Graduation is right around the corner for some students–and maybe a little while away for others. While we're all stuck preparing for finals, before you leave college, there are a few things that should be considered before graduation.
The first thing every student should do is get involved on campus if you aren't already. Take some time off from studying and go out and join a club, go write for your school newspaper, go to an event or join a sport. Get out of your comfort zone and expand your horizons. Being involved on campus leads not only to good things on a resume, but being able to meet new people and make new friend as well.
Kimberly Caleca, a senior, said, "Being involved on campus opened my eyes to all the things Ramapo has to offer; not many people are aware of all the events that are held here."
Secondly, students should try to get out and experience campus life. Ramapo may be small, but the campus is gorgeous; explore it, go take a stroll down the hidden paths not many people know about, or go spend a few minutes admiring the turtles in the pond. Meet up with your friends and enjoy the time you have together. College is all about making memories with the people who mean the most to you. If you have time, join a fraternity or sorority and form relationships for life.
Of course, studying abroad would also make the list. Why not go explore a foreign country before it's too late? Many people wait until after graduation to travel, but by then, fulltime jobs and other obligations may get in the way. Ramapo has an amazing program that makes it easy for students to visit and learn more about different countries. Students who actually do go abroad for a semester or even during winter or summer break are given opportunities many students only wish they took.
Alyssa Donadio, who's studying abroad in Australia this summer, said, "Ramapo has given me an amazing opportunity that I'll remember the rest of my life."
Next, make sure you find time to take an internship that you love. Most students don't get paid for their internship, but doing so leads to life experiences you would never get sitting in a classroom. A lot of students choose the first internship given to them, but if you can, explore your options. If you're working somewhere unpaid, make sure you love doing it. Consider it your hobby and give it all you've got. You never know what will come of it.
Last but not least is to actually graduate. You made it four years, and if you consider all the years before that, you're finally a grown up.
Senior Briana Pfeilmeier said, "It's bittersweet knowing I'll be graduating college soon. On one hand it's super exciting, but on the other hand it's terrifying knowing it's time to officially grow up."
Graduating is a time of growing up and putting your childhood in your past. You've made it this far and now it's time to take everything you've learned and put it all to the test. Just know that all of your hard work has finally paid off and you've made it. Congrats seniors, and enjoy the rest of the ride.
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cstedges@ramapo.edu
