TAMPA – As the semester comes to a close and students are preparing their final projects, papers, presentations, planning extra-curricular activities and mapping out class schedules, others are preparing for the next step in their lives, working on resumes and portfolios.
On Saturday, Dec. 18, over 400 students will be graduating from the University of Tampa and starting their next chapter. For seniors this is a pivotal moment.
They will soon be applying for their first “real jobs” and struggling to put everything they have learned during the past four years into action.
While there are still a few days left in the semester and the holidays are right around the corner, seniors remember and reflect upon their time spent on campus.
Vice President of AMA and Senior Marketing major Joshua Dike said, “I am sort of ‘nervous-excited’ about graduating. I am excited for the next chapter in my life, though, and want to see what happens.”
Senior communication major, Charu Bahl, says she has truly enjoyed her time here at UT, but is also looking forward to the future.
“The feeling is so surreal, but I am so excited. Can’t wait until graduation.”
Amadeo Reyes, known among his friends as JR, is a senior biology major. He said his departure from UT seems to have come all too soon and that he will miss the time he spent here.
“It’s kind of bittersweet,” he said. “I like it here in Tampa and I had good experience here.”
“The day I was asked to be the commencement speaker for graduation is my most memorable moment,” Bahl said it was just a few weeks ago.
“I felt honored and privileged to have to have that opportunity.”
Reyes said there are so many things he will remember about UT, mainly the people he’s met.
“I met some good friends and good teachers,” said Reyes. “I will remember all the spontaneous and random moments that we never ever planned. Some were bad and some were good. At least 90 percent of the time they were good times.”
Reyes says he plans to take the next semester off and spend it applying for grad. schools in addition to taking the MCATS. In five years he hopes to be an anesthesiologist in a hospital.
“I will miss the atmosphere, a little bit of the academics, my friends and advisors and just everyone that has left a lasting impact on me,” Bahl said.
Being able to see his friends and attend parties is what Dike will mostly miss as part of the college lifestyle, which he described as,
“Waking up a 2 p.m. every day not having anything to really worry about, then being able to go back to sleep when I want to.”
He is eager to see what awaits him after graduation.
When asked if her college years turned out the way she imagined them as a naive freshman, Bahl laughed and said, “No. But, then again, nothing in life goes according to plan, does it? It’s definitely not what I planned, but I would say these four years have been [a] roller-coaster ride.”
“Thank you UT, for an amazing journey. I am truly going to miss you,” Bahl added.
The commencement is scheduled to take place in the Bob Martinez Sports Center.
There will be a few events and receptions for seniors and their families to attend on Thursday and Friday.
On Thursday, an Education Graduate Awards and Hooding Ceremony will be held in Fletcher Lounge and a Nursing Pinning and Hooding Ceremony will be held in Plant Hall Music Room at 6 p.m.
Business graduate students will have an award and hooding ceremony on Friday in Fletcher Lounge at 6 p.m.
There will also be a reception on Friday to honor the entire graduating class of 2010, both undergraduate and graduate students, and their families on the ninth floor of the Vaughn Center between 5 and 7 p.m.
Commencement begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, and doors open for seating at 8:30 a.m.
For more information on attire requirements, procession arrangements, hotel accommodations and other important details, students are encouraged to visit ut.edu/commencement/december/.
Graduation is an important and great success for any person.
The Minaret wishes success to all of UT’s graduating seniors and encourages them not to let their legacy end at UT.
Alyssa Major can be reached at amhoward@ut.edu.