Major: Business Management

Email: Bnhanratty@gmail.com

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Questions about Academics and COVID-19

 

What were your classes like in your first year or in your major/concentration, especially transitioning from Shen? 

They weren’t too different, if anything I would say less homework. The tests definitely have a bigger weight and impact on your grade so that was an important transition to be aware of in order to prepare and be successful.

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What academic experiences have stood out to you at your college in either positive or negative ways?

I would say most professors are pretty supportive and help you transition. As long as you put in the effort and go to office hours you will definitely gain their respect and they’ll be willing to help.

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How was your online learning experience at your college? What resources did your college provide you during this time?

Online class was fine, the only reason it was bad was because I was just settling in and making really good friendships that I was ripped away from because of covid. The classes themselves were flexible and professors were very understanding about deadlines and projects.

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Questions about Student Life

 

If students are interested in your major/concentration, what extracurricular activities do you recommend they do at your college?

I am in a few different clubs in the business school that I would recommend. In Deans Hosts I gain a connection with the dean of the business school as well as other students either in the school or interested in the school. I’m also in peer advisors which helps the incoming freshman class get advice from experienced students. Both of these are helpful to get to know people as well as learn things along the way.

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What are common things to do on weekends? Do students commute back home for the weekend or are there events on campus?

Most students stay on campus, I am on the womens crew team so my schedule is usually pretty packed with that but Ithaca itself has tons of different festivals, coffee shops, malls, or farmers markets for the bus to take you to on the weekends. It’s easy to not get bored.

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Are you involved in athletics at your college? How do you balance sports, academics, and extracurricular activities?

I am on the Ithaca Womens Crew Team so I’m pretty busy all the time but there is definitely time to balance school and sports. Most of my friends on the team make deans list every semester and most others do pretty well grades wise. Especially since we’re D3, our coach is very understanding about grades and priorities as well as pushing us to be successful in sports.

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Extra Questions

 

What advice would you give to current Shen students when applying to your college?

I know everyone says “wait for the feeling” when you’re looking at schools, personally I never really understood that. I would 100% recommended playing a sport in college and at the end of the day just go to the school you see yourself at most. Don’t worry too much about rankings or anything like that because at the end of the day you will probably be happy wherever you can see yourself fitting in.

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What makes your college special to you?

I love rowing there. All of my friends are on the team and we do everything together. I am so glad I have the opportunity to row there and have such a great group of friends that I got through rowing.

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What do you wish you knew about your college when you were a senior at Shen?

You have to understand that college is a huge adjustment. All of the movies make it look fun and wild... which it is but you also have to acknowledge that you are leaving the culture you are used to. The first few weeks may be awesome... or they may be horrible. You have to give it time and trust that it will work out. Even if you’re a huge introvert, go talk to someone new, they may be wanting to make friends too. Everyone is in the same boat and there are a lot of resources you can use if you’re struggling.

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Before COVID-19, what was the housing like at your college? What would you recommend to Shen seniors to find their roommates?

I was super scared about the roommate situation because i put my info on the facebook page and no one really responded or anything. I would honestly recommend going random. Its much less stressful and that way if you don’t like them you can switch next year without any hurt feelings. I think the gamble is worth it.

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Is there anything else you'd like to share about your college experience that hasn't been addressed yet in this questionnaire?

Good luck to all, I’m sorry this is all happening during your start to looking/attending college. Hope this info helped and feel free to reach out if you ever have any comments/questions!