We Asked Y(O)U Answered: What Advice Would You Give to FTOCs and Freshmen?
One of the most significant decisions people typically make is related to their college experiences. Whether it’s a career path or discovering particular interests, it all stems back to the choices made in these three to four years. With numerous options for studying and opportunities to get involved on campus, it may seem overwhelming for incoming students to know how to feel about the upcoming year. The Commentator asked some graduating seniors to reflect on what they wish they had known as freshmen.
Ezra Seplowitz (YC ‘25)
Major: Jewish Studies
Minor: Psychology and Music
“I have three pieces of advice for FTOCs: First of all, you should think long term. The time you put in now will greatly impact your future. Never forget: Yagati u’matzati ta’amin [If someone says I labored and I was successful, believe them]. That being said, my second piece of advice is that you should always remember that your major and your GPA (as important as they are) do not determine your future. Ki lo tedah mah yaled yom [You don’t know what a day will bring]. Hashem has His own plans for our future, and everyone has the ability to pivot and make real changes at any stage in his/her life. My final piece of advice is that you should be confident in your decisions. This stage of life requires massive amounts of self-introspection as some of life’s biggest decisions are often made during these formative years (e.g. career trajectory, a spouse, religious affiliation, etc.). You need the confidence and courage to trust yourself and do what is best for your relationship with Hashem, Am Yisrael, family, friends and yourself. Chazak ve׳ematz!”
Rachel Elizirov (SSSB ‘25)
Major: Finance
“If I could give a piece of advice to a first-year student, I would tell them to network as much as possible and as early as they can. YU alums are always happy to help share advice with current students, and who better to reach out to than someone who was in your shoes?”
Harry Meister (YC ‘25)
Major: Psychology, Neuroscience Concentration
“My advice to an FTOC or first-year would be: Embrace the unknown and let it guide you. It is okay not knowing what you’re doing or where you’re going, but trust and take advantage of everyone you meet here. The more you learn from them, the more you will discover about yourself and where you are meant to be.”
Eden Lippe (SCW ‘25)
Major: Art History
Minor: Studio Art
“College is the place to find yourself. College is the place to find out what you want to do. There is a lot of pressure at Stern to come in knowing exactly what you want to do, but the place to figure out what you want to do is in these three years. It can be a very big pressure to know exactly what you want to do right away, but Stern is an amazing environment to find yourself, figure out what your passions are and discover that. If you asked me if I was going to be an art history major at the beginning of Stern, I probably would’ve said no. I think you should try not to succumb to that pressure and do what you love as much as you can.”
Eidan Horn (SSSB ‘25)
Major: Strategy & Entrepreneurship
Minor: Marketing
“Don’t get lost in the monotony of your time in YU. Both the learning and secular education components are crucial and fulfilling, but make time for new (kosher) experiences and exciting adventures. It’s easy to go back to your room in your free time and flip on a show or spend hours on your phone, but after your years in YU, are you gonna look back on those moments and remember them fondly? Nope. Take every opportunity possible to try something new, say ‘yes’ to something outside of your comfort zone, and actively live your life. This might seem like classic ‘cliché college advice,’ but in the hustle and bustle of YU, it’s easy to overlook. Good luck on your journey!”
Eliana Diamond (SCW ‘25)
Major: Psychology
Minor: English and Jewish Studies
“In my experience at Stern, I built my communities around the things I love most. Becoming invested in maximizing my time at YU was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. For example, I’ve found community in my Gemara shiur, SCDS and staying in for Shabbat. I’ve enjoyed my time here because I’ve been able to do things I enjoy! I’ve acted in three plays, attended invaluable shiurim, and had meaningful chavrutot. I also don’t take for granted the friends I’ve made by just introducing myself in classes or the elevator. I came into Stern knowing seven people, and I can proudly say I am graduating knowing a whole lot more, baruch Hashem. My advice would be to build a foundation that is set for anything you want to do here. Sometimes you just have to find it, start it or build it yourself.”
Yisroel Rosner (YC ‘25)
Major: Psychology
“From my experience, charting out goals from the outset of a semester or year is the key to a successful college experience. Many opportunities will come your way, both academically, socially and personally. While you should take full advantage of the opportunities that resonate with you, which tend to be the most fulfilling, don’t lose sight of the larger picture and your larger goals.”
Ruthie Feinberg (SCW ‘25)
Major: Psychology
“Be kind to yourself!”
Photo Caption: Graduation Picture
Photo Credit: Unsplash / Joshua Hoehne
