Leaders from across campus gathered in the Wilkinson Student Center on Sept. 24 to advise incoming freshmen on how to make the most of their BYU experience.
Representatives from Y-Serve, the Ballard Center for Social Impact, the ROC and the Student Leadership Center joined together to advise students — specifically incoming freshmen — on how to succeed at BYU.
PEN (Personal Education Narratives) Talks are hosted by the BYU Student Association a few times each semester to provide a place where students can connect, share experiences and learn from one another.
Students Olivia Allen, Jenson Zaugg, Audrey Godfrey and Gracy Keim attended the event as panelists, representing the ROC, Y-Serve, the Ballard Center and the Student Leadership Center, respectively.
“PEN Talks is a program that the Student Association has run for a number of years now,” said Logan Mann, assistant director in the Student Connection and Leadership Center. “It was created by students, for students to create narrative opportunities where students with unique experiences can share those experiences with others to be able to learn and grow and share together.”
Students attending the event were given the opportunity to submit questions to panelists about their college experience.
“PEN Talks are to have students connect with other students and share diverse perspectives,” said Raegan Davis, director of student voice. “It’s just an opportunity for students to kind of learn, and to grow and ask questions … PEN Talks is trying to give them that place where they can ask questions in an environment that’s open and welcoming.”
Questions ranged from “What’s the best way to prepare for a test?” to “How can I build good relationships with my professors?” and “What’s your favorite hidden gem on BYU’s campus?”
Keim, BYUSA vice president of activities, repeatedly invited students to simply get involved.
Zaugg, Y-Serve vice president, issued a similar invitation.
“There’s a place for everyone … find your place, find your people,” Zaugg said.
Other advice from the panelists included reaching out to professors, taking fun classes, organizing schedules with priorities in mind and appreciating the opportunity to attend BYU.
“I loved how they talked about how we can balance everything,” said freshman John Rymen. “We can really get it all and have a good college experience if that’s what we want.”
Representatives shared information on how students can get involved in their respective organizations. Additional resources were listed at the end with QR codes for students to scan and learn more.
Students interested in learning more about maximizing their BYU experience can contact the participating organizations or attend the next PEN Talk in October, which will cover interfaith experiences.