Guidance from the pros: Ambassadors offer advice to first-year students

Starting college can be both exciting and intimidating, so why not take some advice from those who have been there, done that?

Here, Mercyhurst University sophomores, juniors, and seniors—who also serve as Ambassadors—share some timely advice with the Class of 2028. Their guidance is based not only on their own freshman experience but also on their extensive knowledge gained from interacting with prospective students and their families during campus tours.

Participating Ambassadors were asked to answer the following two questions: 

1. What do you wish you knew as a first-year student?

2. What advice would you give to the Class of 2028?

Here is what they had to say: 

Jayden Gustafson. Ridgway, Pennsylvania. Class of 2025. Triple Major: Business Competitive Intel/Economics/Data Science

1. What I wish I knew when coming into college is to not be afraid to ask for help! You're paying for this education. Use the resources that are available and meant to make your life easier and more efficient!

2. Get involved! Mercyhurst offers so many opportunities that you need to take advantage of for future development of your career and as a person. Joining clubs, teams, or any sort of group will help you develop your interpersonal skills, as well as start your networking capabilities that will help in the long run.

Taylor Fenstermaker. Corry, Pennsylvania. Class of 2026. Music Therapy Major

1. What I wish I knew coming into college was not be afraid to invite others to do something with you: get a meal, see a theatre production, watch a sporting event, or just to go on a walk! Other freshmen are feeling the same type of isolation and are looking for friends, too. The worst answer you could get is a possible "no" or a "maybe later." Be bold and meet people!

2. My advice to the Class of 2028 is more of a reminder: you are not defined by your grades! It is, of course, very important to focus on academics and put in the effort and work for your grades, but if you don't get a great grade on a test or even an entire course, it is not the end of the world. You are more than a major and more than a student. College is a time to grow in all areas of your life. Not just academically. So, work hard, but remember your worth!

Olivia Fucci. Arkport, New York. Class of 2025. Triple Major: Intelligence Studies/Political Science/Religious Studies

1. As a first-year student, I wish I had asked more questions! The classroom environment at Mercyhurst provides a space for students to ask questions and make connections with your professors. I never realized how asking questions will only further your knowledge and make your education much more valuable.

2. One piece of advice I would give to the Class of 2028 is that it is never too early (or too late!) to start making connections. Your relationships on campus will prove to be extremely beneficial not only as an upperclassman but in your post-grad years as well.

Jay Tonks. Erie. Major: B.A. Sport Business Management ’25; M.S. Organizational Leadership ’26 (4+1)

1. As a first-year student, I wish I had known how easy it was to get involved and receive help when needed. We have a tremendous number of clubs and organizations across campus. Attending events like the Involvement Fair and accessing the Laker Launchpad site is a great way to find all of them. Additionally, utilizing resources, such as Academic Support and the Counseling Center will give someone the help they may need.

2. The best advice I would give to the Class of 2028 is to be yourself. These next four years serve as a great chance to develop who you are and grow in various ways. You will experience a lot of ups and downs. Be grateful for every one of these experiences as they will shape the person you are growing up to be. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, and you will learn so much!

Anthony Soltis. Erie. Class of 2025. Major: Cybersecurity/Data Science (Dual Major)

1. What I wish I knew was that attendance, punctuality, and organization are everything in college. Some classes are difficult, but for the most part, in my experience, the general classwork gave more quantity than difficulty. It’s all about managing time. Attending class/lectures gives you important information so that you can study less in your free time, so attend your lectures! Turning in assignments late has severe point deductions when compared to high school, so turning in assignments on time is critical. The number one reason that my friends failed class or dropped out was not being able to manage their time and slacking till the last minute. There is a greater quantity of responsibility, assignments, tests, and meetings than high school. I wish I would’ve known to keep an agenda sooner, and it would be my number one priority going back.

2. Start an agenda as soon as possible. Whether it be paper, a calendar on the wall, or your digital outlook calendar, start an agenda. In the agenda, include homework assignments, classes, meetings, clubs, and anything else you get involved in. I would not have gotten through college without an agenda.

Taylor Small. Sterling, Virginia. Class of 2027. Major: Intelligence Studies 
 
1. One thing I wish I knew is that not everything is about classes! Joining different clubs and finding different activities you LOVE are also part of college. It helps relieve so much stress and gives you something to do when you have free weekends or maybe even when you need a break!

2. My advice to class of 2028: Don’t stress about making friends. Speaking from experience, they come when you least expect it. You will meet so many people from so many different things like classes, clubs, activities, or even when you're just walking somewhere.

PHOTO: Junior Taylor Fenstermaker, at left, chats with freshman Fashion Merchandising major Katie Vittone of Pittsburgh.