, now after a few more years of experience, I want to share the lessons I've gained with a bit more perspective:

1. Don't be afraid to fail forward

Don't be afraid to make mistakes and don't be afraid to fail. It's in those moments that true learning is accomplished. I've had my share of tough exams, but you'll be shocked how encouraging professors, advisors and tutors are to get you back on track. It's okay to have to try again and try harder! The light bulb wasn't invented in one day, and you aren't expected to succeed on day one either.

2. Explore early on

Don't limit yourself to one hobby, one organization and one club. Step outside of your box and explore new interests, careers and hobbies. Did you know UWL has over 200 student organizations? Try out the Cheese Club, audition for a school theater production, or visit the Academic Advising Center & Career Services to explore the interest and skills you have! Freshmen year I tried something new, and it's still one of my favorite organizations, the UWL Vanguards! The best moments happen when a new skill is discovered, and a new passion comes to life. That can't happen if you stay in one place … your comfort zone.

3. Take advantage of everything offered to you

UWL is always offering the best opportunities and resources to their students. From the Tutoring & Learning Center to the Counseling & Testing Center, UWL is extremely supportive of its students. There is always a new undergrad research opportunity, a professor available during student hours and a new organization to join around the corner. Don't be afraid to reach out and take advantage of everything UWL has to offer! Seriously, reach out today! Ask a club leader to share more information about how to join or email a professor about opportunities for research and teaching assistant positions. You might just be surprised how eager the UWL community is to help!

4. You matter more than perfection

Balance beats burnout. Doing everything can sound appealing, especially if you are determined to grow your resume. But don't forget to balance your time. Take care of yourself, prioritize your well-being and be sure to fill your own cup. Remember, you can't pour from a half empty cup.

5. Trust yourself

Explore what study routines, schedules and classes work for you and stick with it. Self-doubt is the biggest thief of success. Sure, we are bound to mess up here and there but trust the process and pick up the pieces as you go. Nobody knows you better than yourself. You just need to trust.

6. Stay flexible with your journey

I think a lot of people enter college with a set plan in their mind. Most of us are following a certain script we wrote for ourselves years ago. Remind yourself that you are allowed to go off script. It's okay to come in undeclared, explore new majors and take different electives. I came in undeclared as a freshman, and I was so happy I did! I spent a year exploring different interests and careers until I happily landed on Recreational Therapy. Don't allow a script you wrote before you knew your college self to determine the course of this journey. Stay flexible.

7. Celebrate your wins

Passing an exam, finishing a paper or making it through a tough week all count as wins. Sure, some may feel bigger than others, but all are important. College can sometimes feel like one big to-do list, but don't forget to pause and recognize your progress. Celebrate your work, your effort and be proud of yourself!

8. Enjoy the journey!

College is about discovering who you are, what you care about and how to grow through challenges. It's about growing academically, personally and socially. So don't be afraid to stumble a little. Besides, those moments of challenge are exactly where the real learning begins.

So, build strong routines, embrace the ups and downs, and make the most of every opportunity. It might be a bumpy ride sometimes, but it's also a great one. Buckle up Eagles, you've got this!