MHC Students

Alumnae Advice

Maura Camosse ’00: Get off campus! Study abroad if you can, but if not take part in the classes that are involved in community based learning. While Mount Holyoke has created a wonderful community it is important to gain perspective and to then incorporate that into your learning.

Ronnie Greenfield ’71: What I tell my own children is: listen to everyone’s opinion and advice. Of course, you certainly shouldn’t act on all of it, but even bad advice will get you to think about what would be better. You can make better decisions if you realize that (1) most situations require that decisions be made, even if the situations seem innocuous and (2) you’ve thought about alternative actions and evaluated possible outcomes.

Linda Plonowski-Bollea ’93: Live each day as if it were your last. Take advantage of all that MHC and the world have to offer, take part in what interests you, and be able to say, “I did!!” as opposed to, “I should have.. could have.. would have.. but..” Life can change in an instant and often times the opportunities we are given one day do not exist the following day.

Taryn Tong ’07: Spend time at the Career Development Center, even if it’s just half an hour. When you’re applying to jobs, don’t fence yourself into just one type of job because for me, it was fun to explore all my options. You can learn a lot about yourself and your career goals from services offered at the Career Development Center. If you’re passionate about working in the non-profit world, try looking into job opportunities affiliated with AmeriCorps. There are tons of positions, and because they are usually linked with non-profits, you get tons of responsibilities. Right now, I am an AmeriCorps State member with Jumpstart For Young Children, and I get to do everything from hire my own supervisor to lead teams of older adults (55+) in preschool classrooms to build literacy skills with low-income children.

Meredith Anand ’99: Do not be afraid to explore academic opportunities outside of what you would consider “typical” for your interests. MHC professors are very supportive of your pursuits, and are willing to support you even in areas you would not consider your strengths, but you are strongly interested in. For example, I was a biology major, but became greatly interested in remote sensing and geographical planning. I actually became a geography minor due to my enjoyment of classes I decided to pursue in that discipline. Though I do not use that expertise in my current field as a physical therapist, I value that experience that I had, and consider it enrichment. Also, do not worry if you are not completely locked into your career path when you leave MHC. I was sure I wanted to do research, however took a couple of years to gain experience in the field before pursuing and advanced degree. I am so glad that I did that, otherwise I might never have chosen to be a physical therapist, which I absolutely love!

Brunilda Hernandez FP’93: I remember DeLonga. I was in his sculpture class twice. I loved every minute of his presence. I learned from him to always find the Why? in things that are and that were said. It was such a joy to be at breakfast with him and the rest of the casting crew early in the mornings and explore the Why? of whatever was spoken about at the moment. Therefore, my advice is to, for as long as you can, find the Why? in things, people and places. It will be a life changing process. And enjoy this journey like he did.

Kate Laird ’95: If you have the slightest interest in something- go for it. This is the time to do it. Try out for a play. Take a pottery class. Join WMHC. Take a course that totally intimidates you. There is so much to take from MHC and the surrounding colleges and area. And though your schoolwork alone may seem overwhelming, there IS room. I wish I had taken in more experiences because once out and making my way- I lost some of the resources and time.

Lori Kelman ’82: Get to know your professors - this is one of the best things about a small college!

Jennifer Kachajian ’95: Don’t worry so much about the major. Do what you really like and eventually you will like what you do.

Justina Grubor ’97: Unless your textbooks are for your major, get rid of them as you go. Otherwise you will be staring at a big pile of books you don’t need anymore when it is time to graduate. They are heavy to move and you’ll need new ones for graduate school anyway. Also, if you are thinking about any type of graduate school in the future, take statistics as an undergraduate. You’ll need it later and even if you don’t need it for graduate school you will be a more effective critical reader. Find work you love to do even if it takes a long time to figure out what that is. Know that parenting full time is perfectly valid work if you choose it.

Peg Danek ’85: The best advice that I ever received is: “You should never have to study for a test. If you do, then you didn’t do your job as a student and really learn the material that was presented in class.” Although I graduated many years ago I still take one or two training classes every year. I study differently now. I understand that the goal isn’t to get great grades but to really learn and understand the material. What good is getting an “A” when you forget everything in a few months because you didn’t absorb the information? The class would be a complete waste of time in that case and time is something very precious.

