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Senior blogs are supposed to write themselves, right? I feel like I should have something profound for those of you reading this, some beyond-the-stole wisdom to impart on you. Tough luck, I don’t. I ain’t that special. Do I have advice? Not any you haven’t heard already. From what I remember some of the most uttered words and phrases at UNCW are “Internships,” “Study Abroad,” and “Get Involved.” I did two of those. I’ll let you guess which ones I did.

Look at those three words/phrases though. They all involve applied learning. It seems like I’m brown-nosing (ETEAL was our client this year for AD II) but the main thing I’m taking away from UNCW is its focus on applied learning, or rather the effect that applied learning had on me. UNCW is in a league of its own when it comes to applied learning. Or at least a league it shares with SUNY (We’re coming for you SUNY!). Google “applied learning” right now. What schools show up? SUNY and UNCW. And that’s not just because you’ve googled UNCW a bunch of times (although Search Engine Optimization does play a role). UNCW is one of the top colleges in the nation for applied learning. And that’s AMAZING.

I can tell you that now, as I am applying for jobs, it’s great to have that physical experience under my belt. Including my internship, I’ve worked with 3 nonprofits in Wilmington, and 3 or 4 on-campus organizations. I can relate requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities in jobs to my work in those organizations, and I am much better off for it.

But enough of that, where’s the sappy crap? I don’t have any. I don’t like looking back. That being said, you guys are in a great university that can help you an incredible amount, if you will just let it. I will say it helped me in ways beyond education – like becoming a better person. Okay, that’s the last sappy crap I’ll have.

But while I have your attention and my platform, I figured I’d plug a few things. I’d be remiss if I didn’t give shoutouts to my specifications – IMC and Nonprofit Management. One realm of work often goes unnoticed by COM majors, although recently there’s been an uptick in interest – nonprofits. Fun fact, Wilmington has one of the highest amounts of nonprofits per capita in the state, so there’s bound to be a nonprofit for whatever your fit or cause is. One thing they tell you in COM 400 is find a job that you like, that you fit in – and there’s a nonprofit for EVERYTHING.

Got a passion for business? You can work for a business association, or maybe a nonprofit focused in providing support for small businesses. Politics? Oh, you know there’s a million nonprofits for that and they’re always looking for volunteers, not to mention people good at communicating. Health? Most hospitals are nonprofits. Seriously. There’s also the red cross, or doctors without borders. Know what you stand for and find your nonprofit. They’re not hiring? Volunteer, and keep volunteering. You’ll be at the top of their list when they start hiring again.

Even if you’re not into nonprofits, almost every business you see could use a marketing or communication studies employee. There are opportunities galore behind every storefront and business high-rise.

The point is, there’s opportunities everywhere. My parents (two schoolteachers) didn’t understand why job applications were stressing me out so much, until they realized when they got jobs, they really only had to apply to schools. They didn’t have that fear of not applying to the right places, because all their opportunities were laid bare. But me? Every organization needs a marketing person. Hell, the Wilmington symphony has one. I’m terrified of the ocean in front of me, but just like the real ocean, there are thriving ecosystems in play. You just have to dive in and find them. UNCW gave you the dive license, and you know what kind of fish you’re looking to swim with.

Moral of the story? You got this.

Signing out,
– Eli J.

Well, UNCW, it seems our time together is coming to an end.

We spent 4 years together, and through those years we’ve experienced a multitude of emotions. You brought me plenty of good days, some bad days, and a few days that I would love to re-do. There were plenty of laughs, tears (both good and bad), a few existential crises, and plenty of memories had with you.

Although I came to you in hopes of becoming a Physical Therapist, I learned early on freshman year that chemistry is not my friend (*cue breaking out in stress hives at Randall when studying for my chem final*) and that I would be better off in a different field. Enter Scene: Communication Studies.

A big shoutout goes to Dr. McKinney’s COM 104 class for being the reason why I made the switch of majors. Although I took this to fulfill gen-ed requirements, I was in it during the same semester as The Worst Chemistry Class Ever. I realized COM would be a much less stressful path and man was I right (or at least I think I was, no com class has made me break out in hives like chemistry did, so). Plus, with COM I could take PR/IMC/AD classes and mix in some interpersonal communication classes as well. Overall, I’d say I’m satisfied with my choice in major. Each day I genuinely looked forward to seeing my COM professors, especially Dr. Pullum. If you do anything during your time as a COM major, take a class with him. I promise you will not regret it. Just trust me on this one.

I’m not sure exactly what I want to do when I grow up, but I feel confident that my skills learned through COM will be able to help me out in whatever field I ultimately pursue.

