Wake Wisdom
Wake Wisdom
Faculty Fellows have been there (and here), done that and lived to tell the tale – now they’re here to help you do the same. Each first-year residence hall features at least three faculty members who know the ins and outs of both Wake Forest and college life, and want nothing more than to ease your transition into this new community. Have a question? Need advice? Want someone to talk to? These are your people.
Here’s a little free advice from a few faculty fellows:
Ron Von Burg
assistant professor/communication
south residence hall
“The most common misperception among incoming students, especially at a place such as Wake Forest, is that everyone else ‘has it together.’ They don’t, and there is nothing wrong with that. College is a time to learn and explore, and it should be a safe environment to have your assumptions and ideas challenged. Everyone is figuring out their path and where they belong, and that is the fun in college.”
Melissa Jenkins ( ’01 )
associate professor/english
collins residence hall
“We care about you and want you to succeed. But in order to help you, we have to get to know you. If you are struggling in a class, go talk to the professor as soon as possible. Profs are human too, and are more likely to cut you a break or send opportunities your way if you make the effort to become more than just another face in the crowd.”
Michael Lamb
university scholar in residence/office
of personal and career development
babcock residence hall
“Choosing your friends is one of the most important decisions you will make in college (and in life), so choose wisely. Spend time with people who share your passions, or who can teach you something new. Don’t feel pressure to do things you’re not comfortable doing just to fit in. There are many ways to fit in at Wake Forest – you just have to find the friends that are the right fit for you.”
Sam Leonard Beck ( ’81, ma ’89 )
director of student professional
development, school of business
bostwick residence hall
“I moved onto Bostwick 1A as a freshman 40 years ago (eek!). The group of women on that hall have been in each other’s weddings, mourned each other’s losses, celebrated life’s happy moments, and been listening ears and strong shoulders when needed. We had different majors, and even different interests (pre-meds, majorettes, theatre members, debutantes, full financial aid recipients, girls from small towns and big cities who thought they were truly ‘out in the country’ at Wake). We variously became doctors, lawyers, teachers, counselors, authors, professors, accountants, interior designers, a Hollywood actress/producer (!), stay-at-home mothers, business owners and awesome WFU alums. We gathered together this fall for our 35th reunion at Homecoming and proudly posed for pictures as Bostwick 1A.
We changed each other’s lives and we are all the better for it.”
Alessandra Von Burg
associate professor/communication
south residence hall
“These four years will fly by faster than you can imagine. Cherish every moment and do not get discouraged if you do not find your ‘thing’ as soon as you move in. Give yourself time to explore, stumble, be confused. Growing up on your own also means not having all the answers. It is going to feel great once you find your own home at Wake, whether it’s the Global Village, the debate team, a science club, a sport, Campus Kitchen, a lab or your semester abroad (make sure you study abroad at least once). With so many options, it will take time. Give yourself time to think, sleep, contemplate what you need and who you are.”
Eric Carlson
associate professor/physics
collins residence hall
“Much of your life up to now may have been about checking all the boxes to make sure you get into a good college. Stop doing that. Start deciding what you are passionate about, and focus on that. Don’t do something because you think it will look good on your resumé. Do it because you care about it, and your passion will come through when it comes time to take the next step.”