Nancy Bloom ’60: Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get high grades on papers, tests, and exams while at Mount Holyoke. What you don’t realize is that you are developing into a highly educated woman, something that cannot always be measured right away. It is not until you get into the work world that you will see what Mount Holyoke has done for you. You will stand out from your fellow workers because of the work ethic that MHC instilled in you. You will not settle for poorly done work any more than your professors would accept it from you. Also, you will be amazed at the breadth of knowledge that you accumulated as a student. There is a reason that the words “Mount Holyoke” still resonate with employers as well as the general public. Just work the best you can. You will be very pleased with the rewards of a Mount Holyoke degree.

Joanne Adamowicz ’73: Major in a subject that you really enjoy - forget about prestige, making money, impressing people, following in anyone’s footsteps...enjoy your major - learn, become engaged, become inspired and inspire others…

Naomi Adler ’88: Take time out to literally sit and be with yourself; to get to know who you are and what makes you truly happy is so important. I used to sit by the waterfall on campus to clear my head and years later it still works so take the time now to figure out how to do this so that when you are stressed at any time during your life you will be able to deal with it better. As for career advice, definitely go on to graduate school if you can afford it before you are partnered with another person or have children. Waiting to meet the right person after I had gone to law school and started my career was so helpful later on as I had to reinvent myself and my professional life many times during the last 16 years. I am married with three small boys and would have no time to go to school now. Having a law degree gave me a leg up every time. I don’t practice law anymore but the degree and skills help me every day in my job (I am CEO of a United Way). Good luck!

Melinda Spong ’90: When those bells ring announcing the dawn of another Mountain Day, pick yourself up and go. If you go with friends one year, go by yourself the next. Do not think of Mountain Day as a time to catch up on sleep, reading, or writing. Enjoy the spontaneity of Mountain Day. Your work can wait another day; your friendships, your spirit and the joy of the moment cannot.

Claire Cox ’66: Become established on a career path before marriage. That way one will become more secure as an individual and adult and can enter marriage with that perspective intact. That will make for a stronger person and a stronger marriage.

Dee Boling ’88: Follow your bliss. You might not make a lot of money, but you’ll *enjoy* your life. There are plenty of people with lucrative, high-profile jobs who are miserable.

Rachel Happe ’93: Don’t silence yourself because there are louder more assertive sounding voices in a discussion - your intuition will point you in the right direction to make good decisions. It took me over a decade to realize that that there is rarely a ‘right’ answer just individual perspectives and that my experience and education typically pointed me in the right direction.

Carol Salomon ’69: “You can’t have everything; you have to make choices.” Those words, spoken by a therapist about 14 years after I graduated from Mount Holyoke, were a revelation to me. At Mount Holyoke we were told we were “uncommon women” and could have it all: career, husband, family, sparkling home, etc. It turns out that, for most of us, “having it all” is unrealistic, and one gains peace in understanding that.

Joanna Lovett ’00: Keep your resume up to date. Keep notes on every internship and job you have so you can update your resume. You never know when you’ll need an updated resume and it can be very hard to remember the details of a job from years ago. Save yourself the pain and suffering and update as you go!

Olga Karagiozi ’07: Start doing your homework for the following week on Thursday or Friday. This way you will be finished with it by the end of the weekend and will not have to worry about it during the week. That gives you enough time to hang out with friends and participate in extra curricular activities. Also, this second piece of advice I deducted from a friend’s studying habits that always seemed to work. When you have tons of homework, it’s OK to tell your friends to leave you alone and even be a bit adamant about it; they WILL understand. Do research, but always make sure to choose a topic that YOU and not your professor is interested in. Else you won’t enjoy it as much or get a lot out of it. If you are an upper-class woman, keep CDC’s calendar of info sessions as a bookmark in your browser and attend the info sessions; that’s the easiest way to get an internship or a job. Learn how to use your network space as it’s a very good alternative to flash drives and diskettes. There’s also \\ambr\distribution where you can get anti-virus software and other pc goodies. Take classes off campus; it’s always a good habit to change environments even for a couple of hours every week. If you have a single in 18 or Ham, do get a corkboard for your connecting door. It will keep the noise coming in and going out of the room down, and it’s a nice area to put pictures and other decorations on. Don’t talk in class, just to talk. It’s better to say 1 thing that’s smart, than 100 that are dumb; both your classmates and your professor will be happier with you. Plus you don’t want to be that annoying kid. If you want to get in the corporate world, do take golf. It might very well be one of the most important classes you’ll take :) Be nice to staff; it’s not only the proper way to be, but it also provides you with an ally the times you’ll need to have a room swap or talk to the dean during exams or get a cookie after the kitchen’s closed or even get a camera from media services without filing a request a week in advance. And in order to enjoy MHC you need to have fun and make it your home. Only you know how to do that, so go ahead and do it.

