PHOTO GALLERY: Eight graduating MU students share advice to freshmen

May 11, 2012 | 12:01 a.m. CDT

Eight graduating students from MU share their advice about academics and social life to freshman based on their experiences while attending the university. Graduation ceremonies will be held throughout the weekend in various locations at MU.

Steven Lammers, 21, a political science major is graduating in August, but walking during Saturday's graduation ceremony. He is graduating after only three years at MU. "Just keep going," he said. "Just keep doing what you want to do." | Grant Hindsley

Beth Cressman, 22, is a graduating health sciences major at MU. On the left is the photo on her student ID from her freshman year. "The best advice I would give myself is to definitely be more exploratory with outside activities. And don't over-commit to things." | Grant Hindsley

Emily Luft, 22, is graduating from MU on Saturday. She majored in women's and gender studies. On the left is the photo from her student ID which was taken her freshman year. "I would tell myself to get to know Columbia more quickly," she said. | Grant Hindsley

Brittany Wood, 22, majored in women's and gender studies at MU. On the left is the photo from her student ID which was taken her freshman year. "Don't waste your time changing majors," Wood said. | Grant Hindsley

Flavia Santibanez, 21, who majored in international business and marketing at MU, graduates Saturday. On the left is a photo from her student ID taken last year. "Slow down," Santibanez said. "I feel like it went way too fast." | Grant Hindsley

Joshua Lackner, 21, who majored in computer science at MU, will be graduating Saturday. On the left is the photo from his student ID which was taken during his freshman year. "Don't buy books from the university," Lackner said. "Buy them half-price from Amazon." | Leah Beane

LaParis Hawkins, 22, will graduate Saturday after majoring in English at MU. On the left is the photo from her student ID which was taken her freshman year. "Learn very good time management skills and always be really interactive with your professors," Hawkins said. | Grant Hindsley

Heather Cowden, 22, who majored in marketing at MU, will graduate Saturday. On the right is the photo from her student ID which was taken during her freshman year. "If there's anything you want to do, do it," she said. "You don't want to waste your four years since you won't have another chance once you're gone." | Leah Beane