Put your hands up for the 2019-20 academic year: it’s yours for the taking.
We asked Arts alumni what advice they would give to their first-year selves. Here’s a list of golden quotes to help inspire you, get a fresh start, and stress less this year. Meet new people, master new skills, go unexpected places… your unique adventure awaits!
“Loosen up, try anything and everything, eat less pizza.”
Tomo Yamaguchi, BA ’17, Economics & Political Science
“Stay true to yourself. Don’t doubt that you’re good enough.”
Joanna Biddlecombe, BA ’06, History
“It’s okay to say, ‘I don’t know.’ Accept that you need to be taught things. You’re here to learn!”
Kate de Lorme, BFA ’15, Theatre & Film
“Volunteer more … and spend less time at the Pit.”
Robert Dawson, MA ’89, International Relations & Political Science
“Don’t be afraid of failure, especially at the beginning. Sooner or later, you’ll be such an expert at failing that you’ll start to fail at failing itself.”
Ciaran Dudley, BA ’11, Asian Studies
“Don’t be scared to show people your work!”
Taryn Hardes, BA ’11, English
“Participate in more extracurricular activities. These will be the most memorable and useful parts of your undergrad.”
Sean Collins, BA ’15, Economics
“Be patient and kinder to yourself. Mental and physical well-being are so important. If something won’t matter in five years, don’t worry about it.”
Lindsay Wong, BFA ’09, Creative Writing
“Pursue your passion and dreams as soon as you can because you’ll end up trying to eventually, anyway.”
Michelle Kim, BA ’02, Asian Studies & Canadian Studies
“Allow life to unfold, in its own way and in its own time.”
Caleb Lee, BA ’06, Linguistics
“Take advantage of everything you want and can, and then breathe it all in because these incredible experiences can go by so fast.”
Jianna Faner, BA ’18, English
Need more inspiration? Check out our Arts alumni profiles for stories, insights, and advice.
