Wofford Firsts

Department: Accounting, Business & Finance

Education: B.S. in business administration, Appalachian State University, 1999; M.A. in accountancy, Appalachian State University, 2000

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? Whether you think you know what you want to do, or you don't, stay open-minded. Try new things and welcome change! I was confident I would major in Marketing Research. I had no idea what accounting entailed, other than it was a prerequisite for my major. I loved the first accounting course so much, I changed majors. I went on to receive a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in accounting, with my heart set on the corporate world. While in grad school, I needed elective hours and randomly chose an education course that best fit my schedule. It was that moment – at the very end of my academic career – that I knew I would teach accounting. All these years later, taking a chance on an elective course and following my gut was the best decision I ever made.

Department: Biology

Education: B.S. in biology, Campbell University, 1981; Ph.D. in physiology, UNC-Chapel Hill, 1989

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? For that first year it is crucial to make sure to make the academic work the highest priority and discover what new study techniques work best as quickly as possible, because college requires much more studying than high school. Socializing is more enjoyable when you know you have your schoolwork completed.

Department: English

Education: B.A. in French and English, Tulane University, 1991; M.A. in English, SUNY at Buffalo, 1993; Ph.D. in English, SUNY at Buffalo, 1997.

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? Don't try to hide who you are or where you come from. You have a perspective many of your friends lack, and you have learned to do many things that they had taken care of by their parents. Absorb what they have to teach you, but be willing to teach them the valuable things that you yourself have learned as well. Also, get more sleep.

Department: Accessibility Services

Education: B.S. in biology and physical education, Gardner-Webb University, 1992; M.A. in sport science & pedagogy, Gardner-Webb University, 2005; M.A./Ed.S in mental health counseling, 2015

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? Seek out a support system to encourage and celebrate this extraordinary journey.

Department: English

Education: B.A. in English, University of Sheffield, 1979; Post-graduate certificate of education, Kingston University, 1980; Ph.D. in English Literature, University of Southern California, 1993

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? Be confident.

Department: Athletics

Education: B.S. in business administration, The Citadel, 1976; MBA, The Citadel, 1980

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? Be Resilient. Disciplined.

Department: Accounting, Business and Finance

Education: B.S.B.A. in. Accounting, Appalachian State University, 1999; M.S. in Accounting, Appalachian State University, 2000; Ph.D in Educational Administration, University of South Carolina, 2013; Ph.D in Accounting, Rhodes University, 2017.

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? As a student who transferred twice-- stay with it. The grass isn't always greener. Sometimes what you are looking for is right where you are, and you don't need to go anywhere to find it.

Department: Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Education: B.A. in Spanish, B.S in education, University of Akron, 2005; M.A. in Spanish, University of Akron, 2008; Ph.D. in Spanish: Latin American Literatures and Cultures, Ohio State University, 2013

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? Do not compare yourself to others. The diversity of our achievements, obstacles, and resiliencies enriches our communities. Get involved and believe that you belong in all of the university's spaces and that your unique contributions and voice are valued. Make connections with professors, staff, invited speakers, and more. Never be afraid to ask them questions. Allow yourself to make mistakes and take risks. Take some courses just because they interest you without focusing solely on requirements.

Department: Psychology

Education: B.S. in psychology, Eastern New Mexico University, 1995; M.A. in experimental psychology, University of Texas at El Paso, 1999; Ph.D. in experimental psychology, University of Texas at El Paso, 2003

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? To focus a little more on my grades and a little less on my social life!

Department: Biology

Education: B.S. in biology, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 2005; Ph.D. in biology, University of Utah, 2017

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? Be kind to yourself. There are lots of others like you that feel lost. Connect with them. Find mentors to ask for help and guidance. Be willing to be vulnerable about not knowing how it all works.

Department: Office of Admission

Education: B.A. in English, Wofford College, 2011

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? There's absolutely nothing to be ashamed of in being first-gen. You are a trailblazer. Embrace it.

Department: Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Education: University of Paris-Nanterre, B.A. in English literature and culture, minor in art history, concentration in cultural studies, Midlesex University, UK, 1993; M.A. in American literature, Paris-Nanterre, 1994; M.A. in French literature, Indiana University, 1997; Ph.D. in French literature, minor in history of the theater, Indiana University, 2003.

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? Don’t worry so much, things will be turn out OK. You’re as smart as the other kids.

Department: Career Center

Education: B.A. in journalism, University of Alabama, 2003; M.A. in communication studies, University of Alabama, 2005; Ph.D. in instructional leadership: social and cultural studies, University of Alabama, 2017

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? You are purposed to be here; present in this moment. Don't be afraid to ask questions as no one has it all together. Stay inquisitive.

Department: Military Science

Education: B.A. in biology education, Elon University, 2003

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? Switch to a science degree right away! Also, add a double major in business.

Department: Office of Student Success/Center for Community-Based Learning

Education: B.A. in history, East Tennessee State University, 2010; M.A. in higher education, Abilene Christian University, 2013

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? Trust the journey and to step outside of your comfort zone. You are more than enough!

Department: Center for Community Based Learning

Education: B.A. in sociology, USC Upstate, 2016; currently applying for MSW at Winthrop University, intended graduation year 2024

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? It's OK to not know things, but it's not OK to not ask questions. You are not less than because you don't have all the answers. You are not less intelligent/capable because you need assistance. The same way you were able to get here, is the same way you will succeed moving forward. Through the willingness and kindness of others reaching back to help pull you up.

Department: Environmental Studies

Education: B.S. in biology, Presbyterian College; M.S. in conservation ecology & sustainable development, University of Georgia; Ph.D. in environmental studies, University of Colorado

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? Seek out mentoring networks & scholarships for first-gen college students.

Department: Philosophy

Education: B.S. in business marketing, Winthrop University, 1989; B.A. in philosophy, UNC-Charlotte, 1993; M.A. in philosophy, University of South Florida, 1997; Ph.D. in philosophy, University of Georgia, 2006

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? Believe that you belong in college – you deserve to be here. Your background is an asset to your success, not a detriment. Talk with your professors, they want to help you succeed. You got this!

Department: English

Education: B.A. in English, Wofford College, 1981; M.A. in English, University of South Carolina, 1984; Ph.D. in English, University of South Carolina, 1996

If you could go back to your first year of college, what advice would you give yourself? Take advantage of the networks of support Wofford provides. Your initiative and individual autonomy matter, but they are strengthened and enhanced by collaborating with students, faculty, staff, and community members who can partner with you in your growth. Ask questions; look for advice; take appropriate risks; embrace growth and change, even if it's uncomfortable; be the good support and friend for others.