My name is Lydia Pace, and I am from Avoca, Iowa. I am majoring in marketing with a minor in business administration. On campus, I am on the cheer team, a member of the CEO club, and a Peer Mentor and Woo Crew leader. 

My mom is a Morningside alumna, which made me interested in applying to the school. The first time I came to campus, I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone is very friendly, and it feels like a family here. The campus is also beautiful and offers amazing views of the sunset every evening. Leaving the HPER after practice and seeing the sunset was always the highlight of my day. 

Putting yourself out there is very important. Meeting new people and getting out of your comfort zone is the best way to transition easily into college. Try everything, especially that first week of coming here; do as much as possible. The first week on campus can be overwhelming and scary since you might not know anyone, but remember that we’re all in the same boat. Everyone is scared, so go out and meet new people. 

One of my favorite memories from this year was orientation week. There are so many different activities you can attend, and everyone was very inviting. My peer mentor, Reagan Milton, had a huge impact on me during my first year. She was always available to help me, and she is why I decided to apply to be a peer mentor next year. She was always uplifting and supportive of me. Having a mentor in my first year helped me easily transition into college. 

My advice to incoming freshmen is to live in the moment more and not rush it. High school is your last years of being in your childhood, and once you get to college, you get to be an adult on your own. Reach out to others for help and to step outside of your comfort zone.