Last Wednesday, the PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) hosted a program titled “What’s Next?” Three Oswego Alumni were invited as guests to answer questions concerning life post-grad. The alumni were visibly eager and open to sharing their experiences. The alumni told their stories of adjusting to life post-college, looking for a job, and making the best of your time in college.

I’ll mostly focus on their advice while in college more than post graduation, as I feel it’ll be more helpful to the audience reading this.

One of the thing the alumni stressed was the importance of utilizing the university’s sources to get internships. One of the alumni guest said he was able to be hired right out of college because of his internship connections. The school is constantly throwing opportunities at your feet, it’d be in your best interest to take advantage of them.

Another piece of advice was to take classes that either further aid your major or just plain interest you. One alumni said she took a course simply because it intrigued her, and to her surprise she was able to utilize the knowledge gained in that class and further expand on it in her current job. One also highlighted the importance of taking your Capstone course seriously.

Lastly, the alumni advised students to “know your worth” Whether that means taking much needed time to relax or taking yourself out of un-beneficial situations such as a job/club/class/relationship or etc. Knowing your worth will always lead you in the right direction in life.

College is the ideal time to find yourself and explore new opportunities. With this can also come stress and concern about academics. Academics in college can be difficult but this is because it’s supposed to challenge you and in the end – it’s worth it. The truth is, time management is everything. It is important that you join extracurriculars and explore opportunities to meet new people but it is also important to be managing your time effectively and getting your work done. As a senior, I have taken my fair share of classes and I’m here to provide you with some tips for success in academics during your time in college!

1. Utilize Resources:

On campus, there is the writing center and tutoring center that is available for students that are in need of help. Using these two resources is a great way to get an outside perspective on your paper or get some insight in a class that you’re struggling in. Another crucial resource held by professors are office hours. Office hours are a time where your professor is readily available to speak about anything that you may need such as a question about a paper that is due soon or even to express that you’re struggling and need some more assistance. Attending office hours can also help you form bonds with professors which is crucial during college.

2. Don’t procrastinate!

One thing that I’ve done all four years of college is use a planner. In the beginning of the semester I would input all due dates into my planner so that nothing is ever forgotten about. I am always sure to finish the assignment at least two days before it’s due (sometimes longer if it’s a big assignment) so that I’m not cramming at the last minute. I’ve utilized this method because I know my best work is not completed an hour before it’s due date and I’ve found that this is the case for many others as well!

3. Take time for yourself.

Mental health is extremely important and it is crucial that you are always making sure that your mental state is okay. Whether it may be spending time with friends, working out, putting on a face mask or watching your favorite show on Netflix, be sure to take time for yourself so that you’re able to do the best in your courses. After all, it’s college and it’s expected that you take some time to form bonds with others and to find yourself. 

4. Visit Penfield Library

The library is an awesome place to go if you need to get work done. Everyone in the library is generally there for the same reason and seeing everyone hard at work can give you motivation as well. The library and it’s employees also have various amounts of knowledge that can help you succeed in your courses. If you need a break, feel free to stop by Lake Effect Cafe and grab a snack and coffee to keep you on track.

Adjusting to college academics your first year may be a bit difficult but in time you’ll find ways that will help you succeed. Be sure to remember that it’s okay to have fun and meet friends but also know that the main reason you are here is because of academics so be sure to time manage! I hope these tips help you to reach success during your time at Oswego!

This Monday I went to a program held by the Latin Student Union club on campus. The event was titled The Call Out and attendees were to come together and talk about stereotypes attributed to different cultures. It only sounds kind of yawn and dispiriting but it was soo much fun. Although, most attendees were Latina or Latino, people of other cultures were invited and present. It was this really cool space where we can laugh and kind of poke fun of the accuracy and/or lack of accuracy over the stereotypes each culture was known for. We first waived off the general Latino stereotypes like: “the women being hot-headed” “being too loud” “loving spicy food” “expert dancers” “cooking with Adobo” “always partying” and other hilariously untrue fun facts.

The program presented different flags (i.e. Dominican, Salvadoran, Bolivian, Puerto Rican, &etc.) and had everyone throw out opinions about what they’ve been lead to believe about that group of people. Some were ridiculous, some were weird, some funny, some were compliments, and some were insulting. The moderators then followed up with stats and facts to support or contradict the answers.

The atmosphere was not tension-some nor uncomfortable. It was more educative and fun. Everyone there was eager to hear stories about each other’s personal experience with his/her culture. Especially stories involving our parents which are always a good laugh. I felt very connected with attendees in the room and the emotional support was present throughout the whole time.

My favorite part, besides the competitive game of Kahoot, was the conversation we had about speaking Spanish. Everyone had a different perspective when it came to one’s ability to speak it or not. Some, such as myself felt it was a vital part of being Latino/a and should always be upheld. Others shared the prejudice they faced for not speaking Spanish, or fearing being different when they do, or even struggling to speak English and the presence of a Spanish accent being a source of embarrassment. It was a very honest and lengthy discussion. But it ended on a solid note, in which we all agree that Spanish is a beautiful language and we vow to continue learning it for ourselves and/or teaching it to the future generations to come.

For any new Latino/a students that are reading this & are looking for a sense of community within their culture look up Latin Student Union. They are super inviting and you’ll feel right at home. Even if you’re not Latino and want to learn more about the culture I would advise to attend the meetings you’re guaranteed a really good time. I mean if you haven’t heard we’re “always partying.”

Seniors have about a month left until they walk across the stage at graduation! Here are some ideas to start planning and buying the perfect gift for your favorite graduate. From the more basic gifts to super customizable ones, these will impress any graduate and help them look, feel, and be their best self to start off their journey in the real world!

Alumni Gear –After putting in all the hard work and dedication to graduate, it’s time to rock that nice alumni sweatshirt, hat, or other apparel item.

Adult things –Apartment decor and accessories, electronics, random kitchen gadgets or appliances, and things that college students never really needed before make great graduation gifts. 

Money –Money is always a safe bet when it comes to gift giving because they can do anything they want with it. 

Nice Watch – Nothing screams adult, more than a nice watch. It also makes for a great accessory in the office and will spruce up any interview outfit.

Professional Clothes –By the time graduation rolls around, most college students are in desperate need of professional attire. Gifts cards to stores that sell great options for office outfits are great for those gift-givers who don’t know a graduates size or style well.

A gift card or membership for something they like to do –Find something that the graduate in your life loves to do and treat them to a gift card or membership that relates to their favorite hobbies. Think of things like yoga or a culinary classes.

In our senior year as a SUNY Oswego students, my friends and I are taking a new approach to spring break, and that’s staying right here in Oswego!  Living off campus, the opportunity to remain in town seemed like the perfect chance to hit a few bucket list items from Oswego to Syracuse, while also being on a budget. Whether these plans will someday be applicable to your own spring break experience, or simply a way to fill some weekends while attending the university, here a few things we came up with to fill our time.

Weather permitted Outdoor Activities:

-Walking through Breitbeck Park

-Exploring Fort Ontario

-Hiking to The West Pierhead Lighthouse

-The Bluffs

Indoor Activities:

-Destiny U.S.A. & Wonder Works

-Ontario Orchards

-Red Sun Fire Roasting Co.

-Dino’s House of Burgers

-Bistro 197

-The Press Box

Many of these may be obvious staples of the Oswego and Syracuse experience, but at the same time they tend to be those things that we never seem to get around to! If anyone would like further help researching these suggestions and others, please feel free to contact me at @sdonnel2@oswego.edu! Happy spring break to all!