Diving into the New School Year — CAHSS Students’ 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 students had to say.

Yarrow Ator (’26), psychology and philosophy major 

What is your most important hope and/or goal for the new year?

My biggest goal for this school year is to explore my practical skills in psychology and decide which line of work I'd like to go into. 

What advice would you give first-year students?

I would advise first-year students not to be intimidated by the change of pace when arriving on campus, it will all fall into place eventually. 

“Reach out to your professors about your interests and aspirations because they will be a great resource for networking connections and opportunities. Your professors want to see you succeed, so don't be afraid to take the initiative to make those connections.” - Camille Cruz (’25)

Camille Cruz (’25), anthropology major with minors in chemistry, biology and history

What is your most important hope and/or goal for the new year?

I am set to graduate this year. My most important goal is to finish strong and on a good note, with successfully completing my senior Capstone Project. 

What advice would you give first-year students?

Reach out to your professors about your interests and aspirations because they will be a great resource for networking connections and opportunities. Your professors want to see you succeed, so don't be afraid to take the initiative to make those connections.

Anna Filippova (’26) double major in political science and communications

What is your most important hope and/or goal for the new year?

My most important goal this year is to successfully balance extracurriculars with schoolwork and start studying for the LSAT.

What advice would you give first-year students? 

I wish that I had joined a club earlier, as it is truly one of the best ways to make friends and explore interests. Joining DUPB (DU Programming Board, providing campuswide programs and events beyond the classroom) last year was one of the best decisions I've made so far.

“My biggest piece of advice would be to sit in the front row of your class, even if you don’t talk much during the class itself. The location will tell your professors that you care.” - Sophia Holt (’25) 

Sophia Holt (’25), Film Studies and Production major with minors in English & Literary Arts

What is your most important hope and/or goal for the new year?

My most important hope for the new year is to culminate my years of education and experience with finding a stellar (if, budding) career. My goal is to finish my DU chapter out strong and leap into the next chapter with my mind, body and soul excited as ever.

What is your advice for first-year students?

Get to know your peers and professors outside of the classroom walls. I have earned many positions and opportunities through the relationships I have developed, each of which I value highly and plan on continuing to develop/foster post-grad. Understand the plethora of resources offered by the university (read those emails that offices and clubs are constantly sending!). My biggest piece of advice would be to sit in the front row of your class, even if you don’t talk much during the class itself. The location will tell your professors that you care. 

Lucy Levon (’26), history and English major with a minor in philosophy

What is your most important hope and/or goal for the new year?

My most important goal is to embrace every experience that comes my way, to say "yes" to new things and not let my anxieties or fears hold me back from growing as a person.

What advice would you give first-year students?

I wish I knew I wasn't alone when I felt like an imposter. Everyone has some degree of imposter syndrome throughout their life but it is important to remember that you belong and deserve to be where you are. Fake it until you make it!