Welcome to Saint Xavier University! Our features section wanted to give you some advice and share some personal experiences we had first starting college. It can be tough starting a new school and becoming a part of a new environment/community. However, most students starting college feel the same way. We wanted to tell you that you are not alone! All of us have had similar experiences and are happy to share them with you all.
Hello there (Yes that was a Star Wars reference),
My name is Brian Raica. I’m currently the features editor of the Xavierite newspaper. I am so happy you decided to come here. Saint Xavier is truly something special. Although we may not be a big school like NIU, we have something that they don’t. Because we are so small, it feels like a giant family. Practically everyone knows each other, and we all enjoy our time.
College is a topic that inspires fear in so many people. I was one of those people at one point, anxious to the point where I went numb thinking about just the idea of it. However, I have no regrets with my decision, and have deeply enjoyed my time so far. I am about to start my third year, and I’m grateful for everything that I’ve got to experience so far.
Perhaps my favorite memory was going to Navy Pier one of the first weeks of my Freshman year for a Student Activities Board (SAB) event. While we were there I had so much fun with friends. I got to go on the Ferris wheel and visit all the shops on the inside. Events like this happen nearly every month, and it’s never too early to get involved.
I hope you all have a fantastic first year, and get to experience everything you’ve looked forward to and more. Do not be afraid, everyone is friendly, and that’s what I love most about Saint Xavier. College is where you learn who you are, and be who you want to be!
-Brian Raica
Hey,
My name is Sam. I’m one of the Features reporters for the Xavierite. Around this time last year, I was in your position. I was so nervous about starting college, I can’t even begin to list all the little things I worried over. If I could, I’d show you all the texts I sent friends that were also going to SXU. I practically begged them to tell me what via date they were going to or what their classes were.
I want to tell you that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. Go with the flow and really enjoy your first year. Take advantage of everything SXU has to offer. (Highly recommend looking at The Den as often as possible. There’s so many events with free food and free sports games!!) SXU is a place that can be so fun if you make it fun. Join RSOs/organizations and make friends. The people you meet can become one of your greatest allies.
Many of my closest friends are people I met in TRIO or at The Xavierite. Even if you think you don’t need new friends, talk to people in class. You’ll be glad you did when you miss class and come back to the professor being on a completely different topic.
Finally, and I cannot stress this enough, BE YOURSELF. Yes, college is a good opportunity to reinvent yourself, but don’t lose yourself in the process. The best people you’ll meet are those who like you for who you are.
-Sam Alcala
To any incoming first-year student,
If there’s one piece of advice I can give you as you begin your college journey, it’s this: be authentic, as if nobody’s watching.
Join organizations and activities that reflect your interests and make your heart happy; ones that you can put your heart, soul, blood, sweat, and tears into.
Don’t become friends with people who display behaviors that don’t align with your morals just because you feel that you need friends in college. Trust me, when I say that you will find better people, and you don’t have to cling to detrimental friends early on in college in the name of companionship.
Utilize these college years to figure out who you are and what you want out of life, and don’t be afraid to have new experiences and test new waters. These are the years to experiment with life, so take advantage of that before it is too late.
I wish anyone reading this and the entire incoming class of first-year students at SXU a very happy 2024-2025 school year!
-John McNamara
As someone going into their fifth year at Saint Xavier University, I can say that college has helped me discover myself and my purpose. This would not have been possible without my peers and professors who have guided me along the way.
My first two years of college were some of the hardest years of my life. What I would recommend is soaking in all of the good and the bad and accepting what happens. Understand that you can only control what you can control.
Do not let what other people say get in the way of you accomplishing your goals. It can be easy to get lost in the mix of trying to fit in or trying to be a person you think is acceptable. In reality, you have to be satisfied with yourself and your own personal journey.
One thing I would recommend is finding a professor that can serve as a mentor and guide through every rough patch; it really makes a difference. There are so many people and resources available at Saint Xavier that are meant to make your college experience less stressful. Be grateful for every second and open to every new door.
-Barbara Lunsford
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