There’s something special about hearing advice from someone who’s just walked the path you’re about to take. As this year’s seniors get ready to turn the page and step into what’s next, they’ve paused to share a few things they’ve learned along the way. It’s honest. It’s real. And whether you’re just starting college or right in the middle of it, this college life advice might be exactly what you need to hear. There’s a good chance something here will hit home.
Rhianna Williams—Life Can Feel Hopeless
“Life can feel hopeless; everyone has felt that way. But you’re not alone. When those moments come, remember awe and wonder can bring hope. Write down everything you’re in awe of. God, I’m in awe of what You did here… and I wonder what You’ll do in a year.” Awe + Wonder = Hope
Triston Murray—Meet Everyone
“My biggest advice for college? Meet people. Go talk to people you never thought you’d talk to. Step in and talk to different friend groups. Throughout my four years, I’ve made friends on day one and others I only met this year—but they’ve all become important to me. The friends you make here will stand by you for life. They’ll be at your wedding. They’ll walk with you through all the major moments in life. So step out of your comfort zone and go make friends.”
Keegan Kendall—Get Involved
“There’s so much opportunity here, so get involved. Some of my best moments came from just deciding to go to events or talking to professors. Don’t hold back. Say yes to things. Just go.”
Keith Meyers—Just Do It
“Stop hesitating. Make decisions. Do the thing you know you need to do. Wasting time is… a waste of time. Throw the spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks is a favorite saying of mine. You’ve got so much pasta—just throw it.”
Keith Meyers—Make the Move
“Sometimes, you just have to take the next step. Ask God for wisdom and do the next right thing. Don’t let indecision paralyze you. Move forward—even if it’s messy. That’s where growth happens.”
Ben Bird—Rest Matters
“Find time to rest. That’s probably the biggest thing I’ve learned these last two years. We push ourselves so hard, but we’re not meant to run nonstop. Make rest a part of your rhythm. You’re human—and that’s okay.”
Ben Bird—Know Your Limits
“Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. That’s a hard one for me. I’m good at doing a lot of things—but that doesn’t mean they’re all right for me to take on. Learn to say no.”
Julia Schultz—Life Is What You Make of It
“Walk into every situation knowing that life is what you make it. You can decide to have fun, or you can decide it’s going to be awful. It really comes down to your attitude. This place? It’s where you’re meant to be—so live with joy and make memories.”
Marc Paskiewciz—This Is a Place to Fail
“If there’s one thing I can give you, it’s this—college is a training ground for failure. You’re going to fail. And you might fail pretty hard. But this is the place to get back up. At the end of it all, when you look back on those awful days, you’ll see how Christ was shaping you the entire time. So fail—but honor Christ through it.”
Ben Bird—Surround Yourself Well
“Find people who hold you accountable. People who make you better. People who push you toward the Lord every single day. Those relationships will change your life.”
Doug Seeley—Change Will Shape You
“I’ve been here a long time. A lot of professors know my parents because they went here, too. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s that change is the wind that shapes our sails. Sometimes it’s gentle. Sometimes it’s strong. But it always moves us forward. As you face transitions and brand-new chapters, remember—this is the ground where new dreams take root.”
Doug Seeley—Keep Going
“You have so much ahead, more than you can imagine. So walk boldly. Love deeply. Learn from every high and low, and Lord knows we’ve all had both. This journey is a beautiful mosaic of moments shaping who you’ll become. Keep going. You’re on your way.”
Julia Schultz—Discover a Love of Learning
“I didn’t love learning when I first came here. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d ever be someone who wanted to pursue a master’s degree. But here I am. I’m grateful to the professors who helped me fall in love with learning, and now I can’t get enough of it.”
Conclusion
Wherever you are in your journey—just starting out, halfway through, or questioning your next step—remember this: you don’t have to have it all figured out. Lean into community. Take the next step. Trust that God is working. You’re not alone. You’re growing. And this season matters.
