Name: Michael Bailey

Official title at Iowa State: I am an associate professor of history.

As a student, what was your favorite part about your first year in college?:  I would say that my favorite part of my first year in college was the freedom to take particular courses that interested me, rather than the mostly set curriculum of high school.

As a student, what were some challenges you faced in your first year in college?:  The main challenge was, in a sense, also due to the freedom that college affords. In high school, learning took place mostly in the classroom. In college, much more depends on the student’s own work outside of class. It can be a challenge to make that adjustment and then budget the time it requires.

What is some advice you would offer new ISU students?: My advice to students would be to pursue your interests and don’t be afraid to explore. Take an intriguing-sounding class on a seemingly obscure topic, and find out where it leads you. But, as you explore the many possibilities available at ISU, be careful also not to overload yourself too much. I know many students need to work, sometimes long hours, to pay for college, and of course there are endless extracurricular opportunities. But you should also leave yourself the time (and energy) needed to get the most out of the classes you’re taking.