GW Today asked some members of the Class of 2024 to look back on their time at the George Washington University and think about what they wished they had known early in their matriculation. Below are their thoughts and some advice to those new to GW—both undergrad and grad students (their words were edited for clarity):
Kevin Darmadi, B.A., Corcoran School of the Arts and Design (CCAS)
Before starting at GW, I had heard about the rich professional opportunities and internships that students can take advantage of because of GW’s location in the nation’s capital. However, I wish I had known early on how to actually obtain those opportunities and internships. One piece of advice I have for the incoming class is to not be afraid to connect with professionals and professors. It doesn’t get emphasized enough, but a strong network can open lots of doors, especially in a “who do you know” city like Washington, D.C. Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals who are currently working in positions that you might be interested in!
Aliyah Hunt, B.A., Elliott School of International Affairs
To first-year students, I would say really get involved, really try to immerse yourself into the community because that’s the best way to make friends and meet other people in your classes. And really, the more people you meet, the more confident you'll feel here, because you'll have support. Just believe in yourself. You’ll be okay.
Cameron Jones, B.S., School of Business
I wish someone would have told me that it’s really important to be yourself, with a purpose of embracing the exact thing you fear. I wish someone would have told me that being scared really does hold you back. I wish someone would have told me to be brave.
Priya Kannusamy, B.S.H.S., School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS)
Take everything one step at a time. I’m almost entering the fifth decade of my life, but I’m here! It’s never too late. Take the first step, and other things will fall into place.
Sophie Kaufman, B.A., CCAS
Take advantage of the city, go out and see the world. But there’s also no pressure. Just do what feels right and comfortable rather than what other people think you should do.
Margarita Kyza-Karavioti, B.S., CCAS
George Washington University offers a wide array of opportunities, including diverse classes and extracurricular activities. My advice to incoming GW students is to attend organizational fairs and find groups where they feel they belong, as the friendships formed there can last a lifetime. Additionally, don’t hesitate to initiate conversations with classmates and get to know your professors—these connections can be invaluable in the future. Finally, make sure to explore the city whenever possible! Washington, D.C., is full of amazing museums, monuments, parks, restaurants and fun activities. These experiences will become unique GW moments!
Alexandra Laing, Ed.D., Graduate School of Education and Human Development
I started my doctorate in the fall of 2020 in the COVID year—an adventure! I love that we have a cohort that goes through your process with a set group of individuals. You need to connect both in class and outside of class. I created a path-to-doctor of friends, and we would get together and we would write. We would go for writing weekends. We would have writing sessions. We would be each other’s doctorate partners through the process. It grows your brain, your intelligence, your scholarship, and it changes you. You need a community around you that understands that.
Kathleen Lauer, M.A., CCAS
My biggest piece of advice is go to everything you can. Take it all in. Try your best to experience as much as you can. Go to sporting events. Go to join a club. Do something you’ve never done before. And really put yourself out there as much as you can.
Kayla Laws, B.A., School of Media and Public Affairs
My first year at GW was virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For my sophomore year, which was my first time on campus as a student, I would say to find your niche. Do not sit on the sideline because four years goes by like a blink of an eye. I would also say if you are in the spotlight not by choice, accept and embrace it because it pays off in the end. Take advantage of internships in your first year and sophomore year, because most jobs you are going to apply for require 2-3 years of experience. Another piece of advice: Take advantage of using Eckles Library to study for midterms and finals even if you are not living on the Mount Vernon campus. It’s a place to get it all done.
Nadia Lischke, B.A., B.S., CCAS
I’m an anxious person, but my dad always said that you’re going to end up where you need to be. And I’ve seen that work time and time again, where I’ve been in a situation where it seems like there’s no answer but trusting that you’re going to end up where you should be for your own personal growth. I wouldn’t have imagined getting a double major. That was just never on my radar, but I’m really glad that I got it.
Austin McCall, M.S., School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS)
Take advantage of all your opportunities—even if you have an opportunity to work and go to school at the same time, do it. Keeping yourself busy, doing a lot of different things, helps broaden your experiences.