‘I will forever be grateful for the memories I've made at NDSU’

NDSU seniors recently shared advice for future students

Seniors discussed their experiences in the classroom and the campus community. Read below about what made their NDSU experience so impactful and unforgettable.

Name: Lauren Sampson
Hometown: Edmore, North Dakota
Majors: Music and Mathematics

What is the best thing about being a first-year student at NDSU?
You really have the opportunity to become whoever you want to be. With so many opportunities to get involved on and off campus, you can explore just about anything that you've thought sounded interesting to try.

Why did you choose NDSU?
I chose NDSU because of the professors. I had the opportunity to meet some of the math professors through NDSU's Sonya Kovalevsky Day and the North Dakota Governor's Schools. I also had the opportunity to spend a day in the Challey School of Music where I got to sit in on a band rehearsal, classes, and have a private lesson with my current clarinet instructor. That lesson was what really sold me on NDSU.

What are your future plans?
I'm still not totally sure what my future plans are exactly! I'm currently thinking about a career in instrument repair or in cryptology.

Name: Blane Walberg
Hometown: Cold Spring, Minnesota
Major: Electrical Engineering

What is your advice on adapting to being a college student?
Stay on top of your classes from day one.

What is the best thing about being a first-year student at NDSU?
There’s lots of fun things to do on campus to meet new people

What is your favorite place on campus?
I love all of the great spaces in the A. Glenn Hill Center to study with friends.

What are your future plans?
Working in the power industry.

Name: Kobi Allen
Hometown: Sentinel Butte, North Dakota
Majors: History and International Studies

What is your advice on adapting to being a college student?
My biggest piece of advice on adapting to being a college student would be to balance all the new time you have with completing your classwork. Actual class time will take up very little of your day. Use this time in between your classes to work on homework. You would much rather do your work during the week than being stuck doing it over the weekends.

What is the best thing about being a first-year student at NDSU?
There are so many opportunities around campus. College is your time to figure out not only what you want to do, but who you want to be. NDSU has over 270 different student clubs and organizations. Find some that you really enjoy and join them. You get to make friends and develop your skills outside the classroom and that will never hurt you when you are looking for a job after college.

Why did you choose NDSU?
I chose NDSU because it was just the right distance from home. I was far enough away to be independent of my parents, but close enough to still travel home over breaks. After getting here, however, I could not have made a better choice. I have met so many people and had the door to numerous opportunities opened for me. NDSU has helped me grow as a person, and that is something I will always be thankful for.

Name: Sydney Balstad
Hometown: Fosston, Minnesota
Major: Management Information Systems

If you could re-do your first year at NDSU, what would you do differently?
I would be more outgoing. During my first year at NDSU, I was shy and tended to stay in my dorm room. I didn't join any organizations on campus because I was scared that I would fall behind in classes. I feel like I missed out on making those friendships right away. Join an organization that has tangible membership and at least a once-a-week requirement. And if you don't like the organization you joined, join a different one. Also, don't worry too much about falling behind in classes. Most professors expect students to be involved in at least one organization. In fact, most instructors encourage it.

What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
Eat at the dining centers with my friends. It's always fun to relax and catch-up, and food always makes everything better.

Any advice about living on campus? Advice about roommates?
Stay on campus as long as possible. It's a great place to live and you don't have to worry about getting to campus because you're already there. Communicate your expectations for having a roommate and living together.

Name: Melody Thomas
Hometown: Fargo, North Dakota
Majors: French and Biological Sciences

What is your advice on adapting to being a college student?
College is a very different ball game than high school. I found it very helpful to write important dates in my planner as soon as professors posted the syllabus.

What will you appreciate most from your NDSU experience?
I will forever be grateful for the memories I've made here at NDSU. I have gained many friends and peers. Outside of academia, I have learned lifelong skills that will help me succeed in life.

What will you miss most from campus?
I will miss walking down halls and catching up with friends or classmates I haven't seen all semester.

Name: Noah Bachmeier
Hometown: Savage, Minnesota
Majors: Social Science Education and International Studies

What is your advice on adapting to being a college student?
Be open to all of the new experiences your entire time as a student. Each year will be different and bring new people, opportunities, hardships and lasting joyful memories. Establishing a routine is a great way to help keep you sane when things get hectic. Finding a safe “out” that works for you is a great way to help you adapt and cope. For me, my out is exercise and weightlifting. In the process, I made some great friends at the gym.

What will you appreciate most from your NDSU experience?
I am so thankful for all the people I have meet during my time at NDSU. I was fortunate enough to be a Resident Assistant in two different residence halls. I also studied abroad in Germany and was part of the NDSU Cheer team. These all enabled me to meet such a diverse group of people. While our paths are all different - some moved away, returned to their home country, graduated before or after me – I cherish all of the memories I have with the people I have met. The experiences I shared with these people have truly impacted me and my outlook on the world for the better.

Do you have any advice for future NDSU students?
Be your own person. College is time of self-discovery to help you determine who you are and what sort of person you want your personality to reflect. It helps you figure out your values, goals and will help you grow socially. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. This might mean joining a few clubs, studying abroad or simply starting a conversation with a random person. Cherish it all because it goes fast.