BY SARAH HOLLOWAY – STAFF WRITER
Snow and emotions are swirling as Centre students recover from Centreterm break and find their routines for spring semester—many for the last time before graduating. Not only do the seniors face the usual stress of classes and extracurricular activities, but also questions of what the next step will be after Centre and the bittersweet feelings that come with moving on.
“I’m certainly going to spend a lot of my last semester being nostalgic and reflective. Each of my four years here have been incredibly unique, each presenting social, academic, and emotional challenges,” senior philosophy major Ally Scott said.
There’s no doubt Centre leaves a lasting mark on its students; there’s a reason the school was ranked number one for happiest graduates two years running. However, while there is a pang of loss as the Centre experience comes to a close, this is overshadowed by the sense of fulfillment and relief as students move forward with confidence in their readiness for the future.
“I feel like I’m leaving Centre thoroughly prepared; not only with academics but as someone capable of taking on leadership responsibilities, interpersonal relationships, and whatever challenges I might come up against,” senior biology major Daniel Wicker said.
Still, the future is intimidating, regardless of how prepared one might be. Centre becomes home for four years; just like first-years moving into college, leaving home is daunting. Saying goodbye to close friends and the bonds formed in the midst of overwhelming highs and lows is no easy task.
“I remember the first few weeks of my first fall semester here; I went up to the second floor of Nevin to hang out with some friends, and those were the people I spent the rest of my Centre career with. It’s still essentially the same friend group, but we’re all different individuals. We’ve grown up together here,” Wicker said.
Though there is much the seniors are saying goodbye to, the diverse experiences this class is looking forward to makes up for it. Many are looking at unique opportunities such as programs like Teach for America, graduate schools abroad, and even beginning their professional careers.
“I chose a next step that was very challenging for me—moving to another country to pursue my master’s in philosophy,” Scott said. “Looking back, I never thought I would have been capable–emotionally or intellectually—of making a decision as big as this. That’s the really interesting thing about reflecting on my time at Centre; I’m realizing all the ways I’ve grown.”
Despite the fact that it’s almost over, the senior class still has a full semester ahead of them to get through on top of worrying about post-grad.
“This last semester is pretty much a marathon—trying not to get caught up in the senioritis and apathy and sprint to the finish making good impressions, meaningful connections, and preparing for what’s next,” senior economics major Corey Rusko said.
Though the rest of Centre (students and staff alike) are sad to see them go, this senior class is ready to take what they learned at Centre and give back to the community, wherever they end up.