Why hello there!

I do hope all is well with you and yours.

Summer has settled herself over Wilson’s campus like stretched gracefully across the cool floors of Sharpe House, supervising the comings and goings of my dad, President Wes. Agatha the groundhog has been pawsitively beside herself with excitement over all the new students preparing to arrive this fall, though I did remind her that unlike groundhogs, college students should not spend half the year hibernating.

I, myself, have been carefully conserving my energy in the shade, maintaining my figure, and ensuring that the birds outside my window remain fully aware that I am still Wilson’s reigning feline authority. With a brand-new class of students preparing to begin their Wilson journey, I thought I might offer a few bits of advice from someone who has spent many years carefully observing campus life from its very finest sunny spots.

Now, my first piece of advice to our incoming students is this: do not be afraid to ask for help. One thing I have learned while observing classes of Wilson students is that the most successful among them are not necessarily the ones who already know everything. Heavens no. No, the truly wise students are the ones who raise a paw when they need guidance. Your professors, advisors, coaches, and classmates all want you to succeed. Of course, there’s the new R.I.S.E. Center, where you can find both academic and personal support. Wilson is not the sort of place where one gets lost in the crowd like a lonely alley cat in the rain. Folks here notice when you are thriving, and they notice when you are struggling. So do speak up, introduce yourself properly, and let people help you grow into the splendid creature you are meant to become.

My second piece of wisdom is to get involved on campus early. Attend the events. Cheer at the games. Try something unexpected. You could consider joining a club such as WCGA, CAB, or my personal favorite, the Cat Club. College passes faster than a startled cat fleeing a vacuum cleaner, and the students who enjoy Wilson the most are the ones who throw themselves whiskers-first into the life of the College. I have seen shy first-year students blossom into confident leaders simply because they took a chance on a new experience. Besides, campus life is much more entertaining when one has plenty of people available to admire them. I ought to know.

Finally, dear students, remember to give yourself grace. Adjusting to college life takes time. Even I was not born with purrfectly refined manners, though I did come remarkably close. There may be days when classes feel difficult, friendships feel complicated, or you simply miss home. Be patient with yourself. Rest when needed. Work hard. Keep going. Success at Wilson is not about purrfection; it is about purrsistence, kindness, and discovering who you are becoming. Also, never underestimate the healing power of a good cat nap. That advice has served me extraordinarily well over the years.

And to my dear alumnae, alumni, and friends, perhaps you can share: what advice would you give to our incoming family of Wilson students?

As summer continues and campus prepares to welcome another class, I do hope many of you will stop by to visit me when you are in Chambersburg. I always enjoy reconnecting with alums, students, and friends of the College, provided you arrive prepared to offer proper compliments and perhaps a gentle chin scratch or two. Until then, stay cool, stay curious, and remember that Wilson is ready to welcome you home with open arms, and in my case, elegantly crossed paws.

With warmest regards and a dignified swish of the tail,