It isn’t just my classes that have helped me prepare for my entry into the “Real World.” I went out of my comfort zone and joined a sorority my sophomore year. Middle school me would cringe at college me for doing that. However, I am so glad that I did because it allowed me the opportunity to hold positions and apply what my classes taught me. It also led me to meet some really great gals who have helped me learn more about myself and who I am. Although I still don’t know who I ~really~ am, I think this experience helped me to realize the kind of person I want to aim to be.

A lot of people keep asking me, “are you ready to graduate?”

To be honest, I have no idea. No matter how I feel about it, in 12 days I will be a graduate of UNCW. In 5 days, what I have known to be my life for the past 4 years will come to an end. The world will keep turning. Life will go on, but in a different way.

Do I know what I am doing? Probably not. But am I stoked for the next adventure that lies ahead? You bet. 

This isn’t a goodbye, UNCW, but a see you in a few years (when hopefully construction is over and parking exists). 

p.s. men’s basketball will make it back to march madness by 2020, you can quote me on that.

– Kiahna Hamilton

We all have heard the saying “girls go to college to get more knowledge, boys go to Jupiter to get more stupider.” So, I don’t know any boys that have gone to Jupiter so I can’t really speak to that, but I knew early on it’d be in my best interest to go to college to get more knowledge so that’s what I did!

I have had the privilege of spending the last three years here at UNCW. I have truly grown and learned more in the last three years than I would have ever imagined. This love affair started my freshman year of college with the UNCW virtual tour. UNCW sparked my interest early on my freshman year when I knew I didn’t want to be at the university I was currently at. Because I was on the university’s softball team I couldn’t take any casual 8-hour trips to NC during the school year, so I did a lot of research on the school and the city of Wilmington. I think it’s safe to say that if you fall in love with a place solely on what you see on the internet it’s gonna be good. (I would not advise applying that rule to online dating)

I was admitted to UNCW May 31^st, 2015, Sent my deposit June 1^st and on August 12^th moved 8 hours away from my little farm town in PA. With Gods provision, only two days into being here I met this girl at a boutique who was starting a women’s ministry on campus. I now hold a leadership position within this ministry called Delight and it’s been the main source of my community here which I’m beyond grateful for.

I could go on and on with stories and memories from my time here but I know you don’t want to read all of that. So here are some tips on how I would recommend spending the rest of your time in your undergrad.

Go to class – Regardless of the weather outside or how pointless you may think it is, go to class. Your chances of doing well in a class are so much higher if you just show up. It keeps you accountable for the work that needs to be done and can provide structure for your day.

Don’t strive for perfection– You can’t be perfect at everything

Push yourself-  try and solve the problem by yourself before you ask for help (within reason) you will learn more by problem-solving!

Explore – you’d be surprised what you find. Wilmington is filled with beautiful scenery and AMAZING local food. So just drive, bike, walk around!

That’s all I’ve got. I know this post is super sporadic but that’s honestly what my train of thought looks like with only a few days until graduation.

(emoji of my life right now)

Thank you UNCW, Wilmington and North Carolina, it has truly been a treat to experience your beauty the last three years. I will be back!

-Jackie DiGiacomo

It’s hard to believe that in less than two weeks I will be walking across a stage in my cap and gown. Granted it will be fun, but it is honestly quite terrifying. This is the moment where everything changes, and a part of me wishes I can go back to freshman year. There are a couple of things I missed out on that I wanted to do, but there were also things I wouldn’t give up for the world. Here’s a few of them:

1: Don’t be afraid to Study Abroad for a Semester

In other words don’t be like me. I always wanted to go to Kyoto, Japan or Seoul, South Korea. However, I was to afraid of traveling on my own to actually allow myself to experience the chance of a lifetime. All the time I here my fellow classmates discuss their study abroad trip impacted them. How it made them courageous, more independent, and more well rounded. They experienced something so precious and life changing.

2: Internship Internship Internship

So technically I have never done an Internship, but I have volunteer opportunities that I have taken up that can suffice as internships. Either way, it is important to get hands on experience in your career field before graduating. However, don’t do it just so you can have a better chance of getting a job once you graduate. Do it for you. An internship helps you be prepared for the career world while also building up your confidence as a future graduate. With my applied learning classes and volunteer opportunities I have gain the confidence I need to walk into an interview prepared for whatever they ask me.

3: Career Service Center

Please go to the Career Service Center before applying to a job or internship. This center is here to help you build powerful resumes and portfolios that can help you stand out against the others. Sadly, I took them for granted and didn’t go to them for a couple of job opportunities. However, next week I will be heading over there to get my resume and portfolio in check before applying to jobs matching my career fields. Not to mention they can help you prepare for interviews and what to wear to interviews. They are my life savior basically.

