For students, getting into Carnegie Mellon University is the first step in a very long journey. To help new students get acclimated to school, 11 alumni offer advice to the class of 2020.
The alumni featured in the video above includes class of 2016 members Gene Hua, who earned a degree in computer science; Diego Schaps, who earned a BXA degree; Nitsan Shai, who earned a degree in engineering; and Arsema Thomas, who earned a degree from the Mellon College of Science. Rachel Abrams, who is a College of Fine Arts alumna, represents the class of 2015; and fifth-year senior Erik Fredriksen from the BXA program, weighs in as well. Landon Fears, a 2002 computer science graduate reminds students to stay in touch with family.
The video also includes two of this year's Tony Awards winners, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Leslie Odom, Jr.; Sonia Manzano, who played Maria on "Sesame Street," attended CMU and received an honorary degree earlier this year; and Donna Lynne Champlin, who is starting her second seasons on the CW's "My Crazy Ex Girlfriend."
The advice is not just for new students.
"Figure out who you are, and open up your world," Champlain said. "You are the only you. It took me so long to learn that."