As the school year comes to an end, us seniors are gearing up to put our time at Cortland behind us. But this time of year marks a turning point for not just for the graduating seniors—it’s the time where juniors may start preparing to fill our senior-sized shoes. To help them in their transition to senior year, here are some words of advice from the Class of 2024 to the Class of 2025:
Emma Stack, Adolescent English Education/TESOL:
“One thing I would say to the incoming seniors is to embrace every opportunity that comes your way. I made it a priority during my senior year to fully immerse myself in classes, clubs, friends, and the entire college experience as a whole; it has left me with so many memories that I will take into the next chapter of my life.”
Melina Daley, Psychology:
“I wish I could stay at Cortland just a little longer. Cherish every moment. I hate looking at the grad countdown at the bar, but it’s a reminder to really take it all in while you can. Senior year is bittersweet from the moment it starts. And it’s easy to want to give in to senioritis because that’s so real, but also being a senior in your major really puts into perspective how far you’ve made it and makes me want to finish strong.”
Drew DiPietro, Communications:
“The relationships you form are probably the most important things to take away from college after graduation. That, and the skills to build more relationships in the future. Getting a job can sometimes have everything to do with who you know over what you know. I always try to keep that in mind.”
Gracie Murphy, Adolescent English Education:
“I had so much fun at Cortland, I’m gonna miss it so much! But one piece of advice I’d give to the new seniors would be to not dread real life, it doesn’t have to be sad or scary! It’s understandable to be anxious about the change, but so many people have done it before us, and will do it after us—it’ll be okay!”
Brooke Bearss, Adolescent English Education:
“Take it one day at a time and always find opportunities to meet new people. You never know where they could take you!”
Harley Meyers, Adolescent English Education:
“I graduated last year, but I came back to do my Masters. It’s bittersweet knowing the people I went through Cortland have graduated and are gonna be graduating pretty soon, but I’ll forever be grateful for the people I’ve met and my time here at Cortland. I would recommend getting involved, it’s never too late to join a club or go out, or go to the gym or Hilltop, or really any place that people hangout. I joined a sorority and am part of a few clubs on campus and I would say those had the biggest impact on my experience these past few years. Also try to live in the present. If the time will pass anyway there’s no use in sitting around worrying and being sad about it passing, just enjoy it while you can, and you never know what awaits you in the future.