4: Treat Every Class Like It’s Your Career

No, but seriously do this. All the classes you take at UNCW will be beneficial in some way, shape, or form.  Trust me on this. That is why it is important to treat every class seriously. Read the books. Write a paper that you would be proud of. All the projects you get? Complete them in a manner that you can put in a portfolio and show a future employer. Pay attention to the professor. Your classes here at UNCW is almost in a way an internship, because everything you learn you will most likely use somehow. Yes, I know it sucks to ready a book that can be very dry and almost cry worth, but it’s worth it. You will be better prepared and more confident of your skills if you do.

5: Find Your Passion

A fact about me is that if I’m not passionate about what I’m doing, I will do terribly at it. That’s just how it is for me. I was scared of this because there were people always saying that your job will most likely not be your passion. In response I asked myself what is the point of getting a degree in something that you won’t love or have a passion for? Now, your career won’t always be rainbows and butterflies, but it shouldn’t be miserable either. However, if you have a passion for it the good days will always out way the bad days. I’ve come to realized that my passion is helping others. Whether they’re a customer, client, team member, or an employer.  I want to make the people around me happy and know that they have someone that they can depend on. Following my passion I am so excited to graduate and enter the workforce, because I can wait to follow my passion and see what happens.

I guess I am really sappy or cliche right now, but who cares. This is what I see when I look back on my years at UNCW. From an ignorant freshman to a senior who’s following her passion and dreams. Either way, it has been an honor to be a Seahawk these past four years. Thanks for the memories!

-Myranda Ross

Only yesterday I was a freshman at UNCW… I remember my dad telling me enjoy myself because time goes by really quickly. I didn’t believe him until now. About a week until graduation and it’s finally hitting me, it’s finally over. I’m pretty sad about it but also happy (my brain is currently a loop of this….)

My time at UNCW is filled with a lot of horrifyingly awkward stories, but we’ll save those for a different time. I’m glad I can honestly say I didn’t take any COM classes that I REALLY hated (gen ed courses are a different story). Dr. Weber’s Public Speaking course is what made me want to continue with the Communication Studies degree.

My biggest regret is not taking full advantage of everything being offered to me. There are so many services offered by UNCW and the COM department that are so resourceful to students. Take advantage of them! You’ll miss them when you’re gone.

One of my biggest pieces of advice is to NOT STRESS. If you stay on top of your work there wont be a need to stress. So I guess the real advice is to NOT PROCRASTINATE (because that leads to stress and stress sucks). If you learn how to stay on top of everything (work, school, homework), you’ll definitely have time for a social life, which is really important, don’t deny yourself experiences!

Leaving UNCW is bittersweet, but on to bigger and better things!

I’m in debt, sleep deprived, and stressed…. but at least I’m graduating 🙂

(I wish I could take my own advice.)

Izchel Padilla

When you were little you were always asked, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” That question stays with you for the next two decades, especially through college. Your answer probably changed over the years, from ballerina to teacher to news anchor, until now. You spend your whole life planning what you want to be when you grow up, then it actually hits you, and that my friends, is called senior year.

I graduate in less than a week. Which is so crazy to think about. After May 5^th, I am going to be working full time as an account coordinator at Plan A Advertising here in Wilmington. I started working part time in March and interned there last summer, I am so thankful to have this job offer. Honestly, I was never the straight A student, but everything somehow fell exactly into place as I hoped.

Originally I was not accepted to UNCW. I spent my freshman year busting my butt at community college. I needed to go to the school that I had that gut feeling about, I knew I belonged here. I was determined to study Journalism and possibly be a news anchor. I loved my journalism classes with Mr. Pernell, but once I started taking IMC I knew this was what I wanted to be when I grew up.

The short version of what I am trying to say is, you can schedule your whole life but it is not going to be exactly what you planned. This is for the senior who does not have a job lined up, everything will fall into place. For the freshman who can’t figure out her or his major, everything will work out I promise you. I never planned my life exactly the way it turned out today, but I am so happy with the outcome so far.

So thank you to my parents who put me through college. To my sister Savannah who is finishing up her first year at UNCW, make the most of your time here, it will be over before you know it. To my boyfriend Nathan who has always been so supportive, I am so lucky to have you. To Brett, Sam and Nicole who always made my day better and the best roommates. To Sam and Amber for surviving the COM Department with me. To my Her Campus girls, for being so hard working and making me a better leader.

And to the class of 2018, I wish you the best of luck-go seahawks!

-Taylor Maloch

Four years ago, I would have never imagined myself living my best life at the best beach in North Carolina (I’m not biased, I’ve been to other beaches and still believe this is the best one). You see, I was a transfer student. I went to the University of North Carolina Charlotte for two years. My best friend since third grade went to the University of North Carolina Wilmington and I had gone up to visit her a couple of times, during which I was unintentionally slowly convincing myself to transfer there. After my sophomore year, I decided to take a chance and just go for it. These two years have been the best two years of my life to the point where I am still somehow avoiding the thought about graduating this upcoming May. The University of North Carolina Wilmington and Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach itself will forever hold a special place in my heart. To those of you reading this blog, I hope reading this will make you realize to cherish your memories here at UNCW and to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities the university and this little beach town of ours has given us. Here is some insightful advice I now share to you that I have learned along the way here at UNCW.

