Diving into the New School Year — CAHSS Faculty and Staff’s Hopes, Goals and Advice for First-Year Students
Welcome to the new school year, a time to connect with old and new friends, classmates and colleagues, embrace fresh learning opportunities, review and refine past goals and maybe even set some bold new ones. As we begin the 2024-2025 academic year, CASSS News asked College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS) people to share their hopes and goals for the upcoming year along with advice for first-year students just embarking on their college journey. Here’s what some of our faculty and staff had to say:
Associate Christianity Professor Christy Cobb
What is your most important hope and/or goal for the new year?
My goal is to carve out time each week for activities (not related to academia) that bring me joy. Sometimes as the new year starts, I forget to make time for myself in the busyness of the academic year. This year, I hope to go on hikes, bike rides and visit some new places!
What advice would you give first-year students and graduate students (if you also teach them)?
Follow your questions and interests. For both first-year students and graduate students, take the courses that intrigue you and ask the questions that plague you. Following your interests and passions, especially related to research, will lead to more investment in the class and material and help you learn.
For graduate students specifically: if you feel like an imposter or that you don't fit into graduate school, remember that we all feel that way — even your professors. Try to push that imposter syndrome out of the way and know that if you were accepted to the program then you belong here.
“My advice for new graduate students is to be patient with yourself. That first quarter can be overwhelming with new ideas and the workload. Find strategies to study that fit you and get to know DU’s resources. I found that the more I knew how to approach an assignment, the more manageable the course workload became. I particularly recommend the Research Center's consultation support.” – Business Officer Kara Duggan
Business Officer and recent CAHSS and Morgridge College of Education Alumna Kara Duggan
What is your most important hope and/or goal for the new year?
I worked on my two master's degrees while working as a fulltime employee at DU for over five years, making higher education a huge part of my world. After graduating, my biggest goal is to rediscover my hobbies and passions outside of school. I hope to get back into art, traveling and reading for pleasure, as well as possibly finding new activities.
What advice would you give first-year graduate students?
My advice for new graduate students is to be patient with yourself. That first quarter can be overwhelming with new ideas and the workload. Find strategies to study that fit you and get to know DU’s resources. I found that the more I knew how to approach an assignment, the more manageable the course workload became. I particularly recommend the Research Center's consultation support.
“I’m excited to get students excited about history! Studying history not only gives us the tools to understand the past, but also provides us with important perspective for understanding our current moment and thinking through ways to make the current and future world a better place. Students of history not only learn to hone their critical-thinking skills, but also to practice empathy as they study the lives and struggles of others.” – Associate History Professor Liz Escobedo
Associate History Professor Liz Escobedo
What is your most important hope and/or goal for the new year?
I’m excited to get students excited about history! Studying history not only gives us the tools to understand the past, but also provides us with important perspective for understanding our current moment and thinking through ways to make the current and future world a better place. Students of history not only learn to hone their critical-thinking skills, but also to practice empathy as they study the lives and struggles of others. I’d be hard-pressed to think of two more important factors in fostering an engaged, thoughtful and informed public.
What advice would you give first-year students and graduate students (if you also teach them)?
Don’t be afraid to seek help early and often. There are so many faculty and staff that want to see you succeed and thrive in college, and you don’t have to go this alone. It might seem daunting to go to a professor’s office during office hours, but this can be a way to ask questions outside the classroom setting, get help with course material or just get to know your professor and have them get to know you better. Developing a network of support can also help you long-term with asking for letters of recommendation, seeking trusted advice and mentorship and learning about internship and career opportunities. DU also offers services that can help make your time here less stressful — whether you need to talk with a counselor, receive food and clothing assistance or meet with a career coach.
History Professor Carol Helstosky
What is your most important hope and/or goal for the new year?
This year I am teaching two brand-new classes in winter quarter, so I am really excited to launch these classes as new offerings for history majors and non-majors. In the fall, I am teaching classes I haven't taught for a while, so this year I hope to challenge myself in the classroom with new materials, subjects and teaching methods.
What advice would you give first-year students and graduate students (if you also teach them)?
