Advice from a senior- what I wish I would have done differently

I have tried to go about my undergraduate years so that I would set myself up to where I would look back and not have any regrets about my experiences. As I am finishing up my final semester as a Boilermaker, there are a few things that I wish I would have done differently, and if I could, I would love to pass off as advice to potential new students here at Purdue.

I never studied abroad. This is something I wish I could have made work. Granted, the last year and a half of my college experience has been during COVID, so that would have put a damper on anything if I had it planned. I always had summer internships, which took me away from home, and those taught me similar things such as living independently far from my family. However, I wish I could have done a winter/spring break trip (or even a semester!). I always approached this as “Oh, I have time to plan that”. But soon enough, I look back and my four years have gone by in the blink of an eye. If I could pass on any advice to new students, it would be this: if you have any inkling to do a study abroad, do It!! I have heard nothing but amazing things about all the trips Purdue offers, and I think international experience is such a neat thing for young students like us to have.

Perhaps my only other regret would be to spend more time doing spontaneous activities with friends rather than opting out to do homework. This might not be the advice faculty want me to pass along, but I can justify it. I am going on to graduate school after my time here at Purdue, so I had an extra reason to work hard in classes and keep my grades up. But, one of the most unique things about college is that all of your friends are all here within a 1-2 mile radius. Never again in life will all of your best friends be a short walking distance away, and as I am getting ready to graduate, that hit me hard. For any admitted students who are reading this, take to heart your quality time with friends, and make those memories that will make you remember and love your time as a Boilermaker.