Seniors Share Advice

Been there, done that! That’s the case for Bluefield College seniors. They’ve had all the professors and know the more challenging classes. They’re familiar with campus and know the best place to park, study or just simply lounge. They know the traditions, the pros, and the cons.

Based on what they’ve learned about being a student at BC, we thought we’d ask graduating seniors to share their insights with underclassmen and to share advice to help other BC students on their journey to graduation.

• Logan Hinnant, Criminal Justice

  “Something that I would say would just be to focus. Focus is key to succeeding at anything. At Bluefield, you’ll meet people — some good, some bad. Regardless, if you find you a good friend group who are all there to succeed, you will in turn succeed. My time here had a lot of ups and downs, but my friends got me through it. If you are looking to come here, there will be a lot of fun times, but don’t expect all of them to come from partying. You’ll have to reach out of your comfort zone.”

• Gabriel Blakman, Business Administration/Management

  “Be proactive on everything you do. The journey to graduation is not difficult to overcome, but there are going to be some times in which you feel like giving up. Don’t! Think about all the sacrifices people behind have to do for you to get an education in this college. That is the best way for you to not stop and keep going. Also, know that everything that happens through your life at college will teach you something important in life, either bad or good. If it’s bad, it will teach a lesson, something to avoid once you’re out there. And if it’s good, it will give you a good perspective about life. Be yourself and overcome every obstacle that comes to you during this time, because once you do and make it to graduation you will be very proud of yourself.”

• Emily Carlisle, Communication and Graphic Communication

  “Actions will always matter and be remembered more than words or thoughts. Actions lead to discovering integrity and passions, revealing a life of authenticity.”

• Samuel Kimzey, History and Christian Studies

  “As a graduating senior, I would strongly encourage current students to take advantage of all the opportunities at Bluefield. What you get out of college is largely the result of how you approach it and what you put into it. The opportunities are there; it’s up to you to take advantage of them. Bluefield has many very knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced faculty. Take advantage of this by learning from them. Take time to get to know them; you won’t regret it, and they will be valuable resources and friends both in college and down the road. Take advantage of all of the collegiate resources that Bluefield provides. There are many talented and helpful people in the ACE who can sharpen you in your academic studies, and you could even consider contributing there as a tutor yourself. The library and online databases are a veritable treasure trove of academic resources, and our librarians are very knowledgeable and equipped to help you. Our music ensembles, like marching band, concert band, choir, chapel band and more, are led by adept and accomplished faculty, and these groups are wonderful creative outlets to make music with others. Consider joining if you can. And your homework is actually an opportunity, too. It’s an opportunity to learn and grow yourself, so treat your education as your primary calling and responsibility during this period as a student. Lastly, be engaged in the Bluefield College community and in a church community. Take time to develop friendships with quality people, and build relationships during this formative period of your life.”

• Kaliegh Compton, Communication

  “I would tell upcoming seniors to reach out to others while you’re still on campus. Encourage them, be their friend, find out their interests. By the end of your undergrad career, you’ll know you tithed into someone’s life and made them feel special, which ultimately brings you delight. Also, don’t wish your life away. The time will come for certain things to bloom. Most importantly, take time to get to know Jesus for who He really is. You will realize how much He loves every single one of y’all.”

• Carrington Hawthorne, English and Theatre

  “I am probably going to say the opposite of what I’m ‘supposed to say.’ Of course you need to focus on your classes and academic work, but don’t forget that the college experience is much more than that. Take time to go on that midnight run to Sheetz with your friends or hold a movie and game night in the residence hall lounge. No matter how small, those moments matter. Also, I will redeem myself a little by saying that I had the opportunity to go to present my original work at an academic conference in Cleveland, OH. The conference experience seems intimidating, but it is so worth it. I didn’t win a prize or get my work published. However, I did walk away with strong relationships, connections to others in my field, and inspiration. Definitely attend a conference, if you are able.”

• Sidney E. Smith, English (Writing)

  “I would say the most important thing I’ve learned throughout my time at Bluefield College is to simply live in the present. Yes, it is important to work hard — try your very best, but know that you are not defined by the mistakes you make. Don’t allow yourself to become so overwhelmed that you cannot enjoy the experience of living. Join groups, make friends, and as cliche as it may sound, don’t be afraid to be unapologetically yourself. You will accomplish so much more than you could ever imagine if you just enjoy the possibilities today has to offer you.”

• Hayley Moore, English (Writing) and General Music

  “My biggest piece of advice is to just talk to people. Talk to your professors and your advisors and your classmates. It’s really hard to do it alone, and many people here are so caring and willing to answer questions and solve issues if you just tell them what’s going on. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, or even just someone to talk to. The reason I stayed at BC is because of the professors; they’re really not as intimidating as they seem in class. Also, try to get things in writing and cc advisors on important emails. I wish I had known that my first semester.”