The countdown is on as McMurry seniors mark their calendar days leading up to the big moment. Graduation day, the day students have worked up to for years, is just a month away. In this final month, many students find themselves navigating feelings of uncertainty, worry, change, and many decisions to be made. Whether\u00a0students\u00a0plans\u00a0include\u00a0grad\u00a0school, a new job, or moving out of Abilene, we know these War Hawks are on their way to success.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I interviewed\u00a0four students that are heavily involved around campus and asked them questions that allowed them to reflect on their time at McMurry. The first senior is Carmen Velasquez, and she is President of Delta Beta Epsilon, Sweetheart for KIVA Men\u2019s Fraternity, member of McMurry Student Government (MSG), and part of the Honors program. Next is Tana Thomas, who was crowned Miss McMurry during Homecoming this year. She is also Co Cheer Captain, a member of Delta Beta Epsilon, sweetheart for KIVA Men\u2019s Fraternity, and\u00a0she is a part of Track & Field. Dominic Carroll follows, and he is President of KIVA Men\u2019s Fraternity, Attorney General for MSG, a Residence Assistant, and he is in the Servant Leadership Program.\u00a0Last but not least\u00a0is Jack Greenwald, and he is President of the Fraternity\u00a0Makona, Sweetheart for Gamma Sigma, member of the Wingmen, member of MSG, and he is a player on the Tennis team.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These seniors were asked what\u00a0would be one sentence\u00a0they would say to their\u00a0freshman\u00a0self, and what they wished they knew. Velasquez encourages students to \u201cbe open and live without regrets,\u201d while Thomas emphasizes not being afraid to put yourself out there. Similarly, Carroll notes the importance of self-compassion, reminding his younger self to \u201cnot to be so critical,\u201d and Greenwald highlights the value of simply enjoying each day.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond advice, students shared lessons they will\u00a0carry\u00a0beyond college. Several emphasized\u00a0growth\u00a0through uncertainty. Velasquez reflected that \u201cgrowth doesn\u2019t happen in your comfort zone,\u201d and that some of the best opportunities and experiences she has had\u00a0came\u00a0from moments where she felt unsure or even a little scared. Thomas noted that even when things\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0go as planned, one\u00a0has to\u00a0keep moving forward. Carroll\u00a0expanded on\u00a0this idea, explaining that growth \u201cis not linear,\u201d and Greenwald added that success often comes from creating your own opportunities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lastly, when asked about their favorite memories, many pointed to relationships and defining moments. For Velasquez, it was the\u00a0friendships\u00a0that made campus feel like home. Thomas highlighted winning Mr. and Miss McMurry with her fianc\u00e9, while Carroll found community in KIVA Men\u2019s Fraternity. Greenwald\u00a0reflected on\u00a0his junior\u00a0year\u00a0tennis season as a standout experience. These moments not only define their time at\u00a0McMurry, but\u00a0also reflect the growth that comes with the college journey.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time at McMurry\u00a0flies by\u00a0fast, and it is important to trust the process and understand that everything does not have to go perfectly or to plan. Unexpected paths can lead to lessons learned, new experiences, and lots of memories. Take advantage of this time in your life: try new things, find your community, and take chances. To all graduating seniors, I wish you the best of luck as you take the next step into your future!\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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