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Wow… Graduation. What the heck do I even say about myself, my future, my past, my present state, any of it?! It’s so hard to quantify these 4 years with words. The amalgamation of my experiences is not something so simple. I’ve had good ones, bad ones, in between ones and out of body ones. I’ve met friends, lost friends, re-met friends, forgot about friends, left friends hanging on plans before suddenly remembering them and driving through a flood to see them. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve crammed, I’ve passed, I’ve failed, I’ve withdrawn, I’ve added, dropped, and waitlisted and somehow despite all these experiences I just can’t find the words to describe the way I feel. There’s something surreal about being here, about being a senior on the verge of graduating. In the last three days I’ve had four crises about how I’m going to function without my student status, with one being entirely not being able to use that beautiful Rec Center.

Though it is impossible to put this feeling into words, let me give it a shot: pensive. Now, I know that’s not exactly a happy word, but it’s not really a sad one either. Pensive just sort of describes my feelings. I’m lost in thought (and a little bit lost trying to make post-grad plans too) about all the things I’ll miss. I’ll miss sunny days on Chancellor’s, walking through a sea of young, educated people to get to class. I’ll miss rainy days by Fisher, walking through the rain in my bright blue and yellow rain jacket after getting that sweet quesadilla from Jole Mole, back when queso used to be a free option. I’ll miss nights on the beach, walking with my friends from the access all the way to the right to the pier and back, talking about everything and nothing at the same time. I’ll miss being in the same room as my best friends and annihilating them at Smash every chance I get (except when I lose, in which case there was clearly something stupid happening in that game. It’s the game’s fault). I’ll miss having all the free time in the world, all the opportunities of college life, and all the different ways UNCW makes me feel at home.

The thing is, I’m also lost in thought about all the wonderful things I’ve gained from my experience here. Seven guys who I would do anything for, an amazing woman who has made my life more colorful than ever, a chance to Study Abroad in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka and discover a passion for Japanese I didn’t even realize I had, and a chance to become familiar with with world through Communication.

君は春の中にいる. Kimi wa haru no naka ni iru. Well, for UNCW, it would be aru and… Well Japanese is a very specific language and for Arima Kousei’s sake I kept the quote intact. “You exist inside spring.” UNCW exists inside spring. The spring that I came here to visit and fell in love with my future alma mater. The spring of my life, in which my opportunities and skill began to bloom, coloring my life with the most vibrant experiences. You’ve filled my life with the buds of thousands of little joys and given me a reason to push forward until my life explodes with new vitality. I’m incredibly sad to be leaving you but you’ve given me the opportunity to find myself on an amazing road with all the right tools. And so, without any regrets, I push forward to a new dawn, but I’ll always remember the days that I spent here.

I feel pensive, lost in thought about all the things I’ll miss and all the wonderful things I’ve done and now all the things I’m going to do. As for my future, it looks like I’ll be going to Japan to teach English for a while. After that, I’ll be coming back to be an international guy for a gaming company. Who knows, maybe I’ll even start writing too and get those sweet early reviewer copies of games! The possibilities are endless thanks to the time I’ve spent here. So, for now, I suppose it’s さよなら to UNCW and maybe even America.  It’s a scary thought, but one that I feel ready for, because no matter what may come, I will continue to push forward with confidence.

– Allen Wooten

Looking back at senior year, it has truly been a roller coaster of emotions for me. From being ecstatic to finally getting close to graduating to panicking of the thought of leaving Wilmington, I can truly say that my experience at UNCW has been one for the books. From the amazing lifelong friendships I have made with my best friends in my sorority, to having the opportunity to study abroad in southern France, to meeting my sweet boyfriend of two years, and spending lazy days at Wrightsville Beach, I couldn’t have asked for a better 4 years.

When I look back at my freshman self, it is crazy how time has flown by. I had no idea that getting an acceptance letter from UNCW would have such a lovely impact on my life. I will miss everything about this place from days on the dock, Sunday Fun Days, events for Chi O, being on campus, living in this little sandy beach town, and everything and more. You don’t realize how fast time goes until senior year, so take advantage of every opportunity that you have and work hard. Freshmen- I am so jealous of you.

I couldn’t be happier with my experience at UNCW. Wilmington is such fantastic place and I can’t wait to have reunion weekends with the girls (we’ve already started planning). Thanks for the memories 910, and I’ll be seeing you oh so very soon!

