As new freshmen navigate their first weeks of college, the future might seem like a mix of uncertainty and excitement. Many students often wonder what lies ahead in their academic journeys and whether they’ll be able to balance the responsibilities and challenges that come along with this critical time of their lives. Seniors Harry Wang and Paulina Miller’s stories offer both reassurance and the realities about the ups and downs of college life; let’s hear what they have to share!
Harry Wang is a 4/4 Computer Science major from Queens, NY, and the current Social Chair of the Chinese Student Association. You may also see him at the gym or at meetings and events hosted by the Badminton Club, Japanese Student Association, Korean Student Association, and many more! However, he wasn’t always such a social and outgoing person. “The first two years here, I really should have gone out more,” Wang reflects. “I thought I was an introvert until I reached out to people and actually became more comfortable around other people.”
At the beginning of his time at Stevens, Wang was not focused on academics and spent the bulk of his time playing video games, still transitioning from the routine he had grown accustomed to as a high school senior. Like many others, he also questioned his decision of pursuing his chosen major, computer science, and faced a tough initial learning curve. Without a background in computer science, he struggled to understand how to write functions, interpret code, and often wondered what was on his screen. While some students might have chosen to switch majors, Wang chose to be persistent, and after a year and a half, things began to change.
“I guess I didn’t really fully transition into college, and after so much time had passed by, I was already in my third year,” Wang explained. “I needed to change something, so I started locking in.” This marked a change in how he now viewed his education: school went from something mandatory to something that would directly impact his future career. He began to seek guidance and help from upperclassmen, building connections and navigating his academic challenges with those who experienced similar struggles.
Socially, Wang began to branch out through a close friend, who introduced him to a new circle of friends. “I became friends with them too, and I really enjoyed all the fun times we had together and the trips we took. I was like, this person knows everybody on campus, and I want to be like that too,” he shared. “It doesn’t hurt to know a lot of people, so I began branching out and building my own relationships too.” For those who may be looking to do the same, Wang recommends attending the cultural clubs and setting small goals for yourself. Start with trying to meet one new person a week, then moving up to two, and sooner or later, there will be more familiar faces.
For those struggling academically, Wang believes that “Everyone has their own pace. Some people are late bloomers, some people are just naturally gifted. You can’t compare yourself to other people, and you’re writing your own story, so don’t be stressed and don’t try to copy other people’s stories.”
Paulina Miller is a 4/4 Chemistry major from Roswell, GA, and a player on the Women’s Volleyball team. During her college search, Miller prioritized colleges with strong athletics and strong STEM programs. Stevens checked both her boxes, had research opportunities she was interested in, and offered her a spot on the Women’s Volleyball team after she had submitted her application. During her early semesters at Stevens, she was “really inspired by the pharmaceutical research done by some of the speakers,” she shared. “I was convinced I wanted to go into the organic synthesis side of pharmaceutical research.”
However, as a student athlete and a chemistry major, Miller “struggled in the first semester with staying on top of my assignments and schedule being an in-season athlete and everything,” she said. Time management as a college student can be tough, especially for those with multiple commitments and demanding coursework. As Miller began to navigate through her freshman year, she was able to utilize tools and different study tricks to better manage her workload. “I made a plan and really utilized Google Calendar to organize my class schedule and times to study and do homework,” she explained. “I now try to separate my study and work space from my resting and sleeping area, as I find that it is easier to get work done if I have a designated time and place to do work.”
Miller’s social life also flourished after she improved on balancing her various commitments. “I have been able to make more time to hang out with friends because I have really locked down my studying and homework habits,” she says. She specifically encourages students to take advantage of Stevens’ proximity to New York City, which offers more opportunities for events and outings. On campus, she particularly enjoys attending sports events and cheering on other students, strengthening the community she’s found here.
Miller also wants to encourage students who might be struggling to find their balance “to find what scheduling method works best for you and not to be afraid to experiment and try new things.” Miller’s own career aspirations have shifted from the organic synthesis side of pharmaceutical research to a more analytical and computational path, thanks to the various opportunities Stevens has provided. When reflecting on her journey here, she wishes she were able to make more time for her friends, as “it doesn’t feel like we had enough time, and soon we will be going our separate ways.”
