Fourth year neuroscience major Pujit Mekala offers straight talk (hint: learning is hard work) along with his advice to seek out and use the support systems that are offered.

Dear Prospective Student,

Welcome to college. Congratulations on making it! I wish I could say that it all gets easier from here on out, but that typically is not true. After all, you probably did not decide to come to college because you wanted to do the “easy” thing. At times it will feel like nothing is going your way, but do not let that stop you from accomplishing your goals while you are here. I have found that one of the most effective strategies to keep myself going in tough times is that there are many support systems here at the University of Iowa. As an honors student, the honors program itself is one of the best places to go during turbulent times.

The honors program exists solely for your success, so there is no reason not to use it to your every advantage. Your fellow students in the honors program come from a diverse background and that diversity is reflected in what they all offer the program. Students from all over the world come to the University and pick majors from all over the spectrum, and connecting with these students is the first way to help ease your transition to the University of Iowa.

Another thing that you should utilize in the honors program is the staff. They are perhaps one of the most valuable resources you can have as an honors student at the University of Iowa. Their job is to make sure that you are doing everything you can to accomplish your goals, and as an honors student, the staff is there to help.

Overall, the honors program is an amazing and fun experience for all parties involved. I have loved being a part of the University of Iowa, and a huge reason for that is because of the advantages of being a member of the honors program here. I truly believe that being a part of the honors program has made my college transition easier overall. As an honors student, you will have access to honors-programmed activities and classes, and the staff make it their mission to see you succeed. When you have people and a program like that behind your back, the college transition becomes a whole lot easier.

Sincerely,

Pujit Mekala