Madison Bowe / Winonan

The idea of getting through at least 120 credits in just four years can be enough to leave a student feeling overwhelmed, discouraged and swamped. With students spending an average of around 15 hours per week in class and also trying to accomplish around 45 hours of homework per week, it is easy to see why the word “stressed” is an adjective that most college students would use to describe themselves.

Winona State University senior Cortnie Schierman, junior Mariah Olson and sophomore Carissa Balow came together to give a presentation called “Thriving in College.” Their mission was to give students advice on how to succeed and graduate in four years, along with acquiring the skills to develop and function as an adult in the real world. They gave students different tips, tools and ideas they thought would help confused students succeed.

“Sometimes I feel like people lose focus on what they should be doing during their summers,” Olson said.

The group emphasized how the summer after a student’s first year is a great time to begin looking for internships and opportunities to connect with the job world. Networking events allow students to build connections and getting in touch with potential future employers.

Much of the presentation focused on informing students about the existence of the resources they have available to them. Some students may have nervous feelings about entering the professional world. This is where these services come into play.

The Warrior Success Center is a resource for students who are looking for advising when it comes to the professional world. It offers mock interviews and is staffed by faculty who are available to look over resumes and offer advice on careers.

Students sitting in on the presentation also discussed how difficult their transition from high school to college was. Some students found the change to be relatively easy and others believed it was very difficult for them to make the adjustments required for living in a collegiate atmosphere.

“It was terrible,” senior Tessa Rud said. “I was homesick. What made it easier was making friends.”

The speakers shared what they thought the purpose of their college career was.

“To…develop as a person. For me, who I want to be as an adult, I want to be a teacher,” Balow said.

When discussing the most important part of college, it seemed the life experiences were something that greatly impacted students.

“Embracing the responsibility that it can result in and embracing the experiences,” Schierman said.

The presenters all appeared to have a sense of confidence that they were traveling down the right path towards the perfect careers for themselves. Some of them had to search a little bit harder than others to find their niche, but all agreed in how gaining experience in specific job fields before graduation is a great way to find out if you are a good fit for a certain career.

“I came in with a completely different degree than what I have now and I finally found something that I really love to do, so gaining experiences that I can put forth in to what I can do after graduation,” Schierman said.

Students interested in learning more about living healthy lives and becoming successful students should visit room 138 in the Integrated Wellness Center on either Monday or Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.