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Student sitting at a desk talking with an advisor. Photo by Kristin Black.

Create Your Stanford Tapestry

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Student sitting at a desk talking with an advisor. Photo by Kristin Black.

 

I love helping students discover their Stanford. The alchemy of weaving a unique tapestry of coursework and co-curricular experiences is at the heart of what it means to be a Stanford student. Throughout your time here, you’ll navigate this place by setting goals, making choices, and reflecting on your path not just once, but in many iterations as you learn and grow. It’s transformational, and it doesn’t end at graduation.

Your relationships--the ones that become a part of you—are a vital part of your Stanford. I manage the Stanford Newcomer Guides program. I recruit, develop, and support the faculty and staff volunteers who are here to help you on your journey. They do this by getting to know you and by having an ongoing conversation with you. This conversation is a good place to start setting those goals, weighing those choices, and reflecting on your experience. Your Newcomer Guide is one—perhaps one of the first, here at Stanford—of those people who will help you along the way. 

When I was an undergrad, I really struggled with distinguishing my own interests from other people’s expectations, and from my own ideas of who I thought I was supposed to be. I found it difficult to make decisions about my future that were based on my values, interests, and strengths because I was still figuring out what those were. I think that’s one reason why I love my job so much. I have a lot of empathy for students who are grappling with that process, and I know that connecting with people who care about you and want to help you thrive can take you to places you might never have imagined.

Alice Petty

Associate Dean for Residential Academic Advising, Undergraduate Advising and Research

If you have a Stanford Story you would like to share, contact melissas@stanford.edu.