Dear My Younger Sister, This Is What I Wish I Knew Before Starting College
This was originally posted in September 2018 on LinkedIn
With my fourth year quickly approaching, I was asked to represent the Associated Students of the University of Washington Bothell as ASUWB President at UW Bothell’s Convocation. It was extremely energizing to welcome the incoming Class of 2022 and transfer students to the Husky community. Here is what I shared:
Welcome to the University of Washington Bothell campus!
My name is Leah Shin, and I am privileged to be serving as the President of the Associated Students of the University of Washington Bothell — or ASUWB. Look around, you’re finally here; a moment filled with boundless amount of potential for new beginnings. It’s true, hard work pays off and you’re ready or about to be ready to join a husky community that is so ready for every single one of you.
This incoming class has a very special place in my heart — for the past 18 years of my life I had my little sidekick, best friend, and annoying younger sister always one room away from me. We fought over stolen clothes that led to very strongly worded text messages to each other, played outside on our bikes waiting for our mom to call us home for dinner, a fair share of exchanges consisting of “get out of my room and close my door”, and long family road trips where we talked about who we wanted to become as we grew older not realizing at that time how fast time would fly by.
I didn’t realize how much I cherished her presence until I started tearing up as she left home this past week to start her journey as a first year Husky like many of you in the room today — and what can I say, you all chose your next home well (very well) as a proud husky myself.
While she wrapped up her Orientation session, selected her classes, packed her bags, and had a chance to breathe on the car ride to her dorm — she turned to me and asked a final departing question, “Leah, how can I do college well?”
So, I said to her I’ll be sending over my list of five steps on “what I wish I knew before starting college.” I’d like to share that very list with you all today:
[1] You don’t need to know everything, ask for help. Always remember that you don’t need to know everything. You can pause and ask for help around you. If you’re lost around campus, ask someone to help direct you. If you’re struggling in class because of math, attend your professor’s office hours or form a study group with your classmates. If you’re wanting to get involved on-campus connect with your Orientation Leader on what opportunities are available. The more you ask, the more you’ll receive. Individuals in our community are wanting you to succeed.
[2] It’s okay to talk about what you really love. So, you really like science and art, but worried others will think you’re a nerd? Stop right there and throw away your “cool card.” Share your passions and pursue them. In our community there are individuals whom you’ll connect with and leave you thinking, “where were you all my life?”. During the past four years I connected with other students and won $5,000 through UW Bothell’s Diversity & Inclusion Grant to build a phone app focused on supporting local businesses run by immigrants, co-created a multimedia startup called AAPI BeSpoken partnering with nine colleges and 83 students, and partnered with a Seattle based start-up to bring a food delivery option called Peach on-campus. Make it an effort to share with others what you love, you never know where those conversations will lead you both.
[3] Seize every opportunity and accept the challenge. Do you see something missing on-campus? You can do something about it. I have joined ASUWB for the past four years serving as a First Year Senator, Director of Public Relations, Vice President, and now the ASUWB President. As a student on this campus, you have the biggest and most powerful voice to bring about positive change. ASUWB exists solely to empower you and elevate your quality of life here to new levels. The current sports field, Activities and Recreation Center, and Diversity Center were all advocated by students. Our ASUWB team are your official liaison to the faculty, staff, and administration here at UW Bothell. We want to collaborate with you and welcome you to join us this year. And with that, I want to propose a challenge for you all — if you have an Instagram, Facebook or email account, I challenge you all to send a message to our ASUWB team answering this question: what are you most excited, looking forward to or wanting to learn most as a Husky? Our team would love to propose some awesome resources, opportunities, and connections for you! We can be found @asuwbothell or at asuwbteam@uw.edu.
[4] Make this worth every second and every penny. Utilize tools like Google Calendar and Outlook to stay organized. I am currently double majoring in Business Marketing, Technology Innovation Management, and Interactive Media Design. I worked two jobs simultaneously ranging from ASUWB to interning at T-Mobile and Microsoft. Additionally, I researched undergrad opportunities attending scholar programs ranging from the Stanford Leaders Program to Harvard Peek Program and the LAGRANT Foundation. You can plan how you want to spend your time here and take advantage of the perks of being a hard-working Husky. There are professors, upperclassmen, alumni, and a campus full of resources ready to guide you.
[5] Remember me, though I have to say goodbye. Don’t forget those who’ve supported you for this very moment… like family, teachers, mentors, and friends. You may be saying goodbye to your past self, memories, and norms. It’s not going to be easy, but you have full control on what happens to you next.
Like my younger sister, today is your first day as a Husky — you will learn more, see more, and do more in ways you’ve never imagined. You may not entirely know if UWB is your next home, but you deserve to be here and can find who you want to become. I’m here with many cheering you on and can’t wait to see what you all will be doing next.
