Purple pride is a serious matter at Western University. As science students, we feel privileged to experience one of the most spirited frosh weeks across Canada. Not only does O-Week help us make fun memories on which we’ll continue to reflect throughout our time at Western, but it also allows for developing new friendships that enliven our overall undergraduate experience. This is, of course, assuming that you’re not one of many introverts (or even extroverts alike), pressured by your peers to engage in activities that aren’t necessarily in your comfort zone.

Not long before becoming a fan favourite among biology professors at Western, Dr. Beth MacDougall-Shackleton entered her frosh year at Queen’s University and experienced the myriad of worries and struggles that many first-year students go through. She has kindly shared some of her memories as a first-year, as well as some tips and advice on how to be successful.