The Middlebury Class of 2030 moves into their first year dorms with wide eyes and an atmosphere of invigorated excitement, anticipating the next four years of their lives in a quaint town in Vermont. Meanwhile, the seniors arrive on campus, searching for ways to soak in their last year of college by spending time with friends, reminiscing on old memories and enjoying all of the lasts — last first day of class, last Winter Carnival and last Middlebury fall. Whether you are a senior or a first year or somewhere in between, the start of the academic year is the start of new beginnings and new opportunities.
The three guiding words for Middlebury's new strategic plan under President Ian Baucom are excellence, purpose and joy. In light of this, the Editorial Board decided to discuss healthy habits and recommendations for taking advantage of life on campus and meeting this high expectation set forth in President Baucom’s mission.
The Board first underlined the value of patience and trust. As a first year, it is easy to feel pressure to hit the ground running, comparing yourself to others and worrying about falling behind. Although this is natural and often unavoidable, it is important to remember to slow down and take it easy. The first year of college is defined by a series of adjustments and becoming acquainted with a completely new environment. It is important to trust yourself and know that you will find your way without spreading yourself too thin. Instead of comparing yourself to upperclassmen or your peers, it is more productive to view others' accomplishments as inspiration and remember that everyone has been in your shoes before.
This concept of patience is not limited to the first year class but is an important mantra for the entire study body. With the start of the new year, it is important to remember to not overdo it and push yourself to the point of catastrophe. Let go of this idealistic version of yourself, be who you really are and trust that it will bring you to where you need to be.
In a similar vein, the Board recommends trying new things, whether it is enrolling in a class that has nothing to do with your major or a club that you had not heard of before. College is the ideal time to step outside of your comfort zone and experiment. You do not have to be a first year to try out a new club or a new class. The liberal arts model lends itself to academic and intellectual exploration and, subsequently, this freedom can yield both personal and professional growth.
You do not have to try out these new and hard things alone. There is a strong support system inherent to the institution of Middlebury, with people constantly available for encouragement and advice. One of the main attractions of a small liberal arts college is the accessibility to talented and passionate faculty. The Editorial Board cannot overemphasize the importance of forging close connections with professors. The faculty at Middlebury is composed of brilliant and enthusiastic individuals who are experts in their fields and valuable resources for students. If you take advantage of office hours and ask questions, you can build genuine and meaningful bonds with your professors, which can have an undeniable impact on your education and beyond.
The final word of advice from the Board is to discover areas outside the confines of the campus. There is little to no separation between work and home life on campus, which can quickly become draining. It can sometimes feel like there is no way to escape pending deadlines and constant commitments. It is necessary to find outlets that can break up the monotony of everyday life on campus and also search for ways to decompress. This can mean taking a 20-minute walk around town or getting to know someone at the Ilsley Public Library. Integrating into the broader Vermont community and becoming acquainted with people and places outside of the campus bubble is crucial to the vision of the institution. However, on a more personal level, it can also act as a grounding force, knowing that you have resources outside of campus and acting as a reminder that you are not alone.
So, as the midterms, papers and extracurricular activities begin to accumulate, take time to remember not only how special these four years are but also that this time is temporary. Every moment is precious time to capitalize on this unique period of life. So next time you are looking for something to do, stop doom-scrolling, put down your phone and find joy in everything this school has to offer.
