The 2022-23 academic year at the University of Washington Bothell officially started on Sept. 28. But preparations to welcome new and returning students were in full force months before.
Throughout the summer, staff in Orientation & Transition Programs held campus tours and information sessions for new students and their families. As autumn quarter neared, they hosted Transfer Academic Program Days for transfer students to learn more about their majors, and to meet with faculty and staff. Meanwhile, the team in Residential Life readied Husky Village for Move-In Day, an exciting rite of passage that will lead to lifelong memories and friendships.
First-year students began the quarter at the 17th annual Convocation, a time-honored tradition that welcomes them to the campus community. At the formal ceremony, they were greeted by Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg, UW Bothell chancellor. In her remarks, she encouraged them to connect with faculty during office hours or through research and community projects. She also encouraged them to take advantage of the many extracurricular activities, resources and services the campus offers to enhance their educational journey.
Dr. Stefanie Iverson Cabral, assistant teaching professor in the School of Nursing & Health Studies and recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Teaching Award, shared her advice for getting the most out of their UW Bothell education:
- Know that you deserve to be here. Whoever you are and however you came here, know that you have worked hard to get here and will continue to work hard to graduate. Not only do you deserve to be here, but you belong here.
- Find and build community. It is difficult to succeed and flourish when you are isolated.
- Be open, adaptable and persistent. Life will not go as planned. You may not achieve a goal on the first, or second or maybe even third try — or may be told “no.” Know that that these disappointments don’t always mean “never,” but instead may mean “not now.”
- Treat everyone, especially yourself, with kindness and grace. You will not always be perfect. There will be times when you don’t get it right or when you make mistakes. Don’t beat yourself up in those moments but learn from them — and know they are part of the human experience.
- Remember and honor the journey you have taken to get here. Don’t forget why you are here and the impact this dream and this degree can have.
- The Convocation ceremony ended when students put on their UW Bothell pins for the first time, but the fun was just beginning. After the first official photo of the Class of 2026 at the W on the athletic field, students enjoyed a welcome picnic — and got a glimpse of life at UW Bothell: community, camaraderie and connection.
