Begin again: Advice we’d give our freshman selves
In 1973, influential British rock outfit Faces used their single “Ooh La La” to melodically lament on the inconvenient connection between experience and enlightenment.
“I wish that I knew what I know now—when I was younger.”
Sage words by a band that, at one point, featured future members of the Rolling Stones (guitarist Ronnie Wood) and The Who (drummer Kenney Jones), and one of the most incendiary frontmen (Rod Stewart) in rock history. But despite this eventual high-profile brilliance, they were once just a band considering how unfortunate it is that we must live, learn, and look back with regret on how much more could’ve (or should’ve) been—if only we’d known better.
It’s a matter of knowledge, and for many headed to college this month, now’s the time when some of the most formative learning of one’s life can begin. Many of us at The Martin Group remember these times as the moments we were first introduced to professional elements of advertising, marketing, or public relations; earned our first internship at an agency or adjacent field; and decided to pursue our current careers.
But it was also a time when we made plenty of mistakes, knowing nothing of what we know now.
In honor of all those about to enter their first year of higher education, our team is dipping back into our past, determining advice we’d give to our former selves, and reasoning why this direction is still pertinent today. It’s too late for us to help ourselves, but we’d like to do our part to help others at the start—if only to minimize the number of wrong turns and wrong-headed decisions sure to happen over the next few years.
Here you go:
Mandy Bly, Senior Digital Marketing Manager
The advice: Find a mentor, whether that be at school, work, or in your community.
The reason: I didn’t have any real strong mentors until I was graduated from college. It wasn’t something I sought out, but rather people who came into my life at the right time. Putting effort into building relationships, learning from others’ experiences, and having a trusted person to bounce ideas off is a valuable thing professionally. Plus, they make really solid references for jobs, too.
Laura Werling, Project Specialist
The advice: Relax, worry less, and have more fun. When becoming an adult, I found myself anxious and always worried about messing up or doing the wrong thing. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that as long as I’m doing my best and giving my all, nobody cares. Be more present, have fun in the moment because your life is happening now. This is still something I remind myself of every day. It’s so relevant for so many of us, since it is so easy to get caught up in the stressful parts of life.
The reason: Looking back, I wish I had more fun in high school and college and was more present in the moment. While I know myself much better now than I did when I was a student, I think this advice matters so much now because habits are hard to break. What you focus on expands, so focus on the fun, the good, and the things that bring you joy.
Andrew Mangini, Vice President of Public Affairs
The advice: Always be a problem solver.
The reason: Because the world needs more problem solvers. No matter what, come up with solutions to the problems that you and others face. Don’t just be the person that identifies problems. There are plenty of those—and that doesn’t make you unique or special.
Lisa Bellacicco, Chief Operating Officer
The advice: Get involved and be engaged. Look into clubs and groups that you might be interested in, whether it’s related to your major, a sport, or just something fun. Even if you don’t have a friend to go with, you just try something new. You won’t regret it. If you have an opportunity to do a work study program, do it. Not only will you make some extra money, but you will meet a whole other group of people, and it may be something that lines you up for a job down the road. And talk to your professors and advisors. They’re not only there to teach you. They have a wealth of experience and connections and are willing to help you if you do your part and take the initiative, reach out, and ask questions.
The reason: Employers not only care about someone’s grades—they pay attention to the whole person. They like to see someone who is well-rounded, who wants to contribute to the greater cause, and wants to be a part of a team. Taking initiative and being engaged never goes out of style.
Kearney Erhard, Associate Creative Director
The advice: Maximize time in college. You don’t realize how special the campus environment is until you’ve graduated and realize the guardrails are off in the real world. You’ll never regret skipping a party, but you might regret skipping a high-profile speaker on campus or the chance to try something new as part of a club or organization.
The reason: This piece of advice is especially important today as AI disrupts many of the entry-level white-collar positions that recent college grads have traditionally held. College is your opportunity to find your passion and sharpen your skills to make the rest of your life the best of your life, no matter what the future holds.
Casey Frantz, Senior PR Manager
The advice: You can only control your own actions, not those of others. College and life afterward come with ups and downs, but one thing remains constant: your ability to choose how you respond. Focus on what you can control and let go of the rest.
The reason: Throughout my career and personal life, there have been times when I wanted to control a situation, but I’ve learned that some things are simply out of my hands and that’s okay. While frustration and anger can come easily, I’ve found it’s better to not let those emotions take over and cloud my judgment, now or in the future.
Tim Coppola, Chief Financial Officer
The advice: Enjoy the moment and don’t worry about the small stuff.
The reason: It’s still important—and I still have to remind myself to do this, 40 years later.
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