Graduation marked a cutoff, signaling the start of life beyond college with new responsibilities and careers for California Baptist University students.
While high school graduation introduced four years of academic and personal growth, college graduation marked a more definitive transition into adulthood, bringing both freedom and challenge. For freshmen, graduation felt distant. For seniors, the word carried a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.
For Alexandra Atkinson, a senior illustration and graphic design and visual experience double major, graduation felt bittersweet. After years of exams, projects and deadlines, she said she felt prepared to begin her professional life.
“I’m ready to graduate, and I’m ready to start my career,” Atkinson said, “but I’m not ready to leave the community aspect of CBU just yet.”
Other seniors shared similar feelings, describing CBU as a supportive environment that allowed students to develop professional skills, spiritual disciplines and personal strengths.
Isaac Mejia, senior biomedical sciences major, reflected on the freedom college offered during his four years.
“I think it’s super fun to be in college and have this kind of false reality where the only thing that matters is what maybe you’re doing on Friday or this weekend,” Mejia said.
Mejia also said he valued the relationships he built during his time at CBU.
“I just think I’m going to miss most … how uplifting and encouraging they all were to me during my time here,” Mejia said, “and how pivotal they all were in forming me into the person that I am today.”
Within that community, students focused on academics while forming meaningful relationships. Atkinson said her experience reflected that balance, allowing for spiritual and relational growth.
In addition to building close relationships within her College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design (CAVAD) cohort, Atkinson said her program prepared her for professional work through projects aligned with industry standards. She said she felt ready to enter the workforce with confidence and faith.
“I feel more equipped to share the gospel within my career than I would have when I first came here,” Atkinson said. “I think that they prepared me to sound like a professional and to be confident in my work as an artist.”
Mejia said his time at CBU taught him how to collaborate effectively and develop leadership skills. He said emotional intelligence played a critical role in professional environments.
“Your attitude sets the altitude,” he said. “You as an individual have the ability to impact the environment of the room.”
Mejia said he felt prepared to step beyond CBU’s supportive environment and apply those leadership lessons in the workplace.
Sirui Wang, a senior biochemistry and molecular biology double major, shared a similar outlook, saying graduation marked a transition from learning to application.
“Time to get away from school, and start applying what I have learnt over the years … [to] use in jobs,” Wang said.
Wang said her time at CBU taught her to remain grounded in faith as she entered her career.
“Always stay firm in Christ no matter what environment you are in,” Wang said. “Christ will direct me, and guide me.”
Atkinson encouraged students to make the most of their college years.
“Soak up your college experience, you only get in once,” Atkinson said. “And it’s the only time in your life where you’re with people who are in the same boat as you, like wanting to learn, wanting to grow in their field.”
“Whirlwind,” “Memorable” and “Redemption” described the CBU experience for Atkinson, Wang and Mejia. As they prepared to enter the next chapter, they said they hoped their futures would be defined by words such as “Exciting,” “Fruitful” and “Joyful.”
