A Recent Graduate’s Advice to Freshmen

BE A PART OF THE COMMUNITY

I tried to take advantage of every opportunity that Edgewood had to offer in order to make sure I didn’t regret not doing something once my time at Edgewood was over. I took foreign language classes for fun, studied abroad, had internships, joined the Honors Program, skipped class to go out with friends, pulled all-nighters to finish a paper, swam in one of the Madison lakes, and was involved in numerous clubs and organizations on campus. All things that made my time at Edgewood very memorable. However, I do sort of wish I would have lived on campus longer. I lived in Stevie Hall my freshman year, but sophomore year I moved into an off-campus apartment with friends. It was a blast, of course, but sometimes I still wish I would have lingered on campus longer to really take advantage of what residence life has to offer. Living on campus allows you to form a tighter community, meet more people and make more friends, spend more time on campus to take part in more fun activities, and more. Between classes, work-study jobs, and clubs, I definitely had my fill “campus life,” but I still wish I would have stuck around a little longer to form a tighter bond with people in my residence hall, went to a few more student activities, and even suntanned on the boardwalk a little more.
-Julie

Julie is a 2009 graduate from Edgewood College with majors in business and graphic design. After graduation she moved to New York City to start an internship.

Change is in the Air

Several offices are relocating this summer. Some temporarily. Some permanently.

The Financial Aid Office, Registrar’s Office and Business Office are undergoing a major face-lift and combining forces to provide outstanding student service. Starting this fall, all three offices will be united as “Edgewood Central.” Students will now be able to go to one location and get the help they need. There’s a lot of excitement surrounding this new student service. Edgewood Central aligns perfectly with Edgewood College’s student-first focus.

One change that will affect some faculty and staff the most is the closing of the faculty/staff lounge. Mostly, this means no more free coffee at work. The IT department is taking over this space… so I guess some can still go to this location for java help?

-RG

I’m Finally Graduating – Part II

WHAT WILL I MISS THE MOST?

It’s really hard to think of just one single thing I’m going to miss most about Edgewood College. To be honest, pretty much the only reason why I’m looking forward to graduating is merely so I won’t have homework to do in the evenings! So, I’m pretty much going to miss EVERYTHING about Edgewood–the school, the sense of security and community, the students, staff, and faculty, the view of the lake, the support from the student services on campus, and even the cafeteria food–just to name a few.

But if I had to pick one, it would probably be my work-study jobs. They have provided me with a sort of home-away-from-home. My supervisors have all not only been super friendly and fun, but extremely caring as well. I feel like I have developed more of a friend-relationship with them, not just a supervisor-worker typical relationship. They have supported me, forwarded me funny emails, gave me advice, listened when I needed to vent, baked me yummy birthday treats, and have sent me home when I’ve been sick, or offered to make me a bed in an empty classroom upstairs (no joke!). They’ve been so understanding of my busy student life and were flexible when it came to the weekly work schedule. I’ll really miss having this level of support after graduation; I don’t know what I’ll do at a real job without them!

-Julie

I’m Finally Graduating!

IT’S ABOUT THE PEOPLE

What am I going to miss most about Edgewood College? The people. No doubt about that. The professors in my department have been nothing short of an inspiration. They’re compassionate towards their students and passionate about teaching. That love of their job shines through the classroom and really engages me. Plus a majority of the professors in the Psychology Department are so entertaining that I am laughing just reminiscing about some of the stories they’ve told me. I’m not lying about that, people are looking at me strange in the computer lab right now.

Besides the incredible professors I’m going to miss certain members of the staff that I have really connected with that have gotten me through some tough times, whether they realize it or not. I can’t count how many times I was able to count on the people here at Edgewood to not only push me succeed, but also give me the strength and courage to do so. Also, I’m going to miss seeing my friends all the time. The friendships that were made throughout random classes have lasted years and I’m sure are going to continue to last as we all mature and move on with our lives.

Going into the real world isn’t going to give me that same amount of spontaneity that I love. I won’t be able to skip a class and go for a walk or lay on the boardwalk and tan. Nothing beats the student life. Sure, we have worries and need to worry about money and such, but it’s a care-free laid back lifestyle. Edgewood College really has become another family of mine. A large, random, loud, rambunctious, caring family that is never short of an adventure.
-Tracy

Leaving… but giving back

It’s the last week of class for the Spring 2009 Semester here at Edgewood College. For many, this means that there are only a few days before finals. For others, this means it’s almost time to graduate.

One would think that with thoughts about finals, graduation parties, the excitement of almost being done, and the nerves about starting that first job out of college, graduating seniors would have enough on their proverbial plate. But giving back to the College? That hardly seems like something someone, who 6 months from now might start paying off student loans, would be thinking about about. Right?

Well, not these group of graduating seniors at Edgewood College. Check out the following website to hear Edgewood College students reflect on their experiences and explain why they give back.

-RG

May Day

May 1 is here!

This is an exciting time of year for many, many reasons. Summer is within sight, the school year is coming to a close, and thousands of high school seniors are finalizing plans for their future. If you’re a high school senior and are still trying to figure out where you’ll be this fall, here is my advice: relax.

