The time is coming. The semester is quickly coming to an end and my life post-graduation will be starting soon. Although I won’t be graduating till the summer, the end is near, and I can see the bright future that lies ahead. I’m not crying, you are.

When I graduated high-school everyone told me that college would fly by and be over in no time. Did I believe them? No. I sighed at the idea of four more dreadful years of tests, group projects, and listening to teachers talk on and on about subjects that I could care less about. Little did I know that my experience at UNCW would be one for the books.

I don’t know about you, but I had a rough start. My time as a freshman was full of spending most days in my dorm room being anti-social or working on the many assignments my professors gave me, while everybody else was making new friends and creating memories. I was homesick and couldn’t seem to bring out that social butterfly I knew and loved in high-school. I had a few good friends, but it was nothing like what I had watched in movies. You know, girls gathered in a dorm room, braiding each other’s hair and watching movies. Cliché I know.

But as the next year came along and the years following, that homesick, sad little girl broke that shell. I told myself that I wanted to make the most of my time. I wanted to create the memories that I always dreamed of. So, I moved in with the small group of friends I grew to love, and I made it my mission to go out and be active, taking pictures to document my happiness.

Senior year came along, and I had my first apartment living with my best friend. Oh, the great times we have had at our house. I get teary-eyed thinking about moving out in a few weeks. The trips to the beach, the ice cream and donut runs, the late-night trips to cookout, and the parties; all of which I will miss dearly. But most importantly I will miss the professor who impacted me the most. I came into college thinking I wanted to major in business but realized that was not the route I wanted to take. I took a few COM classes and came across Dr. Persuit’s intro to IMC course. Not to get too sappy but this woman has truly made my time as a Communication Studies major amazing. I not only learned about branding strategies and research, but I learned how to apply my knowledge to a work environment.

Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Though there were some rough times, I wouldn’t change my experience at UNCW for the world. I molded into a strong young woman, discovered my passion for integrated marketing, and created bonds that can never be broken. We’re in the end game now and  my future awaits.

Wow, this isn’t goodbye but see ya later Dub! It’s time for me to spread my wings and soar.

-Kandy Crawford

As graduation is quickly approaching I sit back and think about all of the memories I have made as well as the knowledge I have taken away from my time attending the University of North Carolina Wilmington. I am overwhelmed by the bittersweet feeling of leaving a place I have become so accustomed to over the years but am very excited for what life has in store for me.

UNC Wilmington has been everything I hoped for in a college, plus more. For one, it does not get any better than going to school at the beach. But more importantly, each professor has made a huge impact in my undergraduate career. When I had first transferred to UNCW from Cape Fear Community College I was not sure what major to declare but can now say I am extremely happy with my choice of getting a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. Each class that I have taken in the Communication Studies Department has set me up for success in my future career.

I have learned many different skills from my courses but a few of the most important that I believe will be evident in my success are the skills I learned in Integrated Marketing Communication as well as public speaking. Being adaptable and versatile is crucial in communication and I learned superior adaptability skills when I first began taking COM 200. Being able to effectively communicate written and verbally is something that I have found employers desire most during my job search.

I am very thankful for all the memories and experiences I have had during my time at UNC Wilmington and UNCW will always hold a special place in my heart. I am proud to say that I will be an Alumni of such an amazing school. “It’s not goodbye, it’s I will see you later.”

Graduating Seahawks of May 2019, it is our time to soar. Congratulations!

– Amber Murdaugh

I remember this like it was yesterday, my mother helped me move into my freshmen dorm and right before she left, she said one thing that stuck.  She told me, “enjoy this time, it will go extremely fast.” I rarely admit when my mom is right, but man, was she right.

My experience coming to UNC Wilmington was vastly different from a majority of students.  As I opened up my admission packet I was elated.  Little did I know that my admission decision would be a first year spring admit (FYSA) for the class of 2019. I was crushed, and being the person I am, looked for a solution. I quickly discovered the UNCW at Maynooth University in Ireland study abroad opportunity (which was exclusively for FYSA students). To be completely transparent, UNCW was not my first choice of school, and I was intending on studying abroad and later transferring to a big state school my sophomore year.

I decided to come to UNCW because they were known for their sciences, which was perfect because I was set on being a physician assistant.  I had my entire life figured out at the age of 19 with a clear plan of how to reach my goal.  I walked into my first biology class with eager anticipation and within the first week of college, I said “never again”.  I went straight to my academic advisor and discussed my options. My advisor suggested communication studies due to my personality and people fluency, and I thought, “perfect, a major for talking.”

Little did I know; Communication Studies is much more than just talking. Dr. Weber taught us in the first week of Com 105 that one can do virtually anything with a communication degree if they put their mind to it.  For the first time, I felt like I made a really smart decision.  Throughout my time majoring in Communication Studies, I have learned significantly more than about experiential life than a biology degree would have provided.

I have learned concepts beyond the classroom through the academia of Communication Studies.  I have learned how to be an active problem solver, overall social awareness, how to get creative when time calls for it, and how to be a good person.  I was miserable during communication theory, but it taught me how people tick and was one of the most valuable classes I have taken. I learned in my Integrated Marketing Communication classes how to market a company/ brand, but also learned the importance of overall self-brand awareness.  Finally, I have learned how to prepare for the real world in my capstone. Despite my complete and utter fear to graduate, I know that my Communication Studies degree has prepared me for what is to come. All good things must come to an end, so enjoy your time here.  Every. Single. Moment.  Enjoy it because my Mom could not have been more correct.  These four years will fly by.

–Alex Patton