Soon-to-be ETSU grads share wisdom, advice they’d give to their younger selves

Daniel Escarcega

B.S., Biomedical Engineering Technology
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

As a graduating senior, I would give my freshman self a few pieces of advice. I would really emphasize how important it is to find balance between academics, friendships, and personal well-being. I strived to be the best student, but I forgot about taking care of myself. That's where friends come into play. My best friend, Seth, and I became so close, I found a brother for life. That's the type of friendship I would recommend finding. As for taking care of yourself, it's ok to take time for yourself. There are a bunch of resources available to use, and I highly encourage everyone to use them if needed. Another thing to always keep in mind is to constantly remind yourself that you are doing an amazing job, and that you should be proud of yourself. The last piece of advice is to embrace any failure you will come across. It's ok to fail; we are not perfect. It is a learning opportunity for everyone, and it should always encourage you to seek help when needed! 

Ty Gray

B.S., History
Gray, Tennessee

Dear Ty,

Congrats on your first year at ETSU! You have a great four years ahead, so don’t feel intimidated! With that being said, your time at ETSU will be really hard. You will face obstacles that will make you uncomfortable. Keep going. No matter what, keep going. A wise man once said, “life is like running a race; if you keep your head down and focus on one step at a time, someone will stop you and tell you that you crossed the finish line.” Yes, your classes were hard, especially with the thesis, and yes, student teaching and the edTPA were really hard, but you will make it. No matter the Goliath that stands in your way, God will use you like he did David.

You were right, The Well changed your life. You met the greatest friends of your life, and yes! You even met her. That doesn’t make it easy though. Be a F.A.T. person. Be Faithful, Available, and Teachable. You’re not always going to be right or fun, but put your faith in God. Also, cut the hair – it looks dumb! Let God change you in all the ways you want to be – do not hold on to who you were, change into who you want to be. There are Goliaths that look big, but God is bigger. Just keep going! Be willing to change. Make someone smile. Ask how someone is doing. Reach out, even if it’s uncomfortable. Make friends- you’ll learn what true friendship and relationships are. 

Above all, trust God. Be willing to leave college completely different than how you came in. 

Abbie Herbert

B.S., Nursing
Gray, Tennessee

To my younger self:

I want to begin by telling you that going to college will be an unforgettable time. I know you're nervous and yet so excited to be going to ETSU. Trust me, you have made the right decision wanting to be a nurse.  I know you were unsure of your career choice, but you will be the most incredible RN. You are going to meet the most amazing people through nursing school and lifelong friends through Kappa Delta.  Just remember that college is filled with unexpected twists, turns, and most importantly some amazing moments you will never forget.

You got this and GO BUCS!

Nadia Manuel

B.S., Biology
Morristown, Tennessee

Dear Nadia,

It is the start of COVID, and you are moving to an unknown city. It’s going to be scary and overwhelming being away from your family. Just because it’s going to be hard does not mean it won’t be worth it. Trust me, it will. All you have to worry about is enjoying it. Take every day in one by one. Take those tiny steps and celebrate those accomplishments. Don’t be afraid to be outgoing. Don’t ever stop doing the things you love and enjoy. You will meet some of the best people there.

I know you’ve heard the challenge that comes with being a biology major. Don’t give up and don’t compare yourself to everyone else. You know you are more than capable. The next four years will come with ups and downs both in your studies and in your social life. That just makes the journey so much more worth it. You will never forget these four years so make them count. Make the blood, sweat, and tears count. You have the greatest support system cheering you on. Take a deep breath and take it all in because no matter how hard it gets; you’ll wish you were still sitting in that chair staring at your screen waiting for Biology 1 to begin with four years ahead of you.

Miranda Meredith

B.S., Media and Communication
Clinton, Tennessee

Dear nervous freshman version of Miranda Hall,

I just scrolled through the past four years of pictures on my phone. You don’t know this yet, but these are about to be the best four years of your life.

The first year will be hard. You’ll take a lot of pictures of a beautiful but empty campus and lots of lonely selfies trying to figure out how to style a mask (in outfits no one will ever see). At the end of the first semester, you’ll also have your first couple selfies with new friends. By the summer, you’ll have pictures of you leading orientation for other new, nervous ETSU students.

The next three years are going to be an amazing, beautiful blur of pictures with friends; photographs of you traveling to Ecuador, England, and Japan through ETSU; and even pictures of you with a college boyfriend, then fiancé, then husband! Finally, you’re going to take bittersweet graduation pictures with a wonderful group of best friends you will have had since freshman year.

Remember to enjoy the next four years, and take lots of pictures!

Love from your bright future as an ETSU alumna,
Miranda Meredith