By: Katherine Waters, Staff Writer
If there’s one thing that all Wofford students have in common, it’s that they will eventually become seniors and have to prepare for graduation. This season is four years in the making and it’s marked by conflicted feelings.
“I have mixed emotions going towards graduation” says Chris Paschal ’17, student body president. “I have had such a great time at Wofford and I am sad it is coming to a close, but at the same time I am excited for the next chapter in my life.”
Of course, most seniors feel anxious, sad or excited about graduating, but the most important emotion for any senior to feel is prepared. The very purpose of any college is to educate students and equip them with whatever they may need in their post-grad ventures.
Sam Ogburn ’17 says that the classes that he has taken during his four years at Wofford have given him vital skills beyond a basic education.
“I very much feel that I am prepared,” he says. “The liberal arts curriculum at Wofford has not only equipped me with a strong foundation in finance and economics, but has also taught me how to think analytically, work collaboratively and effectively communicate my ideas in both word and speech.”
But not every senior has a post-graduation plan, especially not so early in the semester. This may cause them to feel even more nervous about the end of their college career. Ian Telford ’17 says that the uncertainty of life after Wofford is what makes him the most apprehensive about graduating.
“I honestly am still in the process of acknowledging that I am about to graduate,” he says. “I would feel better about graduation if I knew for sure what I will be doing afterwards, whether I get into grad school or not. I have not heard back from [Clemson] yet but hopefully I will soon. If I don’t get in, I do have a job lined up at a company I interned at a few years ago.”
Many Wofford students will continue their education after getting their undergraduate degrees. Ogburn is eager to begin classes at London Business School, the second highest ranked business school in the world, where he will be pursuing a Master’s degree in financial analysis.
“I am excited to move onto a new challenge at LBS, and the subsequent challenges of working in international finance. [I’m looking forward to] returning to the vibrant cultural center that is London as well as developing a dynamic financial skillset that will propel my transnational finance career.”
The end of college can be hectic with job and graduate school applications and graduation preparations, but some seniors are enjoying a much more relaxed final semester as they have gotten most of their required courses out of the way.
“This semester has been the most laid back semester of my four years here,” says Telford. “It’s not that it is easy, but I’m only taking 13 hours and I’m done by lunch time every day. It feels pretty good to not have so much on my plate in my last semester.”
Reflecting over the past four years can bring up memories, inciting feelings of wistfulness, regret or contentment. Paschal advises underclassmen to enjoy their college experience while it lasts.
“Take advantage of everything” he says. “If you are thinking about not joining a club, not going abroad or even not going out and staying in to watch Netflix, don’t let that opportunity pass. You only have one shot at college and college type activities.”