Welcome, New Students!

What advice would our current seniors offer new students? We reached out to a few to find out.

You Belong Here
August 13, 2024
A Campus Tradition--Each year during New Student Orientation, members of the incoming class spell out LC on the Glade below the Frank Man...
A Campus Tradition—Each year during New Student Orientation, members of the incoming class spell out “LC” on the Glade below the Frank Manor House.

Academics

Polly Ren BA ’25 (she/her)

Polly smiling in front of a carousel. She is wearing a white top.

Hometown: Shanghai, China
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Minor: Neuroscience

“Be brave and try new things: you will always find someone who shares the same thoughts with you in college. Your advisor is super useful, and you can also go to the College Advising Center for help. They can help you figure out what classes you should take each semester.”

Avi Strok BA ’25 (he/him)

Avi posing outside wearing a blue button-up shirt. Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

“Good things come to those who attend office hours! If you’re trying to figure out what you want to study or just want to make connections in your desired department, attending office hours is a great first step. Even if you don’t have a specific question to ask, still go and get to know your professors!”

Claire Baco BA ’25 (she/her)

Claire Baco BA '25 Hometown: Shingle Springs, California
Major: Economics
Minor: Middle East and North African Studies and Data Science (double)

“Get started on your graduation plan early! I don’t mean you have to come in as a first-year with a plan and stick to it—but consider potential majors and their requirements before it’s time to declare. Talk to your advisors and find out what they think.”


Campus Life

Sebastian DePrez BA ’25 (he/him)

Sebastian DePrez BA '25 Hometown: Upland, California
Major: Computer Science and Mathematics
Minor: Data Science and Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation (double)

“Know that there is a place for everyone at L&C! The transition into college may seem daunting but there are so many opportunities that will help you find your community. Attend hall and campus-wide events, support your peers at athletic games, get involved with clubs, and do not hesitate to reach out to your RA who will be able to help you find the resources you need! The L&C community wants to see everyone learn, grow, and succeed in all their aspirations.”

Burton Scheer BA ’25

Burton, sitting on a bench outside Albany Quadrangle, wearing a floral printed top. Hometown: Gainesville, Florida
Major: English
Minor: Gender Studies

“Put yourself out there and get involved with as many opportunities as possible! Sign up for clubs at event fairs, apply for leadership positions, and go to school events. You might find a passion that you had never explored before and friends that you might have never met in your classes.”

Morgaine McGrath BA ’25 (she/her)

Morgaine posing inside near a window. She is wearing a black tank top and blue jeans. Hometown: Encinitas, California
Major: Environmental Studies

“I recommend new students attend on-campus activities, especially toward the beginning of the semester. I know it can be hard going to events in a new place, especially if you are going alone. I met one of my closest friends here because I heard live music and went to see what was going on, even though I didn’t have anyone to go with.”

Lilah Shapiro BA ’25 (she/her)

Lilah posing outside, surrounded by trees and a blue sky. She is wearing a light pink long-sleeve top and dark blue jeans. Hometown: Pahoa, Hawai‘i
Major: Biology
Minor: Earth System Science

“Don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things. I never thought I would be on the Ultimate Frisbee team or join Paddle Club but now I cannot imagine my college experience without them.”


Mindset

Leah Huffington BA ’25 (she/her)

Leah smiling outside a large, white building. She is wearing a brown short-sleeve shirt. Hometown: Long Beach, California
Major: Economics
Minor: Hispanic Studies

“College is about adapting, learning, and growing in areas of your life that you never thought possible. So, embrace the change! It’s an opportunity for some self-discovery and personal growth. Also, invest in a waterproof backpack. Trust me, you’re gonna need it.”

Emily Larabee BA ’25 (she/her)

Emily Larabee BA '25 Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
Major: Sociology and Anthropology
Minor: Hispanic Studies

“Try to go into things without expectations! I’ve found if I just accept things as they come it’s a lot easier to stay in the moment.”

Marta Ružić BA ’25 (she/her)

Marta smiling at the camera. She is wearing a black top. Hometown: Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Major: Music

“Approach your interactions with an open mind. People here come from different backgrounds, so before you get offended, ask yourself: ‘I wonder what experiences have shaped this person’s perspective?’ Be sincere and take the opportunities this school offers.”

Mack Mae BA ’25 (they/them)

Mack sitting outside Manor House playing a ukulele. They are wearing a green floral dress with a dark green cardigan and black loafers. Hometown: Ogden, Utah
Major: Theatre (Performance Concentration) and Psychology (double)

“It is not as scary or daunting as you might think it is! There is time to figure out what you want and what you need, and there are so many people who are ready to help you not only figure out those things but put them into action.”

First-Year Experience Academics Student Life

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