1. Eat the free Insomnia cookies and buy the Girl Scout cookies you are convincing yourself not to buy. You’re walking towards the library dreading this 20 page conspiracy paper you’re about to write for Bollinger’s class and then you start to smell the heavenly scent of melted chocolate chips cookies. During which you are trying to avoid the nice sweet Insomnia Cookie employee handing out free warm cookies in front of the library. Well, listen to me and listen to me well… do it. Eat the dang cookie, it will take your mind of off this paper you’re dreading for at least 10 seconds, I swear.
2. Do not wear shoes when it rains. I can’t count the amount of times I’ve gotten to campus thinking the sun was going to shine throughout the whole day. Nope. I get out of my first class of the day, it’s pouring, and I forgot my umbrella at home. The next best thing to do is take your shoes off… and run. When it rains in Wilmington, it pours. Save your shoes and run barefoot, no one will judge I promise. Some people don’t even wear shoes when it’s sunny out. It’s awesome.
3. Do not under any circumstance wait last minute to print a paper off in the Leutze lobby. Just trust me on this one, don’t do it.
4. Take applied learning courses. Through the applied learning courses that I was so fortunate to have taken here at UNCW, I have gained tons of hands-on experience that has prepared me for the real world after I graduate.
5. Study abroad. This is something that I didn’t do and is my biggest regret. The experience and memories are irreplaceable (well that’s just what I’ve heard, but it’s obviously true).
6. Attend the Leadership Lecture Series. Did you guys’ know that this year we had the author of memoir-turned Netflix series Orange is the New Black, Piper Kerman, come speak on campus? Or that this upcoming Fall, Tarana Burke, the creator of the #metoo movement will be coming to speak? TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES, I’M PISSED I’ M NOT GOING TO BE HERE IN THE FALL. It’s an amazing experience being able to listen and gain insight from such powerful and inspirational people coming from all over the world and for FREE since you are a student.
7. Get to know your professors. This is a biggie. Getting to know your professors will 100% help you in the long run. They can make for great references as you apply to jobs and they also give great advice. They will always want what’s best for you, don’t let intimidation get the best of ya!
8. Take advantage of the recreation center. Dude that place is awesome. They even have an awesome outdoor pool and an area to munch at if you’d rather get your tan on and eat than take a spin class.

It’s not a secret… being at the beach was a part of the reason you chose UNCW. So here is some advice to gain the full-on experience of living near beach. 

1. If you don’t already live at the beach (the rent is through the roof I don’t blame you), you better wake up as early as you can on the days that it is 75 degrees and sunny outside and find yourself a good parking spot. Even the traffic is horrendous on Eastwood on nice beach days.
2. The best place to study at with the best view is SUNday’s Cafe on South End. Now SUNday’s can get a little rowdy if you get there too late… they sell beer and that’s where men in their low 60’s like to hangout and drink while discussing the weather.
3. On North End, if you drive as far as you can until you get to the very end of the island right next to Shell Island Resort, there is a mailbox filled with letters on one of the accesses. The letters consist of love letters, prayers, thoughts, everything you can think of. If you’re just as much as a hopeless romantic like myself, you will appreciate this. Wait until an hour before the sunset is supposed to go down, get Chipotle to-go, bring a blanket, and read every letter until it’s dark out and you can no longer read the words. Maybe even write a letter yourself.
4. There’s free library mailbox’s throughout the streets of Wrightsville Beach. Yup, I couldn’t believe it either when I first heard of it. And when you’re done reading one book, you can return it (or keep it if you really loved it) and get yourself another one! The books range from A Savage Place to The Acne Prescription (I’m a skin freak and hate pimples so obviously I kept the book about acne).
5. Force yourself to wake up and watch the sunrise at least once. Please. This is not me asking you it’s me telling you. There is something so peaceful about watching the sunrise on Wrightsville beach, to the point where no one cares about your morning breath.
6. Walk the loop. Now if you run it, then props to you my friend that is a 2.7 mile run.
7. Take advantage of Tower 7’s specials! Monday – 1/2 fajitas, Tuesday – 5$ Tostadas, Wednesday – 1/2 price quesadillas, Thursday – 3$ Baja Fish Tacos. Now you have no excuse not to know about their specials. Sorry!
8. Last but not least, do not under any circumstance swim in the ocean with goggles and open your eyes. You will be terrified.

Well now I can honestly say that after sitting down and writing this blog about the time I’ve spent at UNCW, it has finally hit me that I graduate in 12 days. Thank you Dr. Persuit, this is all your fault. – Marissa Makar