Fare thee well, Class of 2024.

As Penn State’s senior class prepares to walk across the stage this weekend and receive their hard-earned Penn State diplomas, a few of our staffers wanted to share their parting advice after four years of the blue-and-white way.

From cries to getting involved from the jump to cherishing every moment Happy Valley throws at you to going out on a Tuesday, the advice of our seniors is expansive and esteemed.

Haylee Yocum

I’m not going to offer any academic advice. I don’t know what you’re studying, and I don’t know how you learn best, but I will cautiously tell you that whatever grade and GPA number ends up on your transcript is not what defines you. Some professors just suck and like to see people struggle, and you’re going to have at least one of those professors. You’ll bounce back.

My best piece of advice is to find a good balance between class and having fun. Don’t do too much studying and overwork your brain cells but don’t drink too much alcohol because that will also kill brain cells, probably. You’re here to learn, but State College is such a unique place — don’t miss out on all of the experiences that this place, and college in general, have to offer because your nose is in a book 24/7. You might regret it one day.

Also, obviously, join Onward State.

Matt Brown

While I’ve already said a lot about how amazing my time at Penn State was, I’d like to take this opportunity to give what I think is some advice to either incoming freshmen or younger students who want to come to Happy Valley. I truly feel Penn State is one of the best schools out there, and yes, everyone is going to say that about their school, but I think it’s true.

I love everything about Penn State: the snowy weather that’s here for what feels like the entire school year, the gigantic tailgates, (often frustrating) football games, THON, Dollar Dog Nights, nights out at the bars, and so much more. It’s such a great college town to live in and experience.

Now, it’s not for everyone, but for those who are considering it, come here. It’ll be the best decision you’ve ever made. When you get here, get involved, join a club, make some friends, and make your time here last because before you know it, it’s over.

Megan Dougherty

I really can’t believe it’s already almost over. Everyone tells you college goes by fast, but I don’t think I ever believed it until this moment. In my anxious state at the beginning of my college career, I found myself hoping the fun times would just come to me magically. Some of my best, funniest Penn State memories happened completely unexpectedly, like someone drunkenly throwing a rock through my Nittany Apartments window in the middle of the night and it not getting fixed until the last week of classes. Other memories happened because I chose to experience them, like my first Penn State tailgate or seeing Billie Eilish in the BJC. While sometimes the good times were completely random, it was a lot easier to just make the effort to have fun myself.

My departing advice as a senior is to not be complacent during your time in Happy Valley. Most of the time, it’s up to you to put yourself in fun situations and to meet good people. No matter how scary or intimidating it might be to branch out from your usual routine, it’s even scarier to leave here with no fun memories at all, big or small. Put yourself out there and see what you find. It’s always worth it in the end.

Goodbye, Blog. OS was one of the best experiences (and people) I ever made the leap and chose to be involved in.

Nina Jeffries

As I reflect on my last four years at Penn State, I would advise others not to be afraid to do things on their own and live life to the fullest. When I transferred here sophomore year, I was afraid to do things because I didn’t know anyone, and I had to tell myself that I needed to go out and explore. Because of that exploration, I met some of the greatest people I know and got involved in all of my organizations. Don’t be a hermit and live your life because it’s your life and you control what you do.

Sarah Lynn DeCarlo

As my last week as a student at Penn State comes to a close, I️ would like to share my last little bits of advice. Please read my column and do things at this school for shits and gigs because you never know what is going to happen if you say yes to everything — from going out on a Tuesday to talking to the random person next to you. Besides that, do not argue with security or people on campus who tell you that you are doing something wrong. It does not matter. Some of the rules here can be stupid but move on. Go to every sporting event, do things by yourself, and laugh a ton with your friends. Know that money comes back so buy all the merch you can as an undergrad. I️ have soaked in every moment at this amazing school, and I️ am going to miss it a million times over. Thank you, Penn State and Onward State, for the best four years of my life.