Ana Cecilia Ver ’03: A Mount Holyoke friend can always be counted on. Find friends who support you, challenge you, and love you no matter what. Learn what a good friend is, and don’t forget to reciprocate! Remember, friends can have different ethnicities, politics, or majors. Seek people out and don’t dismiss differences.

Susan Ettenheim (Geller) ’75: There are more jobs available than you could have in your whole life. You only need one good one. It is not hard to find a good job. It just takes stamina.

Laura Combemale ’90: Always believe in yourself. Have the courage and confidence to follow your aspirations, wherever they may lead.

Lindsay Theile ’04: Ask questions! Whether you’re in a Weissman lecture in Hooker, an alumnae panel event or a lunch & learn at your summer internship, when you ask questions, you stand out from the crowd. You stay engaged to what the speaker is saying and connect with him or her by raising your hand, and asking a question.

Karina Monroe ’07: Take CBL Community-Based Learning Courses. Not only will this give you much needed experience on your resume, it will give you an opportunity to learn about and from the greater community. Holyoke, South Hadley and other surrounding communities benefit from your assistance but you learn valuable interpersonal, professional and practical skills. As part of the required coursework for designated CBL classes, theory comes alive.

Marisa Peacock ’01: Study what you love. Take art classes. Learn a new language. Do all the things that you probably won’t have time to do when you’re in the “real world.” Be an art major, dance major, study Latin; don’t listen to the people who tell you to major in something “practical.” They are the people who take life too seriously and will be bored by their jobs in the future. Do what you love. Follow your passion, even if it might change tomorrow. Revel in the liberal arts. It will make you a much more interesting person, especially at dinner parties.

Emily White ’06: During college, and even after college, nothing is ever permanent. The decision and choices that you make don’t have to be final. There is almost always a chance to change your mind and take a new path, whether it’s a different major or a different career. Do what’s right for you at the time, but remember to let yourself be flexible.

Ann Fisk ’92: Keep a detailed journal/scrapbook/blog. Include your feelings, tastes and opinions, as well as the ‘routine’ experiences such as M&Cs, prepping for exams, etc.

Barbara Eckhardt ’49: Even more important than learning all the facts about a subject is to know how and where to find the facts when you need them. (A valuable lesson learned from Christina Smith at MHC that has served me well)

Melanie Bopp ’04: Don’t spend so much time studying that you miss out on new opportunities and friends, but don’t spend so much time making those friends and memories that you don’t do well in your classes. There is always a perfect balance for everything, one that does not involve giving up time to sleep so you can visit your friends or pull an all-nighter. The balance will change from semester to semester, week to week, and sometime even day to day. Find what works for you.

Aya Tanaka ’94: Regardless of what career you choose, knowledge of accounting and finance will give you a deeper understanding of how money flows. It doesn’t matter if you work at an NGO, a school, an investment bank, a hospital, at home, a law firm, or a research lab; ultimately, all places need the flow of money to operate. So my advice is, take an accounting and finance class. Also, wear sun block lotion EVERYDAY!

Mariko LeBaron ’96: First year, I was having a ‘I’m-not-sure-what-I-want-to-do-with-my-life’ discussion with my physics professor. He suggested that I write down on a piece of paper what I hoped to be doing in 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years, 25 years. Then, he said, put the piece of paper away. It seemed too simple. But I did it and found that over the years, I’ve pretty much attained the goals I’ve set out on these lists. I think these lists can work for anyone - it’s a chance for you sit down by yourself, and really think about what you want. And, then put it away and do something you can only do at MHC, like take a walk around Upper Lake, or go to Atkins with a friend. : )

Evelyn Chen ’07: Embrace your inquisitive mind. Charge forth with every opportunity in front of you - the seminars, student-led organizations, guest speakers, off-campus activities. All of it was organized with you in mind. It’s time to truly invest in your education and soak in the intellectual rays.

Laurie Woo (nee Soojian) ’78: Just realize that your MHC education will prepare you for (potentially) several different career or vocational opportunities. You will probably go through a number of work and family-related phases in your life (probably simultaneously). When I was in my 20s, this fluidity and uncertainty scared me; now I understand that it made my life more interesting and fulfilling. Today, I’m not only open to change, I’m actively seeking it! So I’d say you should follow every one of your dreams, as they come. Embrace change, don’t be afraid to “fail”, and enjoy your life!