With love,

Megan Suggs

It’s funny to think about how college turned out for me. First, UNCW was not my first choice. I thought it was too close to home and I wanted to go to a bigger school, in a bigger city, to a school with a football team. Then, I thought for sure I would graduate college in 4 years. This was in 2011. Turns out, going to college an hour from home allows you to watch your brother play football his last two years of high school and for the following two years, go home to ride with your parents to his college games. It also allows you get your car checked out at your preferred shop, trips to the doctor or dentist don’t require a weekend trip, and at the drop of a hat you can go home because “you just feel like it.” As far as graduating in 4 years? That went out the window the second week of the second semester. However, I would not go back and change it. If I have learned anything during my time in Seahawk Nation, it’s that everything happens for a reason. You may not see it right now, but trust me when I say that next week, next year, or maybe in few years you will see.

As I look back there are many reasons why I can honestly say I am happy that it worked out the way it did. It gave me time to figure out what I really enjoyed doing. Thank you to Chris Montero of Centro Hispano who is a Com Studies alum! I went through a very rough junior year and I had a hard time figuring out what path was for me. He helped me find COM Studies and I LOVED it from the first day in Dr. Weber’s class. Taking that time allowed school to be much more enjoyable and less stressful once I found my path. It also gave me the opportunity to spend a semester living with two of my best friends, and across the street from another before two of them graduated. The most important and significant thing that came out of being a fifth year senior, is that it gave me one final opportunity to do something I had been dreaming of: Studying abroad. After 3 1/2 years of telling myself that I couldn’t do it while others kept telling me I could, I submitted my application in February of 2015 and in June I went to the Dominican Republic for 6-weeks.

It is hard not understanding “why” or “how.” For me, it was three years of that mixed with tears and plenty of stress. My advice is to find those people that will listen to you vent and encourage you to keep trying when you want to give up.  Find those who will take the time to really know and understand who you are in order to help you get on the right path. Do not get discouraged because you have to go another semester or another year. Figure out what you can do with that time and take advantage of those opportunities. Everything happens for a reason.

Congratulations Class of 2016!!

-Tiersa

Realizing I only have 13 days left of school, 17 till graduation and 24 till I leave the place I’ve called home for the past four years is something I’ve been trying to ignore. I’ve made the most of my time here at UNCW whether it was on campus, at my job or on the beach; each memory holds a special place in my heart. I will always cherish living in the small town of Wrightsville Beach for the past two years. I have taken for granted that I live only across the street from the beach with some of the most wonderful girls I call my best friends, and only have 24 days left of this paradise.

Having this time come to an end is scary and exciting at the same time. I’m excited to start my next chapter in life and become apart of the real world ( I’ll probably regret saying this later). The only thing holding me back from being excited is that I have to leave all of friends after graduation. Living with six girls this past year and having all of my friends live on the same street has really spoiled me. Being able to walk down the street or even just down the hall to find someone to go grab Tower7 margaritas on a Thursday or to walk the loop is something I take for granted. These girls have helped me grow in my four years here at UNCW and I know that their friendships will last a lifetime and for that I’m thankful!

Graduation brings mixed emotions of sadness and happiness since these four  years have flown by, it seems like yesterday I was walking the halls of Galloway. Through all the summer school classes, studying abroad and the many semesters spent in Leutze I would not change any of it for the memories I got from the professors, group objects and seeing the world. I want to thank the Communication Department for giving me the chances to allow myself to grow and learn and become the best version of myself. Also a big thank you to my parents for letting me go on this crazy adventure and supporting me the entire way! I will always be a Seahawk at heart and can’t wait to come back to visit!! Cheers to all the future Seahawks I hope you have the time of your life like I did! #FeelMyTeal #WingsUpForever

As I frantically look in every store possible to find the perfect graduation dress, I realize the time has finally come. This month and the months leading up to this moment have gone by in a flash. Yes, I know that everyone says it goes by fast and to cherish each moment but I never listened. Well, I’m listening now. It is serial that this moment is even happening. I have had some of the best memories of my life here. I have been fortunate enough to have the best friends I could ever ask for. That makes it even harder for me to leave this place I’ve called home for the past four years.

However, I find myself at a cross roads. My heart fills with sadness thinking I won’t be going to the beach bars every weekend with my group of friends. This is because I will be moving to Charlotte upon graduation. While I would love to already have a job lined up, that has not quite happened for me yet. However, I have faith in myself and know I will find a job I can be excited and happy about.

