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There’s No Single Path: Advice from Sanford Alumni
In December, Sanford welcomed back several young alumni who returned to campus to share updates from college and beyond, as well as advice for current students.
They reminded students that they’re more than a GPA. While academics matter, alumni emphasized that long-term growth also comes from curiosity, balance, relationships, and getting involved in campus life. The experiences that shape you most often come from trying new things, building good habits, finding your people, and staying open to the unknown. There’s no single “right” path, just the one that fits you.
With that in mind, alumni offered advice to help students make the most of their time at Sanford and build a strong foundation for what comes next:
With that in mind, alumni offered advice to help students make the most of their time at Sanford and build a strong foundation for what comes next:
Get involved in ways that matter
Whether through athletics, clubs, the arts, service, leadership, or campus jobs, meaningful involvement builds confidence, connection, and purpose. Alumni noted that depth matters more than breadth; consistent, genuine engagement leaves a lasting impact.
Whether through athletics, clubs, the arts, service, leadership, or campus jobs, meaningful involvement builds confidence, connection, and purpose. Alumni noted that depth matters more than breadth; consistent, genuine engagement leaves a lasting impact.
Use your time to explore
High school is one of the few times in life when you can try many things with low stakes. Alumni encouraged students to pursue varied interests, even those that don’t lead to an immediate career or major, to discover where they truly thrive.
High school is one of the few times in life when you can try many things with low stakes. Alumni encouraged students to pursue varied interests, even those that don’t lead to an immediate career or major, to discover where they truly thrive.
Balance is essential
Strong study habits and routines matter, but so does rest and recharge. Hobbies, friendships, and downtime help maintain well-being and prepare students for life beyond school.
Strong study habits and routines matter, but so does rest and recharge. Hobbies, friendships, and downtime help maintain well-being and prepare students for life beyond school.
Community makes a difference
Being part of a team, close-knit group, or trusted network can shape how grounded and supported students feel. When considering off-campus opportunities, alumni stressed that the people often matter more than the program or school name.
Being part of a team, close-knit group, or trusted network can shape how grounded and supported students feel. When considering off-campus opportunities, alumni stressed that the people often matter more than the program or school name.
Release the pressure around “what’s next.”
Plans change. Interests evolve. Uncertainty is normal. Alumni encouraged current students to ask questions and stay curious. Instead of focusing on rigid outcomes, try questions like:
Plans change. Interests evolve. Uncertainty is normal. Alumni encouraged current students to ask questions and stay curious. Instead of focusing on rigid outcomes, try questions like:
- What are you interested in right now?
- What excites you lately?
- What feels meaningful to you at this moment?
Sanford Alumni remain deeply connected and eager to support our current students and each other. Alumni, we always love hearing from you! Click here to explore the many ways you can stay connected!
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