Deep Run alum advise seniors about future expectations
June 15, 2021
Most previous graduating classes have had normal college experiences, while more recent grads have had to face the difficult restrictions that resulted from the global pandemic. Despite their varied experiences, and perhaps because of them, they have all gained some greater wisdom to impart on the Class of 2021.
Alumni Kethan Patel graduated in 2019 and went on to study finance at Virginia Tech where he had one normal year of college before Covid-19 hit. He went back to school on campus at the beginning of his Sophomore year hoping to still have a traditional college experience. Patel has advice from which he thought the graduating class could benefit.
Find what you love to do and then do it. If you don’t do that, then at least have a backup plan. — Kethan Patel
If you’re also doing something for a financial reason, try to still find time for yourself and do something you love. Find a way to enjoy life even if it gets miserable,” Patel said.
Cailey Cetani, who was a graduate of the class of 2020, had some advice from an unexpected college experience. She has only experienced a Covid-restricted campus while attending Elon University in South Carolina.
“Freshman year has been easy, but facing a pandemic on top of it made it a little bit more difficult. I think that freshman year is easy compared to other years, so I’m hoping that I am challenged more as years go on,” Cetani said.
Cetani also created a list of things she wished she had learned before graduating and starting her Freshman year.
“1. [Learn] Chicago citation [style]2. College is not as hard as you think it will be.3. Your professors want to help you succeed in college. 4. Your professors are more chill than high school teachers. 5. Grades aren’t everything and just focus on having fun and figuring out what you want to do in life.” Cetani said.
Cetani feels the best college experience can come from meeting new and different people in an environment where you are able to be independent and be yourself. Many students often get stressed about college and grades, but according to Cetani, once you get in, you can relax and take time to figure out what you want to do in the future.
Rising college junior, Jacob Hanner, also had similar advice for the class of 2021.
“Just enjoy the last bit you have left, and the summer. Once college starts everything is different,” Hanner said.
Hanner graduated with the class of 2019 and is juggling many classes along with being a NCAA Division 1athlete.
Jenna Sliman, who graduated in 2020, had very honest and straightforward advice for this year’s seniors.
“Your world is about to be rocked. You’re going to experience some truly wonderful things and some truly horrible things. That shouldn’t be new to you, but this time you’ll be doing it almost utterly alone,” Sliman said. Trust in yourself. The good needs the bad, and the bad needs the good. Embrace both. — Jenna Sliman
For the graduating class of 2021, whether you choose the college path or not, accept that everything may not work out immediately. Your life may completely change over the next few years. Just take it day by day and you will find your own path.
