TWU grads: taking the next step
Moving on comes in many different forms
April 2, 2008
Linette Schut
Joel Bentley is finally graduating this April. After five years of university, he’s more than ready.
“It’s about time,” he says. “Most of my friends have already moved on.”
The difficult part is still ahead, though. Bentley has immediate plans of going to Africa for four months to film a musical, but he doesn’t know what September will bring when he gets back.
Bentley is just one of the 445 Trinity Western University students participating in the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies this April. Each graduate has his or her own story, and everyone is experiencing intense emotions, usually mixed with a healthy of dose of anxiety.
“There is a kind of nervousness and apprehension,” says Nathan To, a Life Calling and Career advisor at TWU. “Transition is difficult.”
Logan Fidler, who is graduating with a degree in biblical studies, can identify with these sentiments. “I’m pretty nervous,” he says. “As a humanities major, you’re never really sure what to do.”
Despite the nervousness, students seem to have an optimistic outlook of the future.
“I’m really excited,” says graduating student Jessica Stults, an international studies major. “It’s a big deal and I’m proud of my accomplishment.”
Dan Poelman, a business major, is also anticipating graduation, although his excitement is tempered with some wariness. “I’m looking forward to it,” he says, but he wonders if he’ll enjoy working on a daily basis.
Other students are ready to move on to the next stage of their education. Andrea Wilburn, an art student, has been accepted to grad school to obtain her masters in education. “Teaching is my passion,” she says. “I’m ready for the next step.”
Overall, it seems as though TWU graduates are prepared for what’s ahead, although the life beyond university is different for each graduate. In their 2007 study, the National Association of Colleges and Employers reports that 72 per cent of graduates look for a job immediately after graduation, 20 per cent of students move on to grad school, five per cent plan to travel, and three per
Now you go...
Got something to say?