Allison Craney ’06: Get involved! Pick a team, club, or organization that you’re passionate about, and make it a major part of your MHC life. If your club or team doesn’t exist- create it! The experiences you have will last long past MHC.

Jeanne Calloway 2003 Go abroad! As wonderful as your Mount Holyoke experience can be, it is truly enriched by the immersion in another culture.

Elizabeth Greason ’95: From my grandfather in 1991 when I left for MHC, “Work hard, and play hard.”

Karina Sandweg ’90: Embrace “thinking outside the box”, whatever it may be. Just remember that thinking outside the box gets easier the more you practice it, and it makes you more flexible, interesting, and appealing to the rest of the world. You learned to break your own parameters in college, but doing the same thing outside requires practice, commitment, and time to get used to it. It is the people who believe, think, and act outside the established norms that change the world one place at a time, one person at a time, even if that place or person is themselves.

Jerrienne Barrett ’83: Take every opportunity to be a leader in any organization that you enjoy. The skills, confidence and networking benefits are many and varied. Being President of the Local Alumnae Club I was able to reference that experience when I was interviewing for a new position and I was able to use one of my vice presidents as a reference for my leadership skills.

Miriam Raphael ’47: I believe it was philosophy Prof Roger Holmes who told us freshmen not to let our classes interfere with our education. I took his advice very seriously, and it made all the difference.…

Sara Greenleaf ’92: Do what you love and success will come. (I received this advice from the father of one of my dearest MHC friends and have never forgotten it because he was right, and it changed my life.)

Jennifer Allen ’95: Flop, fail and stumble in something completely out of your comfort zone. I was never an athlete but I decided not to let that stop me and I had the best time in rugby. In high school I was not a confidant speaker but I joined radio station on campus and it was a blast.

Sara Marquis ’03: MHC can be a very intimidating place - but DO find time to laugh, have fun, and don’t take everything too seriously. One not so perfect grade on one assignment will not haunt your life, but not connecting with your friends, finding yourself outside of your class work, that can come to trouble you. Also, get off campus from time to time. It provides better perspective. and you won’t be at MHC forever!

Valerie Barr ’77: Have your elevator speech ready! Be able to tell someone in 30 seconds what it is you are trying to accomplish. If you grab their attention, then you might have the chance to give them more detail. But if you can’t tell them in 30 seconds what you are trying to do, then you’ve lost your chance.

Aileen Suzara ’06: Remember that “being focused” doesn’t need to equal being isolated in your academics. Sharing your time and talents, or finding a new, creative outlet, might just become the most energizing and balancing experience of your college career. Explore your interests and ground your studies through volunteering, student organizations, community building projects, and other activities that are connected to your career goals – or that may seem utterly different. It’s more than OK to be idiosyncratic.

Alison Fowler ’95: Take at least one class outside your area of academic focus for no other reason than it sounds interesting.

Shigeri Takamatsu ’95: If you are an international student, take time to find your way of being - in classes, in social activities and on holidays. Enjoy the differences! Don’t assume there is only one culture. You are so brave to be there.

Sara Barry ’94: Take the opportunity to explore. Try a class in an area that you hadn’t considered before or that you don’t think of as your strength. Enjoy your MHC friends--one of the things I missed most when I first graduated was having my friends so close--but know that distance doesn’t really matter. Some of my closest friendships developed at MHC and remained strong through the years and across great distances. And MHC women may pop up in your life long after MHC is behind you; I’ve been running into a lot of them lately.

Lisa Oakes ’96: Many of you will volunteer your time to causes that are important to you while you are at MHC. Don’t take that gift you are offering for granted. You each have a lot to give to your friends, family and community. Continue to volunteer after Mount Holyoke. A small amount of your time can make a major impact on another’s life (maybe even your own). Also, try to enjoy every second of your time at MHC...it is a unique experience that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Good Luck!

Liza Oestreich ’07: Don’t let school and classes get in the way of your education as a responsible human being. Learn not only from your classes, but also from your friends and professors outside of classes. Explore who you are and who you want to become in this world. Grades are not everything - but who you are as a person is everything. Learn about you. Mary Lyon is quoted as having said the following, “There is nothing in the universe that I fear, but that I shall not know all my duty or shall fail to do it.” When you leave Mount Holyoke, ask yourself - who am I and what am I doing? What is my purpose? Ask yourself the hard questions... you may not have answers at first. But follow your gut and live into the answers.

