Jennifer Blaser, senior in microbiology:

The one thing I regret is not joining clubs/organizations during my first semester at Iowa State. The networking that builds between student organizations leads to so many other opportunities for character enrichment and leadership experience, which is why I feel it is so important to become a part of Iowa State through its 750-plus clubs and organizations.

Emily Culp, junior in marketing:

Coming in as a freshman, I wish I would have known how to do my laundry as well as been aware of all of the free opportunities across campus.

TJ Clark, junior in agronomy:

Take initiative and take charge of your life. If you don’t do it, no one else is going to do it for you. School does not work the same way in college as it did in high school – you’ll have to do the work yourself. Ask older role models for advice. They’ve been where you are now and survived.

Aric Wilhau, sophomore in finance:

Always work ahead. If you are aware of an assignment, project or paper, you should be working on it. Go to all types of events. There is almost always something going on around campus. I wish I would have known college life is not nearly as challenging as I had expected it to be. Go to the Reading Room in Parks Library. If you are an Iowan, your small-town newspaper will probably be there, and it is always nice to know what is going on back home. Always go to class. You are paying for it, it is helpful, there is no excuse not to go.

Trevor Dammon, freshman in materials engineering:

I wish I had known some of Shakespeare’s sonnets so I could recite them to serenade the lovely ladies at Iowa State, as well as how to manage my time better.