Choosing a college seems like a BIG decision; however, you can make it easier if you stop and take a deep breath. There is a ton of support out there if you need it and whatever your decision is, it’s going to be the right one. Identify what’s important to you and you’ll find your answer.

Relax. It’s May 1 and life is beautiful.

-RG

Reflections: Earth Week & the end of the year

EARTH WEEK
This week of April was “Earth Week” on campus. Earth Day, which was Wednesday, was founded in 1970 by the Wisconsin senator, Gaylord Nelson. Starting in our own area, Earth Day has since spread to hundreds of countries all over the globe.

There were many events this week, including lectures, films, planting the Edgewood community garden, and the woodland restoration project. On Earth Day, people had the incentive to bike to school instead of driving: the Williamson Street Bike Shop did free repairs and adjustments in the parking lot. Groups also planted native Wisconsin plants near the boardwalk with the campus grade school. Mayor Dave Cieslewicz lead a tour of Edgewood’s various buildings and sustainability projects which show how our campus is striving to “go green”.

It’s easy to just participate in Earth Day and forget about the environment the rest of the year. It’s also easy to think of “going green” as just a trend at the moment. But we should be proud of the efforts of students and staff here to strive for a more beautiful, healthy, and sustainably productive future, as well as efforts to integrate the Earth Day mind-set in our everyday lives.
-Michael

PREPARING FOR THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR
Its “crunch time” right now! Final exams and projects are right around the corner. I’m a tad bit nervous about some of them because I procrastinated on some of my major projects, but there’s still a few weeks left… so hopefully I can get them done!

I’m trying really hard to focus in all of my classes right now, because the material the professors are covering now is what will be a large part of the final exam. We have already been tested on the previous material, so they really want to see if you know the new material. It’s also hard to go to class because of the beautiful spring weather we are having. But if you don’t go to class in the last couple weeks it will really bring you down. You just have to remember only “two weeks left and I’m done!” It’s not worth skipping out now.

Finally, one more thing: I’m going to miss my roomies! I live with two other girls and they are both fabulous! We’ve become pretty good friends, so it will be sad once we move out. We’ll have to take some road trips this summer to visit each other I’m thinking.

The end of the year is definitely exciting. I’m so pumped to move home for a few months, make some money and be able to see my friends! But doing well on all of my projects and finals will definitely make my summer more enjoyable.
-Marissa

Money: According to a college student

Well, as a poor college student, most of my money goes to food and rent. My freshman year was a big eye opener to me on how to spend my money and determining what I needed as opposed to merely wanted. I am much better at handling my money now and I wish I had had someone to show me how to do it before.

If you have a credit card, don’t use it unless you have the money to pay for it. To build good credit I only used mine for gas and groceries. It’s way too easy to blow your cash on going out to eat or out with friends. It’s easy and sometimes fun to get caught up in the moment. Making a budget is probably the best thing to do in school. Like each week or each month only allow yourself to spend a designated amount. If you aren’t sure you can stick to that, use cash for everything and only bring as much cash as you’re willing to part with. And, if possible, if you’re working and going to school, try only using a certain percentage of your paycheck each week and then putting the rest into savings.

Follow this advice and you’ll thank me later.
-Tracy

Money is a very sensitive subject for a college student!! I don’t really have spending money, but the little I do have goes to miscellaneous things. For example; PARKING TICKETS!!! The city of Madison has no justice for college students. FYI you need to park four feet away from all driveways and entryways! My money also goes towards eating out on the weekends as well as new clothes. Having Milio’s close by is definitely a weakness for me. They have the best subs in the world and they have taken a good chunk of my money! I try to not spend the little money I have, but once in awhile you need to treat yourself!

I’d say the number #1 tip for saving money as a college student is to eat on campus if you have a meal plan. At Edgewood the meal plan is paid ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about carrying cash around with you to buy food. The meal plan is quite large so you might as well use it as much as possible! Eating off campus adds up quick and Edgewood does give you a lot of variety.

Another way to save money is if you know you are going home, take your laundry with you! Doing your laundry on campus is expensive, so save money and do it at home.

Lastly, take advantage of what the college has to offer. You get free access to the work out facility with your Edgewood ID, so instead of paying for a gym membership use the one on campus. Edgewood also offers a free shuttle service to its students. It comes in handy when you don’t want to pay for a taxi, and they come at various times at night to different locations. There are many other ways to save and manage your money as well but it comes down to knowing where your money is being spent and taking advantage of all the FREE things the college has to offer!
-Marissa

Every college student has a different financial situation, depending on how much family is willing to help out, how many hours you can work, whether or not you live on campus, how many scholarships you have and how much you need to save to pay off school. Paying off school debts aside: housing bills, food, gas, and fun are what drain money the most.

Living off campus, as I do, is cheaper in the long run if you find a good deal. But in the short term, I do not have a meal plan and so must buy groceries. Crafty students will find ways to get free food, such as taking advantage of willing friends’ campus meal plans, working at food places which allow employees to take home left-overs, getting food from family when visiting home, and even knowing people who either garden or hunt.