Landa M. Freeman FP’95: For FPs: Don’t be afraid. Mount Holyoke will back you up one hundred percent. And, you can teach an old dog new tricks!

Shannon Piner ’99: Spread your wings! Take a class in a subject that is totally new to you (Greek, anyone?). Eat new foods. Meet new people. Always remember and cherish the person you were when you first walked through those MHC gates, but acknowledge that you will be a different person when you walk through them again after graduation. You will be more educated, well-rounded (and not just from the freshman-10), and more confident.

Barbara Drummond Kerlin ’54: I complained to a father of a fellow MHC classmate that I had to study too hard to keep up my honor grades. He replied “It’s a lot easier to live up to a reputation than it is to live one down.” I have tried to live with that in mind in the workplace, at home, and in social settings for over 50 years.

Rhea Ghosh ’05: When you’re looking at job offers make sure to consider the team of people you will be working with. It makes all the difference in the world to be working on a team with whom you have good rapport.

Lauren Bonvini ’07: NETWORK! Talk to professors whose work you find interesting. Find out if there are any other faculty members in the Five College area (or elsewhere) that research topics you find fascinating. They may have great career ideas or connections to people at other universities or elsewhere that can help guide you toward a career path you’ll truly enjoy. Become comfortable associating with these people, because they’re not just your professors and advisors. They are also your colleagues who can learn from you, too!

Julie Viollaz ’07: Never think of your major as something that limits you in your choice of career. Just because you don’t have the traditional background to enter a particular graduate program or apply for a particular job doesn’t mean you won’t get it. I was a biology major with a music minor at MHC and am now in my first year of a PhD in Criminal Justice. Take a chance; you’d be surprised how much people value the unusual.

Susan Bushey ’96: The best advice I can offer is to use your MHC connections. I wanted to be a journalist so I found an exec editor at the Boston Globe who was an alum and called her to ask how to do it. It was the hardest call of my life to that point, but she gave me advice that I followed and it worked! Use us alums as much as you can because we are a family and a continued community!

Lucia Fenney ’07: Don’t be afraid to try something new!

Marisabina Russo Stark ’71: The professors who inspire you will always be in your head. Professor Valentine Giamatti was my inspiration. He taught me to take chances, explore the world, and live every day with exuberance and curiosity. A more generous spirit, I have never met.

Erica Berman ’05: My best advice is to take off campus courses! By utilizing the five colleges, I was able to sing with a five-piece Jazz Ensemble at Amherst, take “Math as an Art Form” at Smith to fulfill my MHC math requirement, and attend Hampshire Halloween every year. Taking the PVTA every semester for three years was well worth taking unique courses, meeting new people, and engaging in dynamic discussions in and out of class. Now that I am enrolled in a graduate program, I really miss being able to scan *five* course listings as opposed to one.

Sierra Thomsen ’05: college friends are like sisters, seek out those who will challenge you and support you and hold on to them. you may not always have your friends close at hand, so at the end of the day feel comfortable in your ability to take care of yourself.

Mimi Frank ’76: You are surrounded by a faculty with incredible credentials and a peer group that will be in the top of their fields in the future. Take every opportunity to get to know your college community. Be confident and let the valuable education you have earned propel you through life.

Faith Giordano ’06: Treat MHC like an all-you-can-eat buffet: try a little bit of everything. Of course it’s smart to have a goal and a focus. But if you put blinders on, you might end up questioning everything you ever thought you wanted after you graduate. If you throw yourself into a wide range of classes, jobs, internships, friendships, etc, you’ll be in a much better position not only to know what you want, but also to make positive changes if you find yourself stuck in your own life.

Hannah Bernhardt ’04: If you have never been, go to your professors’ office hours. They are not that scary and it can help your grades a lot!

Winifred Connerton ’92: Ask for help -- even when you feel like you “ought” to know what you’re doing. Everyone gets overwhelmed at times, and nobody can be on top of everything all the time. You may find that you are not the only one who is having problems, you might find out that you are supposed to be checking in for help so that your advisor/mentor/boss can assess what you’re up to, and asking can also be an indication for other people to get in there and help you out a little (or a lot). Asking for help has enabled me to survive two (almost three) more degrees after MHC and 13 years of clinical practice, and I only regret the times I didn’t ask.

