Words From the Wise: Professors Offer Advice to Seniors

With graduation approaching for the class of 2012, the Collegian asked a few professors to share their wisdom with departing students. Here’s what they had to say.


“The classroom is governed by rules and codes of honor that don’t actually operate in the real world. So, I think the first thing you have to realize is that you’ve been in a really privileged situation being at Kenyon for four years and the world, whether it’s the working world or graduate school, is probably going to be a little harder-edged than life here. … I think that one of the most important things is to retain the ideals and the principles that have been formed during your life at Kenyon, because that’s one of the most valuable things you can get here. Also, the first year after college tends to be very difficult. There are a lot of adjustments that need to be made, [just as] it takes a lot of adjustment to go from being a senior in high school to a freshman at Kenyon. ... One of the things that I try to encourage friends and young people who have just graduated from college [to do] is to be patient with yourself. Give yourself time to adjust. If there’s some way that you can transition into the next phase of your life, whether it’s taking a year off, whether it’s traveling, whether it’s working part-time or going to school part-time, … I think it’s really important to be generous with yourself and to give yourself enough time to make that adjustment and transition, because you might find that if you rush into a situation and you’re not ready for it, you’re going to end up wasting time, and you do not want that to happen.”

— Daniel Epstein, Richard B. Thomas Visiting Professor of Creative Writing

“Learn to cook with foods that don’t come prepackaged, frozen or canned. It’s a survival skill, a form of relaxation and entertainment, and good for the body and mind. [Also], unplug and go move around on your own outside at least half an hour a day.”

— Ruth Dunnell, James P. Storer Professor of Asian History

“In this world, it’s tough. I’m glad my children are older and out of college, because I wouldn’t want them entering this world right now, because it’s kind of scary. You know, you’re doing all this hard work here at Kenyon and we demand so much of you, and what will it lead to? All of these articles in the newspapers say, ‘What is the college education for? Why spend all this money when there aren’t any jobs anyway?’ To give tips to the graduating class is sort of an impossible task in a way. But for some humorous advice, The New York Times [published an article called] ‘States of Contentment’ [that listed the happiest states]. I think that everybody should move to these states. I’m from Minnesota, but there’s also North Dakota and Hawaii. So my advice is to move to North Dakota. Minnesota is [also] a great state. You should go to Minnesota. Go to some places that are a little more off the normal track. Don’t go to all these other places [voted ‘least happy’ states]. Let’s try to be content. On my more serious side, I think that all of you smart folks who come here, use these smarts in smart ways and knock on doors. Don’t be shy, knock on doors. Wherever you can find a door that you can knock on, knock on it.”

— Barry Gunderson, Professor of Art

“I [think] that a couple of conflicting platitudes would be helpful. So, first thing, keep your nose to the grindstone and your shoulder to the wheel; that’s always important. Second thing, the nail that sticks out gets hammered. Third thing, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Fourth thing, moderation in all things. Fifth thing, don’t forget to write; that would be good. My last, [completely] nonsensical [piece of advice] is, don’t forget that time flies like an arrow and fruit flies like a banana.”

— William Melick, Bruce L. Gensemer Professor of Economics

“Be persistent and optimistic. Even if the last n opportunities haven’t panned out, approach the (n+1)st as though it will. On moving, get rid of extra stuff before moving rather than after. And lift with your knees.”

— Marie Snipes, Assistant Professor of Mathematics