Name: Holly Bender

Official title at Iowa State: Interim faculty director of the Preparing Future Faculty Program and professor of veterinary clinical pathology

As a student, what was your favorite part about your first year in college?: I was fortunate to be matched up with a fantastic roommate and lived in a dorm with a wonderful group of women.

As a student, what were some challenges you faced in your first year in college?: I remember walking into a large lecture room with over 350 students to take a genetics class. They all looked so much smarter and more confident than me, and I was scared to death because I wanted to be a veterinarian and had no idea how I would keep up with them.

However, I went to class, completed the assignments and studied with friends. Much to my astonishment, it was just that simple, and I was able to succeed.

What is some advice you would offer new ISU students?: Some of the students who you meet this year will become great friends, help you succeed in your program and make college life a lot of fun. Some will likely become your friends for life. This has certainly been my experience.