Do you remember your first year at WSU? It seems like just yesterday, right?

A lot can change in only four years– see how these four WSU students transformed from their first day of freshman year to their graduation day.

Rachel Williams Belter
BA in English – Literature & Language

2014

Rachel Williams Belter as a WSU freshman

What is your favorite thing about WSU?

The location.

What are you most looking forward to in college?

Meeting people.

What is your biggest fear about college?

Being away from family.

Describe yourself in one word:

Artistic

 

 

 

 

2018

Rachel Williams Belter as a WSU senior

What was your favorite thing about WSU?

All the wonderful people that are associated with WSU. From my peers to the faculty and staff, everyone is welcoming and charismatic. I’ve been impacted by so many incredible people over the past four years and made life-long friends.

What are you most looking forward to after graduating from college? Why?

I’m both excited and anxious to experience life outside of academia. Though I know I’ll be back in a few short yours to earn my M.A., I’m looking forward to new opportunities. Like many of my peers, I’ve spent sixteen years absorbing knowledge and I’m ready to enter the “real world” and conquer new challenges.

Looking back, what is one piece of advice you would give to your freshman self?

Be your own advocate; nobody knows what you need except for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because most people just want you to succeed.

Describe yourself in one word:

Wallflower

Arden Heath
BS in Biology – Cell & Molecular

2014

Arden Heath as a WSU freshman
What is your favorite thing about WSU? 

I love the energy, nice people, and stunning campus. It’s hard to pick one.

What are you most looking forward to about college? And why?

Being able to work toward doing something I love and doing this with awesome people.

What is your biggest fear about college: 

Failing for sure!
Describe yourself in one word: 

Energetic!

 

 

2018

Arden Heath as a WSU senior

What was your favorite thing about WSU?

My favorite thing about WSU was/is the town. It just feels like home!

What are you most looking forward to after graduating from college? Why?

It’s hard to pick one thing, but just having the opportunity to get into my career. It’s enthralling to think about joining the ranks of other doctors and scientists out there. I’m so excited to see where it takes me.

Looking back, what is one piece of advice you would give to your freshman self?

LOL. You’re in for a crazy journey. Hold on tight and don’t take anything for granted.

Describe yourself in one word:

Passionate

Nicki Zahhos
BS in Nursing

2014

Nicki Zahhos as a freshman at WSU

What is your favorite thing about WSU? 
The beautiful surroundings and lively campus.

What are you most looking forward to about college? And why?

Meeting new people and finding out more about myself.

What is your biggest fear about college: 

Failing or not doing as well as I would want to.

 

 

 

 

2018

Nicki as a WSU senior

What was your favorite thing about WSU?

The connections made with peers and professors. The professors genuinely care about you and your success.

What are you most looking forward to after graduating from college? Why?

Becoming a nurse and applying/sharing any passion for it with others. I feel that life has only just begun, and I’m excited for the future!

Looking back, what is one piece of advice you would give to your freshman self?

Do not be afraid to take a smaller class load if you need. Take as many credits or as few as you are able to handle.

Describe yourself in one word:
Thoughtful

Rebecca Borchardt
BS in Business Administration

2014

Rebecca Borchardt as a WSU freshman

What is your favorite thing about WSU? 
How beautiful the campus is.

What are you most looking forward to about college? And why?

Meeting awesome friends – so I can have fun with people that are somewhat like me.

What is your biggest fear about college: 

All the tests and readings homework.

Describe yourself in one word: 

Outgoing

 

2018

Rebecca as a WSU senior

What was your favorite thing about WSU?

How many different opportunities there were to get involved.

What are you most looking forward to after graduating from college? Why?

Being able to apply everything I’ve learned and continue to grow in a workplace and hopefully meet cool co-workers.

Looking back, what is one piece of advice you would give to your freshman self?

Everything is temporary, keep your head high even when things get tough

Describe yourself in one word:

Positive