Also, I feel a sense of calmness knowing that this isn’t the end but merely the beginning. Being a Communication Studies major, I feel prepared to take on a professional role. I am only 21 and this is just the beginning of my life adventures. I’m lucky to have been fortunate with the best professors and education I could ever ask for. I have put hard work, dedication, and lots of hours studying to graduate with honors come May 7, 2016.

Graduation is fast, confusing, scary, exciting, and stressful, all in one. I would not have traded any day here at UNCW for anything in the world. To my parents, thank you for allowing me this education and believing in me. To my friends, thank you for the greatest four years of my life and many more to come. To my twin sister, thank you for your endless love, support, and laughter. To the future me, thank you for knowing that everything is going to be okay.

Caitlin Rodermund

I cannot believe my five years of college is over (four at UNCW). It has been an amazing ride with ups and downs, but I would not change a single thing.

My college career started at Coastal Carolina in Conway, SC. After realizing I spent the majority of my first semester at UNCW with my older sister, I decided it was time to transfer. My family always told me, “You’re following in your sisters footsteps.” I guess that is partially true- same school, same major, same “concentration” but my experience was completely different.

I joined Chi Omega my first semester at UNCW, Fall 2012. It was one of the best decisions I made at UNCW. I am still friends with the same group of girls from the beginning to now. We have all seen each other at our bests and our worsts, helped each other through break-ups and now applying to jobs. If you are reading this and you are conflicted between joining and sorority or not… I would definitely give you the advice to join. Not only are you surrounded by amazing, smart, and kind people, but you are also given amazing networking opportunities. If you want to be a leader on UNCW’s campus, meet life-long friends, involve yourself in amazing volunteer experience and service, join a sorority- any sorority on UNCW’s campus and you will have the same experience.

I can honestly say I found my life-long best friends at UNCW and within Chi Omega.

My first semester at UNCW I switched majors and found myself in Communication Studies. My family had a different reaction about the major, since my older sister completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies at UNCW, they knew the amazing opportunities this major can offer students. I honestly could not see myself in another major (as cheesy as that sounds). The professors, faculty and staff, and other students in the major are all dedicated to their students and fellow peers. The amount of work the professors and faculty and staff put into each student, whether it be during advising, mental breakdowns during finals, or apply to jobs your senior year- you know they care about each and every student. I think that is why I love(d) this major so much… I felt I had a second home within the Department.

One of the best pieces of advice I can give you…. take every singe class you can. I only needed COM 400 this semester- but I filled my schedule with classes I always wanted to take. You have the opportunity to take interesting classes with amazing professors, might as well take advantage of that. Enjoy and do everything you can while at UNCW- join the clubs you want to, become friends with whoever you want, study abroad and travel around the world.

It’s a bittersweet feeling leaving UNCW in a few weeks, but the university, the Department of Communication Studies, and Chi Omega has prepared me for life after college.

-Erin Fouhy

I decided at a young age that my dream was to go to college and earn a Bachelor’s Degree. In high school I set my sights on Appalachian State University. It was the only school I toured and the only school I applied to. This was the place I thought I would spend the next four years of my life and earn a degree in Exercise Science before going to grad school for Physical Therapy. I had everything planned out and even a backup plan just in case. The thing about life is, it rarely goes according to plan.

I ended up spending only two years in beautiful Boone, NC where I made many wonderful friends, went to more football games than I can count, and spent every weekend on the blue ridge parkway or on a snowboard. During my sophomore year, however, my life took a turn. It’s important to note that I’ve always had seasonal depression in the winter and I stubbornly chose a school where it is winter 10 months out of the year. With this being said, my seasonal depression obviously became full blown depression. I also developed anxiety and panic disorder, I was failing my science classes, and I basically thought my life was falling apart. Other things also occurred that left me seeking some sense of normalcy by transferring to UNCW.

When I got here, my depression went back to the much more manageable winter blues. I also found out that I have Attention Deficit Disorder which was causing me to fail my classes and was the main cause of my panic attacks. With this positive turn around, I changed my major to Communication Studies. I found my niche in IMC and Advertising, began focusing on what I was learning more than my grades, and now I love what I do.

Five years and two schools later, I’m finally accomplishing my dream of graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree. What I thought was the worst possible scenario ended up being the best thing for me. Nothing turned out the way I thought it would, but everything is turning out exactly as it should. Now I’m off to find my new dream!

Congratulations Class of 2016 and a special cheers to all of my fellow fifth years…we did it!

-Kaela Bishop