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The University of Tennessee

Student Orientation and Leadership Development

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Whitney Buchanan

Hometown: Madisonville, TN
Classification/Major: Senior, Religious Studies & Communications

What is the most important piece of advice you would give new students?

  • The most important piece of advice that I have to give new students is to always be yourself, but also do not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone in order to experience new things. It may be difficult at first but there is always so much that the University of Tennessee has to offer, it would be a shame not to get involved and experience all of the diversity here. More than likely, you will have incredible amounts of fun and make unforgettable memories!

What is your most memorable UT experience so far?

  • My most memorable UT experience so far has been the weekly community service events with my national service sorority, Gamma Sigma Sigma. I always have loads of fun and have really bonded with my sisters because of these wonderful service opportunities. My favorite places to volunteer with Gamma Sig are at Florence Crittenton (a United Way agency), the Ronald McDonald House, and the Salvation Army. I look forward to going to these places as much as possible and working with the people who are part of these organizations. They have really changed my perspective on many things and have made a huge impact on my life.

What surprised you most about coming to college?

  • What surprised me the most is how much that I really love being at UT. I was afraid that it would not be an exciting change since Knoxville is only an hour away from my home, but my experiences here have not been boring at all! Since freshman year I have definitely made some lifelong best friends and have built many great relationships due to all of the classes, teams, and other organizations that I have been a part of. There are always crazy things that are constantly going on all throughout campus and I have found that the more you put yourself out there, the more people you will meet!

Whitney Buchanan

Contact Whitney Buchanan

Student Orientation
412 Student Services Bldg.
Knoxville, TN 37996-0247
Phone: (865) 974-2435
Fax: (865) 974-1373
Email: wbuchan1@utk.edu