Life as a Skidmore senior almost innately means you've faced challenges and successes over the four years before graduation. When you reflect on what’s happened over those four years, does your freshman self seem completely unrecognizable? Here, Shirleyka Hector ‘20, Health & Human Physiological Science major and Anthropology minor, actively involved as Executive Vice President in SGA and president of the West Indian Student Association Club (WISA) on campus, investigates.
What is one crucial piece of advice you'd want your 18-year-old-self to know when you first started college?
SH: I would tell myself to take it slow and explore different areas of studies at Skidmore. When I came [here], I was heavily focused on taking science courses, but when I started taking classes in the social sciences/English departments, I realized that I loved them as much as my science classes, if not more.
What good habits do you practice now?
I can say that I have a better grasp on how I manage my time, especially transitioning from dorms to apartment life on campus. I make a daily, weekly, and monthly to-do list to stay on top of my goals. This helps me because I'm always busy from classes to SGA/WISA's club events and tend to forget things if I don't write them down. I try to eat healthy foods and exercise on most days because those two factors affect my mood greatly. It makes me feel good when I can cook meals weekly and discipline myself to get up early and work-out on most days of the week.
What made you nervous about classes and how did you conquer it?
I hated classes with labs, but that's mostly because I decided to take three labs at the same time. I thought it was something I could do because, before college, I've always been good at balancing tough classes. But Skidmore makes you realize you need to plan your class load. I want to enjoy my social life and self-care time and not be captivated with only classwork. Now, at most, I'll only take two labs. I learned how to take fun classes to balance the hard ones. I've taken African American studies, and I loved it because I learned so much about black history apart from all the science. Also, I've taken a few physical activity classes like self-paced fitness and weight-lifting. Currently, I'm taking a beginners swimming class, which I recommend many students to take at some point. Learning how to swim for free is great and you get a work out in!
In what ways have you not changed from your freshman year self?
I think I remain mindful of people's feelings and reflect on how I should take care of tense situations rather than blowing them out of proportions. There have been situations where I could be arguing with a friend and instead of jumping to conclusions, I'll ask to talk out the situation in person and come down to an understanding together. Also, I've always been open to meeting people from different cultural backgrounds or groups. I was born in Haiti, and I've learned the importance of culture, especially on campus. Acknowledging that Skidmore is predominantly white, I don't stray away from talking to all my peers. Many people from similar groups tend to marginalize themselves together, but I am always willing to get to know someone.
How have you integrated yourself into the Skidmore community?
There are many things I enjoy about the Skidmore community, especially the way the student body comes together to make a change. We've advocated increasing the minimum wage for work-study jobs on campus, and we did that! Also, being Executive Vice President in SGA opens my eyes to different perspectives and how to act like a leader. Sometimes, there may be people who say things you disagree with, but you learn how to respond to them. I am the president of the West Indian Student Association, and I love my club! I feel that many people make assumptions about who should be identifying as West Indian and have a general understanding of the Caribbean. I have a great E-Board and we have tons of amazing upcoming events so stay tuned! Also, there's a large community of students who identify as West Indian/Caribbean, and why not create a comfortable space for them to have fun and feel represented?
Being in your final year at Skidmore, what do you want your other fellow seniors to know?
I want my fellow seniors to know that their mental health is what matters the most. Remember that you can't pour from an empty cup. Take time to evaluate your friendships and relationships and don't be scared to remove yourself from situations that are toxic to you and prevent you from thriving. Also, having fun is a huge part of senior year! Go out to events on-campus or restaurants in town with your friends. Enjoy the small moments you have left together! People are constantly asking me about what I plan to do after graduation, and honestly, I'm still figuring it out. All in all, don't compromise your standards and sanity for anything. Period. To my seniors, as we count down the days till commencement, I want you all to acknowledge how far you've come. Keep pushing; the hard work never stops!