It’s hard to narrow it down, but here are five lessons I’m taking away from my college experience.
1. Self-care and self-love are crucial to success
In my undergrad years, I was faced with a lot of adversity — medical, mental health, academic, and family challenges. Through that I learned how crucial it is to take care of myself and to be kind to myself.
2. Take advantage of opportunities — including events
Life is short and so is your time in undergrad, so you do not want to leave with any regrets!
When thinking about my experiences here at Nazareth, there are so many amazing memories that come to mind! Some of my favorite memories are from all the different events on campus. I personally have had so much fun at Grocery Bingo and Blowout Bingo! There is always a crowd at these events and there are so many great prizes. More of my favorite memories are from Springfest, White Squirrel Day and Siblings Weekend! All of these events have so much to do and they are always filled with laughter and fun.
Nazareth is such a welcoming place and there are so many amazing clubs on campus. I always enjoyed going to different events held by different clubs and meeting new people. There is rarely ever a day on campus that there is absolutely nothing going on.
Don’t miss the sporting events, especially rugby and hockey! No matter what you enjoy doing, I can almost guarantee that there will be a club that you can join to find people with the same interests — and you can always start a club, like I did! (See below.)
3. Find a second family
There is something else that separates Naz from all the rest. The on-campus LifePrep@Naz program is amazing and has definitely become my second family.
LifePrep@Naz is an innovative program designed to provide young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with a college experience, strengthening their life skills, vocational skills, self-sufficiency, and independence. Working with these individuals and this program has provided me with so much joy. This special program really makes Nazareth an amazing place.
4. Enjoy the little things
Life can get very hectic very fast, so take a moment to step back and enjoy the little things, because sometimes those little things will be what gets you through! For me, that includes simple moments with friends and noticing times when you’ve had a positive impact on people. Just getting out of bed in the morning during a hard time is something to be proud of.
5. Take time to volunteer
I started a club on campus called Helping Hands, dedicated to volunteering in the community! Volunteering has always been a huge part of my life and I wanted to continue throughout college. Although Nazareth provides plenty of volunteer opportunities, I thought having a club that directly provides this would be beneficial.
Through the work of starting the volunteer club and through volunteering itself, I have gained so much knowledge. I learned that sometimes we need to meet people where they are at in their life, to help support them. Everyone is on a different path and no one’s story is the same, so do not judge.
I also learned that there is a big need for volunteers in the Rochester community. A lot of organizations rely on volunteers to be successful and provide what they do for the community, so the more you can volunteer the better these organizations thrive.
Another thing I am taking away from my experience in starting this club is that organization and communication are key. Helping Hands has been able to accomplish so much thanks to everyone who supported our goals. The amount of connections we have made in the community is truly amazing.
Nazareth will always be my second home!
Mariana Cong ‘22 (studio art) is continuing at Nazareth, pursuing a master’s in art therapy.