Welcome to the Mercer University family, Class of 2030! As you prepare to embark on your journey as a Bear, check out these words of wisdom from some of our most recent graduates to help you make the most of your college career. Here, they answer the question: What advice do you have for incoming students?
Samanta Schultz, EGR ’26
Bachelor of Science in Engineering in mechanical engineering
Try to get involved in things as early as you can! Getting involved in clubs, campus ministries, churches is so pivotal to a college career. I think most people wait to get involved, but it is so important to figuring out who and what you want out of life.
Nicholas Milsap, EDU ’26
Bachelor of Science in Education in secondary education
Take more photos. Seriously. Capture the nights that won’t exist again so you can look back and relive them. Use this time to figure out who you are — what you like, what you don’t like — without someone telling you who you’re supposed to be. And please, take a random elective in something you’ve always been curious about. You never know, it might just change your life.
Gracie Wood, CLAS ’26
Bachelor of Science in psychology
You are so much more than a simple number on a GPA scale. If something isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to try something new!
Deon Brown, BUS ’26
Master of Business Administration in compliance, analytics and regulations in fintech
My advice to incoming students is to stay disciplined and give yourself grace. The program will challenge you, especially if you are balancing school with work, family and real life, but you are capable of getting through it. Stay organized, communicate when you need help, and do not wait for the perfect time to start. Time is going to pass either way, so make the commitment and keep going.
Charlie Johnson, LAW ’26
Juris Doctor
No matter what level of education you’re beginning, remember that this is still just school. You have made it this far, whether it’s undergraduate, master’s, doctorate or law school, through a lifetime track record of excellence, so don’t betray yourself now. Use what you have used before, and trust yourself to excel despite the new obstacles.
Cathy Le, CLAS ’26
Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and molecular biology
Believe in yourself and trust the journey. Not everything will always go exactly as planned, but everything will unfold the way it’s meant to.
Michael Bloom, MUS ’26
Bachelor of Music Education
Be yourself. Don’t ever feel like you have to change for the people around you. You will find that group of people who truly care about you and like you just the way you are.
Virginia Fox, CHP ’26
Bachelor of Science in kinesiology
Go to things! Attend the club meetings and events! There won’t always be a next time.
Brittany Jones, COPA ’26
Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership
My advice to incoming students is this: Yes, it will be challenging, and, yes, there will be sacrifices, but it’s all worth it. Stay motivated, stay determined and remain grounded. Keep going, even when it gets tough, because you are capable of more than you think. There is nothing we cannot do. We are Mercer Bears.
Deandra Bradley, PHA ’26
Doctor of Pharmacy
Be your authentic self and understand that your path is your own. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help — whether it’s from professors, classmates or mentors. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
Feature photo by Leah Yetter
