While some students can find the transition from high school to college to be daunting, Honors student Ashley Torri looked forward to it with anticipation and excitement.
Torri became involved right away at Illinois State, taking leadership roles as an Honors peer mentor and Student Ambassadors leadership team member. Next semester she will serve as the Honors Program undergraduate assistant. However her involvement extends beyond the Honors Program, as she is also the vice president of fundraising for Delta Sigma Pi and president of the Society for Human Resource Management. She even found time her freshman year to support the Redbirds as an Illinois State cheerleader.
“I think the classroom is very beneficial, but having a lot of different experiences during your time at school is even more important,” Torri said. “Having a well-balanced education doesn’t only come from the classroom. Getting out there and doing more than studying is extremely important.”
The human resources management and organizational leadership major has even sought experiences off campus, studying abroad for a semester in Leicester, England, followed by five weeks traveling throughout Western Europe. Summer 2014 saw her gaining professional experiences through an HR internship.
Torri will be beginning her final year at Illinois State this fall and is looking forward to continuing her high level of involvement within and outside of the Honors Program. The Honors Program has connected her with mentors, helped her to forge long-lasting friendships, and has given her many unforgettable memories. She hopes that new students will make time for new experiences that place them outside of their comfort zone.
“Don’t be afraid to take on an opportunity,” Torri said. “Your time at Illinois State is short, but if you plan ahead and go for your dreams there is enough time to accomplish everything you want while at school. The key is to plan ahead as a freshman to make sure you can study abroad, take on leadership roles, obtain an internship, or anything else you have always wanted to do.
“There is time for everything, but prioritizing is crucial. Don’t settle for mediocre, make your experience here at Illinois State exceptional.”