Your four years at DU are such an important part of your personal, intellectual and professional journey. University years are ones in which you work at figuring out who you are as an individual. This is not always an easy process. Take the time this year to listen to yourself and do some things by yourself, for yourself. Take that class that sounds really interesting; go to a club meeting because you want to go and not because your friends are going; talk to a professor after class about your thoughts on lecture or discussion. Learn to listen to yourself more often!
Sociology Professor Lisa Martinez
What is your most important hope and/or goal for the new year?
I hope for everyone — students, faculty and staff — to hit the ground running, find their footing and thrive this academic year.
What advice would you give first-year students and graduate students (if you also teach them)?
Whether it’s through academics, student organizations, sports or other sources on or off campus, find community.
Teaching Professor of Writing and CAHSS Alumna Heather Martin
What is your most important hope and/or goal for the new year?
Write. Write. Write. I’ve got some exciting writing projects on the horizon. My goal for the year is to take my own advice: design a writing schedule that maximizes my personal “flow” conditions; join a writing community; and get my ideas down fast enough to outrun the inner critic.
What advice would you give first-year students and graduate students (if you also teach them)?
I love the energy new students bring to campus. And that first quarter is truly magical — it’s a time of discovery, where everything is new, and the possibilities feel endless. My advice is simple: Embrace the magic. Explore, experiment and let your curiosity guide you. Seek out what excites you, and don’t hesitate to try things that push you outside your comfort zone. This is your chance to discover interests and paths that might shape the rest of your journey at DU and beyond.
"Get creative about making your reading and writing time sparkle! … Set up a supportive weekly study group and cookie hour with some classmates or take an hour to mindfully set up your desk in a way that makes you smile. I am also envisioning a reading pillow fort. Do whatever you need to do to make homework and writing papers feel less like a bore/chore and more like a fancy retreat where you get to think and grow.” - Philosophy Professor Sarah Pessin
Philosophy Professor, Interfaith Chair and DU Director of Spiritual Life Sarah Pessin
What is your most important hope and/or goal for the new year?
My main goal is to partner with students to elevate active listening and creative problem solving within a broader intergenerational community.
What advice would you give first-year students and graduate students (if you also teach them)?
Get creative about making your reading and writing time sparkle! Maybe find a favorite tree to sit under with your laptop; maybe record yourself reading your draft paper and take a walk to listen to the recording to help you think it through some more. Or maybe set up a supportive weekly study group and cookie hour with some classmates or take an hour to mindfully set up your desk in a way that makes you smile. I am also envisioning a reading pillow fort. Do whatever you need to do to make homework and writing papers feel less like a bore/chore and more like a fancy retreat where you get to think and grow.
Associate Professor and Economics Department Chair Markus Schneider
What is your most important hope and/or goal for the new year?
We have some important items on our departmental agenda, including a faculty search, so in my last quarter as chair, I hope to facilitate us productively working through them. That will include training the next chair and working with a new Director of Graduate Studies. As I return to being a regular faculty member, I look forward to resuming research and teaching.
What advice would you give first-year students and graduate students (if you also teach them)?
My advice for incoming students is: stay calm and don’t panic! More seriously, especially for those who will have to take an intro ECON class from us, avoid indulging the feeling that you already know what the instructor is talking about. Even when things appear familiar, new material, elevated expectations and alternative perspectives are lurking below the surface. Be curious and don’t miss out on learning opportunities!
Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator and recent University College Alumna Kate Wyre
What is your most important hope and/or goal for the new year?
My goal for the upcoming year is to focus on reflection to improve my mental and physical wellbeing. I want to take time to assess what is helping me and what is hindering me in my personal and professional life.
What advice would you give first-year graduate students?
Be proactive about finding balance. Sometimes we wait until we are feeling completely burnt out to seek support. It helps to get to know the resources available and consistently utilize what works for you — whether it's playing loud music in the car, finding groups that have similar interests around the community or buying a planner. I wish I would have embraced the chaos of the first quarter a little more to assess my needs and find balance for my mental wellbeing.
