Realizations from a Recent Grad

Graduation comes faster than you think.

It seems like you blink and then all of a sudden, years have gone by and you’re ready to walk across the stage.

As you stand ready to cross that stage you may begin to think about all the great times you’ve had while at UNC Charlotte.

You’ll think of the professors you had for a class or two. You’ll think about how those professors really cared about you and how they invested in your success. Or you’ll think about how those professors really ignited a passion in you for the things you have chosen to study.

You’ll think back to the many amazing events you’ve participated in, whether it be attending a sports game, going to fun events in the Student Union, or hosting your own events with your friends.

You’ll realize that the friends you’ve made will be connected with you for the rest of your life.

They are the people who will help you find jobs, the people who will attend your future wedding, and the people who you can always count on when you just need somebody to talk to.

All of these things, and so much more, make up the time that you will spend at UNC Charlotte. And as I sit here, ready to walk across the stage as a graduate I realize more and more how much I cherish the time that I’ve spent here at UNC Charlotte.

Yes, I’ve learned new skills. Yes, I’ve met new people. And yes, I’ve gained the knowledge that will help me to be successful in my future career. But ultimately the time I’ve spent at UNC Charlotte has helped me gain a deeper understanding of who I really am.

I’ve learned more about the things that make me passionate to get up in the morning to go to work and school.

I’ve learned about my greatest strengths and learned to overcome my greatest weaknesses.

I’ve realized that my degree will provide me with many possible career paths, and I’ve taken the time to explore those paths and figure out where I truly want to be in five or ten or twenty years.

As I sit here reflecting on my time at UNC Charlotte, mere weeks before graduation, I also think about what comes next. What will I be thinking as I finally hear my name called, walk across the stage, and get the diploma I’ve worked for years to earn?

While I’m sure I’ll think about my past and the great experiences and memories I’ve made, I’ll also think about my future. About the jobs I’ll have, the people I’ll meet, and the new knowledge I’ll continue to learn each and every day.

A degree from UNC Charlotte offers a lot of opportunities, but it is up to each one of us to reach out and grab those opportunities.

So if I had to give any advice it would be this:

1. UNC Charlotte offers many career development events.

Attend them. Take your resume to the career center. Do mock interviews. Meet professionals in your field. Network, network, network. Do everything you can to grow as a professional.

2. Do more than just attend class.

Develop true friendships with the people in your classes. As I’ve mentioned, you have no idea how much these people will mean to you and your future. Develop relationships with your professors. They have so much knowledge that they can impart, and most professors love to interact with students and make a difference in their lives.

3. Enjoy the ride!

College is over so fast! When you look back in five or ten years on your UNC Charlotte experience, you’ll realize that college is one of the best times in your life!