The end of an era is coming. It is bittersweet for many, sweet for others and heart-wrenching for some.
This is the time of winter commencement, when seniors will walk the final stretch of being a California Baptist University student and prepare for life in an unknown territory.
What can freshman, just beginning their epic journey of academia, learn from these individuals who have made the journey before them?
“Not everything is life altering. You don’t have to stress every tiny detail, because odds are you’re stressing for nothing. Take a second, sit back, breathe and you’ll be fine,” Alyssa Young, music major, said. “People expect you to be an adult the second you start. There is no “grace year” because you’re a freshman.
Learn to be responsible and take responsibility for your own actions and commitments. Do what you say you will do.”
Young recalls living in Smith Hall as a freshmen. It was the first and only year that women ever lived there.
“Smith 1B was the best time to meet new people, build relationships, have 12 fire alarms go off in the middle of the night because guys don’t know how to cook and have the most stories to talk about! That whole year was a blast,” Young said.
Brock Van Dyke, Mathematics major, encourages freshmen to get out of their dorm or apartment and do things with others.
“Get involved with on-campus activities. Nothing will make the CBU experience greater than getting involved in any way you can,” Van Dyke said.
Aaron Jones, graphic design major, found that romantic relationships are a big part of college and are likely unavoidable. He encourages students not to shy away from relationships, but also not rush into them.
Jones also said, “make sure you focus on your classes because ultimately that is the most important reason you are here. Classes do matter. The grades you get here do affect you when you apply for a job. Do more than just pass your class, do the best you can.”
Seniors offered advise to under class students. “If you’re going to be unable to start paying off your loans within six months of graduation, you can do what I did and go to grad school, so your loans will be deferred for years,” Peter Ignatius, CBU alumni with a dual major in political science and history, said.