Kathryn Gandek-Tighe ’84: No matter what groove you fall into at MHC - academically, personally or for your future profession - it can all change the minute you leave. You can take the skill sets you developed at MHC in research, writing, leadership, organization, making friends, whatever and use them to redirect where you want to go at anytime in your life. There’s no reason to limit yourself unless you want to!

Lynda Palermo ’72: 1. Every semester, take one course for no other reason that it seems fun, or fascinating, or just different from anything you’ve done before. Take it pass/fail if need be, but take it! Years later, you will find that you remember more about these courses than those you took to satisfy a distribution or major requirement, or for some “practical” future purpose. Every alumna has a list of courses she wishes she had taken in college--make certain your list will be a short one. 2. Never, never, never choose to stay on campus and study on Mountain Day.

Margo Burns ’79: Mentors matter: pick the classes you take based on the professor, not the subject matter. A truly excellent professor can make the least-likely subject -- 13th century Persian rug making or the life-cycle of bovine parasites -- into a life-altering experience, while a poor teacher can take something inherently interesting -- human sexuality -- and transform it into a mind-numbingly dull and thoroughly unengaging waste of your time, and quash any budding interest and curiosity you have. Ditto for jobs and careers after college: work with people you like and trust and who inspire you. Most people leave jobs because of bad relationships with co-workers and bosses than issues with the work itself.

Laura Brand-Bauer ’87: Don’t forgo those once in a lifetime opportunities that may only be available to you while you’re in college. I was too uptight to take a dance class when I was in school and I still kick myself for not taking advantage of MHC’s amazing dance department. I was too lazy to take a Five-College class or to do an exchange, and I still wish I had at least once participated in one of these environments outside MHC’s gates. Yes, college is supposed to prepare you for your career and such, but it’s also a time to be free, experiment, and to enjoy life.

Anne Lairmore ’81: I apologize that this is a “nuts & bolts” kind of advice and not a “warm & fuzzy” one, but as new graduates we all think that there is plenty of time to start saving for retirement, but the best time to start is with your first job, your first paycheck. Put as much money as you can afford into a retirement plan from the start, before you get in the habit of spending your whole paycheck. With each raise you get, put all of that additional money into your retirement fund until you are saving the annual legal limit. Most people have no idea how important time is in this critical financial equation and your financial security.

Deborah Frank Feinen ’89: While being mentored as a new attorney the senior partner taught me that listening is more important than speaking, especially in Court. Lawyers (and non-lawyers) often have the urge to state their position, to be heard and that can get in the way of truly listening. Also, sometimes (especially in Court) the best thing you can do is be quiet.

Alex Ommaya MA’88: When thinking about future plans, think about activities for which you have talent and activities you enjoy. Then talk to people doing those jobs. Most people are very approachable when you ask them to tell you about their career and experience. Ask them what experience you need, what they enjoy about the work, and what they don’t. Think about your education as opening doors to future experiences. There are often a number of pathways to the same position, chose the one which provides the best experience for you.

Vicki Bensley Burke ’92: Take advantage of all MHC and the area has to offer. Try everything -- new foods, new sports, classes that interest you. You may never have the chance again to have so much right at your fingertips.

Kristen Heintz-Perkins ’03: This came from a speaker on campus: Revel in your MHC experience, because it is one of the only places you’ll be where a woman is the best at everything - math, science, English, sports, etc. Everyone achiever you look up to, every potential role model, is female. That is a special situation, and something to be treasured and brought with you into the wider world. And from my dad, who married an MHC ’72 woman: “Uncommon women” are the best kind.

MaryKate Holden ’78: Find out your learning style early. We all learn in different ways but are usually a combination of visual, auditory or kinesthetic styles. When you know your learning style you can tailor your study habits so that you are really learning! If I had known this before my senior year my GPA would have been a lot higher. This is a tool that will help you your whole life since we are always learning.

Sarah Wefald ’06: Don’t freak out about what’s going to happen after graduation. As much as people complain about the “Mt. Holyoke bubble,” it’s a beautiful thing--MHC is a special place, so enjoy the upswings that bubble affords you while you’re there. But, of course, you do have to prepare for when you will eventually leave. Do what you love (and get some summer internships in that field!).

Olivia Velez ’98: Always keep your resume up-to-date and always have a business card on you. If you are still a student, make yourself a student business card with your information and possibly a link to a home page that has your resume and research interests.

 

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