By: Khalil Robinson

Spartanburg Methodist College’s freshmen class has been increasing the past four years. This fall the College introduced 551 freshmen students, along with the first class to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. We want freshmen to have the best tools to succeed and feel comfortable during their journey at SMC. That is why we reached out to upperclassmen to ask if they had some helpful advice for the incoming Pioneers.

Here are some of the tips those students shared with us:

Amanda Rosa, Senior

Amanda is a senior from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and she will receive her Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in English and history in May 2021. Amanda’s favorite resource on campus is the Write Place because they can help with the revision of a paper after it is complete, or they can help you get started on your paper with some brainstorming ideas. Amanda says that joining a club on campus may seem frightful, but there is a club for everyone such as environmentalists, dancers, and gamers! Amanda also stressed the importance of being prepared prior to classes, instead of waiting until the first day of class to pick up books and supplies.

Mattie Meiklejohn, Junior

Mattie is a junior from Pratt, Kansas, and she will receive her Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in business and English in May 2022. Mattie’s favorite resource on campus is the counseling services. She stated, “Balancing school, work, and your social life can be very stressful. The counseling services are free, confidential, and recommend new ways to take care of  yourself and manage time.” Mattie also said to make time during your busy schedule of school and work to get involved on campus because “It will allow you to meet and get familiarized with other students and staff.”

Clayton Hernandez, Senior

Clayton is a senior from Simpsonville, South Carolina, and he will receive his Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in business and English in May 2021. Clayton says that it is important to use all available resources on campus and have open communication with your professors because it will be useful for your entire career at SMC. He also mentioned that freshmen should, “work hard and enjoy the time you have with your friends. It may seem difficult and stressful at times, but the result will be worth it”.

Nina Stone, Senior

Nina is a senior from Campobello, South Carolina, and she will receive her Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in religion and history in May 2021. Nina says that as a freshman she wishes she would have learned is to, “pace assignments on a day-to-day basis”.  She said now that she manages her assignments better, she feels more productive than ever!