What I Wish I'd Known When I First Came to GW
Read the advice members of the Class of 2025 offered for incoming GW students.
GW Today asked some members of the Class of 2025 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):
Daniel Binder
B.S., GW Business
Don’t worry about what other people are doing, just worry about what you’re doing. You don’t need to do an internship every semester but get involved, try different things. Don’t overinvolve yourself, it’s important to have time for yourself but also experience all the things you can. Take advantage of the place you’re at and the opportunities GW provides.
Raihan Choudhury
B.A., Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
I wish I would have known about just how awesome our professors are, the opportunities to pursue all sorts of internships and fellowships available through the network here at GW. Come with an open mind. I think sometimes people come here with preconceived notions about what is possible, but the possibilities are endless when you take the time to explore what GW has to offer.
Adrian Ciscato
M.A., Elliott School of International Affairs
One thing I wish I would have known before coming to campus is the resources GW has. We have a lot of robust resources from the Career Center to the professors—an abundant number of connections. The resources, connections and power this school has is immense, with its prestigious and strategic location next to the White House and the State Department. It’s worth noting that, and students should take advantage of it.
Thomas L. Cowan II
B.P.S., GW Engineering
Just be open minded. Always be open to learn different things. I was taught from a young age your idea is not always the right idea. So, always be open.
Lauren Davidson
J.D., GW Law
Everyone tells you law school is a lot of work. And it is a lot of work. I wish someone had made me understand how much work—like all-nighters, 50-60 hours a week, every day of the week. It’s like a high reward field of study, but it is a lot of work.
John Fisher
M.P.S., College of Professional Studies
I wish I had gone into the program recognizing that I didn’t know what my long-term career path was going to look like. I started the program thinking I want to be an editor with the press, but I didn’t even realize the job I have now existed. I wish I had been more open. What I would tell people to think about is you don’t know what your field looks like often until you get deep into it and talk to people who are successful, and they show you the immense variety of opportunities that you may not have thought about.
Ava Holtzman
B.A., Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
My advice is simple: Take advantage of course offerings outside of your major! Undergrad is a unique opportunity to explore different disciplines or topics, from a special topics political science class about Harry Potter to a music class dedicated to David Bowie. Some of my fondest memories are from these seemingly random elective courses. I think it’s important for every student to take advantage.
LauraChioma Jones
M.A., Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Reinvesting in myself beyond school. Sometimes, school felt like my whole identity. I believe it's vital to nurture your interests and remember that school is just one part of your journey. Staying close to who you are and what makes you you—that makes the experience much richer and more fulfilling.
Violet Josephson
B.S., Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Take time to explore, but also reach out to your professors. They’re there to support you. And just make the most of the university.
Priya Kannusamy
B.S.H.S., School of Medicine and Health Sciences
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.
Austin McCall
M.S., GW Engineering
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.
Isabella Mielcarek
B.S., Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Definitely explore. When I was a first-year, I was getting caught up in my exams and my course work. But make sure you take the time to see all of D.C., especially because so much of it is so accessible from campus.
Renelle Morgan
L.L.M., GW Law
To be open minded. To know that everyone was not raised how you were raised, and you have to be prepared for that.
Le Nguyen
B.S., Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
I wish I had spent more time hanging out with friends instead of just studying every day. You need to have a balance in life.
Grace Songer
B.A., Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
It’s not that deep: This is a fun four years, and it’s a great time to explore. I wish I would have known that everything is going to work out as long as you are true to yourself. Don’t stress out, it’s all going to work out. And cherish every moment, because it’s over before you know it.
Natalie Wagner
D.P.T., School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Make the most of the connections that you have here at GW. D.C. is an amazing city, and GW is so well connected to the city and the greater DMV area. Also, take advantage of all the free events that D.C. has to offer. I remember going to a special night event at the National Gallery of Art that was incredible—it was so cool to be there after hours!
Taylor White and Melanie Donjuan
B.S., GW Engineering
White: I would say to first-year students to keep your head on straight. Go after what you want, but also find your community and make the most of your time. Not everything is about academics. This is a unique time in your life, and it’s pivotal to make new experiences and memories.
Donjuan: And while you’re having new experiences, be comfortable with making mistakes and errors. Especially in the first year, you think you have to do it right the first time. Yes, you’re setting a foundation, but learning from your mistakes will also solidify your foundation and set you up for success.
White: Yes. And it’s OK to change your major!