Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Orientation Coordinator Lalaine Vergara 21, from Los Angeles, Calif., encourages first-year students to be open to doing anything! Even if it's something you didnt ever see yourself doing, itll definitely change your four years on the HWS campus!

Orientation Coordinator Garrett Downs 22, from Elba, N.Y., tells new students that it will be the best adventure of your life, if you only take a breath and ride the waves.

As one of the Orientation Leaders for international students, Daphna Bendull '21, from San Francisco, Calif., suggests that first-year students attend faculty office hours as they are a good way to get to know your professor, get help and meet other students.

Kenza Kebdani 21, from Marbella, Spain, advises first-years to take classes that you normally wouldnt go for.

Carling Landeche 21, from Sarasota, Fla., tells new students to prioritize sleep. Life gets crazy trying to balance your academics, a social life and getting involved in campus life. Remember to take time for yourself, get some exercise and do things that you enjoy. It will not only help your mental health, but will help you become a better student.

One of the Orientation Leaders for service and campus relations, Raja Hammad Mehmood 22, from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, tells students to be yourself and be confident about that because you have your own uniqueness.

An Orientation Leader assisting transfer students, Allison Jordan 21, from Boston, Mass., suggests taking all the opportunities you are given and don't be afraid to try something new.

Lindsay Lesniak 21, from Brockport, N.Y., says You're going to run into some obstacles. Not everything will always go your way, but just keep pushing. It will all be worth it.

An Orientation Leader for fellow international students, Sky Markaki 22, from Athens, Greece, encourages new students to travel as much as you can with friends and go abroad.

Chris Guertler 21, from Yarmouth, Maine, tells the newest members of campus to take time to enjoy campus and the surrounding areas.

One of the Orientation Leaders overseeing spirit and social media for the weekend, Mimi Smith 21, from Rochester, N.Y., tells first-year students that it's okay to not be the typical college student. It doesn't make you weird or less than anyone else. Do what makes you happy and don't ever apologize for it.

Mackenzie Frary 21, from Canton, N.Y., who is also overseeing spirit and social media, says Act now! Don't shy away from opportunity. Your college years will fly by. If you want to do something, do it! There is never a better time than now.