With the semester coming to a close and summer just around the corner, seniors are anticipating their imminent graduation. While several students say that they are excited about graduation, they also explain that they have mixed feelings on the subject.
"Graduating will be quite bittersweet. It really provides a sense of accomplishment, but ultimately makes me realize just how much I will be leaving behind," said Steve Herrell, a senior sociology major.
Expressing another kind of concern is Ben Milliron, a senior psychology major. "I'm excited to start challenging myself in new ways outside of the academic world. However, I'm also scared of entering the real world and having to prove that I've actually learned what I was supposed to."
Graduation marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another, the transition from school to the real world. That journey, however, is different for everyone. Graduates have a whole range of opportunities awaiting them other than trying to attain immediate employment.
Casey Kovach, a senior graphic design major, plans to attend graduate school either directly following his graduation from Edinboro or after completing an externship. Herrell is looking for employment, but he is also considering AmeriCorps Vista as a way of "giving back [and] doing something positive." And Milliron is looking for employment or internship opportunities in his field.
Other options open to graduates are the Peace Corps, co-ops or even the military.
Looking back at their time spent at Edinboro, Milliron, Herrell and Kovach say they are most grateful for the friends they have made. "Upon coming to Edinboro my freshman year, I knew no one that was attending the school. Little did I know I would be leaving here with some of the most amazing friends," says Kovach.
Milliron expressed the importance of this interaction as well. "I agree with people who say you learn just as much outside of the classroom as you do in the classroom while you are in college."
With the experience of a nearly completed college education, these three have some wisdom on their side. Offering their sage advice, Herrell warns students to not goof off in class, Milliron encourages students to get involved in activities, and Kovach says "work hard, but always leave time for fun. College will be one of the best experiences of your life so embrace it because it goes by fast."
The commencement ceremony will be held on May 2 at 1 p.m. in McComb Fieldhouse.
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