Courtesy of Audrey Ward
By Audrey Ward
Graduation is frequently depicted as a time of celebrations and new beginnings, but it can also be an emotional rollercoaster. Due to the stress of final exams and the excitement of obtaining a degree, graduating from college can elicit a variety of emotions, including nostalgia, anxiousness, and uncertainty. Navigating these emotions can be challenging, but with the right mindset and support, graduates can successfully transition into the next chapter of their lives.
When graduates are reminded to buy their regalia and diploma frames from the bookstore, they get the first feeling of realization that the end is near.
“The advice I would give to incoming freshmen would be to prioritize. Assignment due dates creep up fast, and it’s never fun rushing to get work done, so I suggest staying on top of your work, which will make school less stressful,” said Jessica Grobstick, a digital communications and multimedia journalism major graduating in May 2023, as she reflected on her undergraduate years.
Many students begin to consider their next steps as graduation approaches, as well as the daunting process of finding a job or internship. While some graduates may be confident in their job-search abilities, others may be unfamiliar with the tools and resources accessible on campus.
Career resources can connect graduates with job and internship possibilities that they may not have discovered on their own, in addition to providing practical advice on resume writing and interview preparation.
“Looking back, something I would have done differently during freshman year is putting myself in situations that gave me confidence in reaching out for networking and job opportunities so that by senior year I feel fully secure in my capabilities,” said Mason Moore, a digital communications and multimedia journalism major graduating in May 2023.
Some seniors feel wistfulness, especially when the moment of leaving the dorm and moving into an apartment for the first-time hits or they wish they had changed something they did in their undergraduate years.”My freshman year, I would have gone to a 4-year college right off the bat. I’m a transfer student, and I feel like sometimes I missed out on the true college experience,” Grobstick said.
Gabrielle Feria, a senior majoring in history, expressed the importance on managing finances as a college student and to be careful when taking out Loans.
“Complete your FAFSA early and don’t take out loans!” Feria said. “I did and now I have to pay them upon graduation. So, if you do, keep good track of them.”
As seniors near the conclusion of their undergraduate careers, many are reflecting on the previous four years, from the friends they’ve made to the courses they’ve taken, and how they’ve grown and changed.
“Main piece of advice for incoming freshman is go to events around St. Pete,” said Margaux Allen, a Graphic Arts senior. “Visit the pier, go to restaurants, take the sun runner, go to the gym, etc. There’s a lot of things you can do for free and we actually have a full page of student discounts you can find online for being a USFSP student. You’re going to hate living in a small box after a couple weeks, Space is healthy and important for people our age!”
Leaving a familiar community and embarking on the next phase of their lives can be nostalgic. The anticipation of what is to come is tangible.
When asked to think about undergraduate advice to share with freshmen, “I would make sure to be more careful while picking colleges, and I would seek treatment earlier to avoid the major life changes I went through in order to get treatment when I was already in such a bad place mentally and emotionally,” said Sierra Laico, a digital communications and multimedia journalism major graduating in May 2023.
As a USF alum, Career Services can help with career transitions, setting and achieving work goals, and performing a self-directed job search.
These heartwarming reflections can be an important part of the transition process, enabling seniors to appreciate their accomplishments and plan for the future. Seniors remind incoming freshmen to cherish every moment, take advantage of all available opportunities, and don’t be afraid to move outside of their comfort zone. While it is natural to be apprehensive about leaving college, one’s university memories will always hold a special place in one’s heart as they start on new experiences and opportunities in the workforce.
These are really good tips! Networking and internships really do make a difference. I feel like I’m a lot further along in my career because of the opportunities that my professors at USFSP connected me with. Also, not being afraid to move after college for more job opportunities!