Living off campus also has the disadvantage of bills. Gas and electric are the worst, especially in the cold winters here. After my experience with bills the past couple years, I suggest to those who live off campus to find a place with heat and water included. These places do exist if you look, even if it means sharing a building as an apartment or duplex, and they are well worth it.

Another cost is transportation. Luckily Edgewood provides each student with a free metro bus pass each semester. The downtown area of Madison is perfect for taking a bus, walking, or biking to wherever you need to go. Traveling to the outskirts of the city and commuting to other cities is what takes up a lot of gas money.

After food, bills, and gas, I have very little cash. But whatever else that I don’t need to save goes to fun: concerts, traveling, movies, bars. When short on cash, there are plenty of trails, parks, lakes and areas downtown that can be explored for FREE.

So, start taking note of how much money you have and when your next paycheck will be. Before doing anything with that money, figure out how much of it isn’t even technically yours, like bills and debts, then set that aside and don’t touch it. Then figure out ways to be cunning and save so you can eat and get around and have fun without being stressed about cash.
-Michael

I should have listened to my mom better in making and sticking to a budget. My first three years of college, I didn’t watch my money too close and put shopping online as sort of a priority to where my money went. I should have realized I shouldn’t have and to save more money for bills and to be able to begin paying them off sooner!

Besides clothes though, most of my money went to food and gas for my car. If you currently have a car in high school, I know it will probably be hard to go all of college without it, but if you can, I would definitely suggest you do it. Being an Edgewood Student, you get a free bus pass and it takes you anywhere you need to go in the city- not to mention you always make friends that have cars that will drive you around too. You would save a lot of money not having to pay for parking permits, parking meters, parking tickets (oh yes, you’ll get those in Madison), gas money, insurance, and if you have a car payment too!
-Julie

Placement Testing

Q: Do I have to take a placement exam if I’m going to Edgewood College?

A: No.

It’s right about this time of year that we receive several calls and emails from students and parents about placement testing. At Edgewood College, placement for math and English courses is based on ACT scores and a review of the high school transcript.

The UW System does placement testing for students attending any of the UW schools. Due to the large number of students attending UW schools, students admitted to Edgewood or other private colleges in Wisconsin sometimes feel like they missed something when they hear the “buzz” around their high school about placement testing.

So, if you’re planning on enrolling at Edgewood College, you don’t have to worry about placement testing. All you need to do is sign-up for an Advising & Registration Day (check your mail or email for more information about Advising & Registration Days).

Senioritis: A good thing or a bad thing?

I had a very bad case of senioritis in my last semester of high school. By that time I was already accepted to a couple schools and, frankly, I was just ready to move out of my parents place and into the college life. I did all or most of my assignments but I hardly ever studied; I did enough to get by. The benefit was I had a really fun senior year of high school, the negative was that sometimes I’d be a bit stressed. I slacked off a lot, yea, but I still wanted to graduate high school.

I am a senior now and earlier this year I had a bit of a case of senioritis and then I remembered that in college, I just can’t afford it. So I had senioritis for all of two weeks, then I had to get back in the grind of things. So now I try to buckle down during the week so I can just relax and not have to worry on the weekends.
-Tracy

Oh boy… senioritis. It’s an evil, but inevitable thing. I remember when I was a senior in high school, I definitely had a bad case of senioritis. Actually, I was so over-involved in high school that I think I had senioritis early into my junior year!

It’s nice that by the time you’re a senior, you’ve figured out the boundaries of school- how much you need to do to get the grade you want and how to do it in the least amount of time possible. I’m a senior in college now, and yes, I have senioritis. But I do know my boundaries and know how much studying I need to do to “ace the test.” So maybe I won’t be doing many extra credit assignments, but I’m still doing my best and trying hard to do well. It’s difficult, but I’m attempting to just pretend I’m not graduating in a few months and do the same amount of work I always have. It’s all about mind over matter for sure.
-Julie

I don’t think it would be normal if someone didn’t get a little bit of senioritis. I mean your four years are almost over and summer is near! It’s a pretty exciting time and I think almost everyone said during that time that they wanted it to go by faster. I guess I got a little case of senioritis, but it wasn’t bad. I liked all of my classes senior year and I had gymnastics and softball second semester so really the only thing I was looking forward to was summer! I was dreading the day when gymnastics and softball would be over, but at the same time I was excited to walk across the stage and receive my diploma. What really helped me focus during my final semester of HS was remembering something my dad always said to me. He always would tell me that those days were the best days of my life. So everyday I tried to remember that, and tried to tell myself that HS would be over soon enough, so why rush it? You only get four years!

I’m not a senior, but I’m kind of getting senioritis as a freshmen… or freshman-itis? Just moving home for the summer and being with all my friends again has me wishing school would just get over! But college is in a way similar to high school. You only get four (or five… or ten) years, so why rush it? Who really wants to go out into the real world yet?
-Marissa