It’s hard for me to believe that this week, I’ll go to my last classes as a UNCW student. I’ll eat on campus for the last time, hear the clock tower chime as I walk down Chancellor’s for the last time, and have my last chapter meeting with my sorority sisters.
As I reflect on the experiences I’ve had during my four years here, one thing is undeniable. This place feels like home to me. Everywhere I go, I see someone I know. Every day in class, I see the familiar faces of my classmates, or someone I’ve met through campus clubs and organizations. I’m not looking forward to saying goodbye to these moments.
Photo credit: Dakota Hersey Photography
If I had to give one piece of advice to other students, it would be to take the classes that challenge you. I took IMC 2 and Advertising 2 with Dr. Persuit, and even though these classes are difficult and the final projects are demanding, I felt more proud of the final outcome than I’ve ever felt about completing any project before. I’m so proud of the work I put in to complete them, and the soft skills I learned about team work are something I can take to the workplace with me. I would also advise anyone in the Communication Studies major to appreciate the friendships that come from working together on a project. A late night working on a marketing plan can easily turn into one of the best memories from the semester with a little bit of laughter (shout out to my IMC 2 friends who kept me laughing throughout finals week!). One of the best things about going to school here is that we have the opportunity to do applied learning, and I think that everyone should take advantage of that.
After graduation, I’m moving to Richmond, VA to start my professional career. I’m hoping to work in Human Resources or corporate event planning, and eventually I’m going back to school to get my MBA. I’m so thankful for all the wonderful memories I have from UNCW, and I’m thankful for every person who had a part in making these the best four years of my life.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know.
The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” -Dr. Seuss
-Morgan McCleaf
IMC Hawks Blog 
I am only a sophomore here at UNCW but reading your post made me realize how thankful I am. With finals coming up I have been complaining about all the group work I have had and how little time I have to do anything else. But you said as a COM major you appreciate the group work and the friendships you make and thinking about it, I completely agree. My COM 200 group from last semester became so close and to this day still talk. My leadership minor group still talks almost every day and I love seeing them around campus because they are always so positive. It is crazy to me to think that I am already halfway done but since the first week of school here at UNCW, I have felt at home. I know it is going to be hard for you to leave and move to Virginia. Good luck with your new job and I hope UNCW gave you everything you expected, and more!
Goodbyes are always hard! And although I am not quite a senior yet it seems crazy that it is already another year down. Although having my last class, last meal, and last walk down chancellors sounds exciting to me right now, I know that when the time comes to say goodbye it is going to be so difficult for me. I always love hearing peoples graduation stories and what they plan to do in the future. I wish you the best of luck and hope Virginia is everything you hope for. Congratulations and I am so excited for you. Now go out and live your dream! #seahawk4life
Good luck, Morgan! It sounds like you have made the most of your time here at UNCW and have really prepared yourself for life after college, which is all any of us can hope to do. I wish you the best of luck in the professional world, in future academia, and whatever other endeavors you decide to pursue!
I transferred to UNCW last year and everyday I regret not coming here as a freshman. UNCW is truly a place I consider home, as well. I know it is sad to leave, but your new journey will be exciting. I am graduating in December and am already dreading the day. Best of luck on your future endeavors and enjoy Richmond!! To quote Dr. Olsen in the COM Newsletter…. “Peace out”! #Seahawk4life
As someone with only a year left, its very important to be reminded how precious time here truly is. In the beginning four years seems like such a long time, but its just disappears in the blink of an eye. The change will bring along new friends and experiences, and thats what life is about.
Morgan,
First off, good luck in Richmond! It’s a solid city to live in right after graduating college. And good luck with your masters.
What you said about UNCW being your home struck me. When I first came into UNCW I did not think it would be the best fit and I held many reservations about the school. Three years later, I cannot think of another school that could come anywhere near to being the home UNCW and Wilmington have become. It’s important to remember where your roots lie, and I am thankful I can say I laid my roots here, as I am sure you are too.
Also, I appreciate your advice of taking challenging classes that will further you rather than give an easy A. The longer I stay here the more apparent that becomes.
Best of luck,
Drew