Student life: Graduating senior's advice - try a little of everything and don't stress about it

Senior Melanie Adams graduates on Dec. 20 from the University of Colorado Boulder with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, and a reassuring feeling that she took full advantage of the many opportunities the university offers.

While at CU, Adams was a member of the Norlin Scholars Program, an officer for the Boulder Photography Club, editor of CU’s Honors Journal for two years and a member of the Tango Club, while also taking advantage of the many research opportunities available to students.

Adams, who grew up in Superior, Colorado, and graduated from Boulder High School, said she felt the size and wide array of opportunities made CU-Boulder a good fit for her.

“I felt like there were a lot of professors and people who have specialty areas, but there are a lot of open options too," said Adams.

As a Norlin Scholar, Adams explained that she felt comfortable coming into college with a community and a backdrop. “I was also able to get involved in really interesting research projects and presented at a research conference,” she said.

Over the past summer, and this semester, Adams worked on an honor’s thesis that evaluates a combination of environmental sustainability, agricultural practices and social equity in relation to diet.

“I picked a topic that I was a little unsure about, but I’ve tackled it and I just finished defending it," she said. "Course work always made the most sense to me when I was able to connect it to other classes. If you have multiple problems and put them together, it helps to make sense of them in the end.”

Her advice for students who are just starting out is not to stress out about trying to live up to an image that is desirable.

“I’ve deliberately done a few things at a time," she said. "It’s good to pick just a few and to do them really well. For my honor’s thesis, I had to make space and let others go. Pushing yourself to do things you’re not quite ready for, that scare you, is most rewarding. Now is the time to let it rip and see what happens.”

Adams, who is the fall semester "Outstanding Graduate" from the College of Arts and Sciences, will be speaking at commencement. “I can’t think of a better way to round out my college experience," she said. "It’s time to reflect on all the support I’ve had.”

Although a little unsure of her exact plans for the future, Adams plans to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) after graduation. 

As far as the most memorable part of being a CU-Boulder student, Adams says the connections she made stand out the most.

“I’ll always remember the people who worked with me outside of class," she said. "It was nice to have a sense of permanence with people who didn’t leave, like the Norlin Scholars undergrad enrichment staff. It all comes down to personal connection. It was those little extra moments where people took time out of busy life to open up and share experiences and allowed you to become a part of it.”