Graduating is, and has always been, an enormous deal for seniors. I mean, it’s the end of an era for all of them and the start of something new, whether it be graduate school, the workforce, or something else. It is the start of an adult life where many things that college students worry about will no longer be significant. However, amidst all that change, perhaps there are some regrets that some graduating students have about their time in undergrad. I went out to interview some of the graduating seniors about things they wish they had done while at Andrews University, but never did, and asked for any final reflections they had before leaving.
“I wish I would’ve traveled around the area more—finding new restaurants, scouting out beautiful places in nature and immersing myself with local activities and events. I would encourage new students to really take advantage of their time here. I think college was one of the most metamorphic experiences in my life so far. I learned so much about myself, my relationships with people, and God. I honestly can say I put a lot of effort into improving myself over the last four years, and I would urge new and upcoming students to consider doing the same.”
Caryn Cruz (senior, English literature)
“I don't think there is something I regret not doing at AU. Even the bad moments here have served as a learning experience to me. I do regret not doing several things earlier though. Seeking mentorship is something that I didn't do my freshman year. Managing your time is also key. College life can be demanding, with classes, assignments, extracurricular activities, and social commitments. Learn to manage your time effectively, prioritize your tasks, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Create a schedule, set goals, and stay organized to make the most of your time at Andrews. Another thing that is important is to take care of yourself. Don't be a people pleaser. Always be yourself and don't be afraid to say things just because you fear people's reactions. I encourage the students to enjoy your time here. It can be very fun if you surround yourself with good friends. Get involved in campus activities and make some connections. Trust me, college will be done before you know it. Reflecting on my time in college, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. Four years have flown by, and I'm filled with memories that will last a lifetime. My college experience has been truly remarkable, and I'm grateful for the journey I've been on. I'm confident that the skills, knowledge, and friendships I've gained will serve as a solid foundation for my future endeavors. I'll forever carry the lessons learned, the memories made, and the friendships forged with me as I embark on the next chapter of my life. Thank you Andrews. P.S. Always put your trust in God. Do not let your relationship with God die.”
Christopher Mata (senior, psychology)
“I wish I went to the gym and sauna earlier. I wish I had gone to more banquets and events! Get involved in as many events as possible. You only have four years here, so make the best of them. Experiment, do that business idea, take risks, and be bold! You won’t regret it.”
Nilah Mataafa (senior, accounting)
“Honestly, I feel like I did everything I wanted to while at Andrews! I'm pretty happy with how my years at Andrews are ending. For younger students, I encourage you to join any leadership opportunities and be part of helping improve the student experience. It's fun to be at events, but there's also fun in planning and executing events and seeing everyone enjoy. I also encourage everyone to take their time. I know there's a lot of pressure to finish school as soon as possible and spend as little money as possible, but you're only in your college years once. Enjoy your time here, find yourself, and make lots of lasting memories!”
Aya Pagunsan (senior, nursing)
“Covid definitely impacted my undergraduate experience, but I can say that I was able to do pretty much everything I wanted to do while here at Andrews. The things that would have been nice to do, but I didn’t get the chance to do during my time here, is to check out the observatory or take a summer study tour. To the younger students, learn when to say yes and when to say no. That’s my biggest piece of advice for underclassmen. College is a great time to explore new things and get to know yourself; doing both requires the ability to discern when you should say yes or no. My final reflection is that college is what you make out of it; don’t take yourself too seriously, and don’t be afraid of getting outside your comfort zone.”
Valerie Akinyi (senior, political science)
The general view I’ve gathered from most seniors I’ve talked to is as follows: Do what you can and take any opportunities that come your way. Mind you, don’t forget about your grades or financial situation, but always remember that these four years you have are limited, so make the most of them. Don’t be afraid of any potential consequences; instead, live as if the struggle will bring you happiness in the end. Speaking as a senior, my only regret is that I did not have enough time to continue on friendships, mend relationships, and be there for people who will still be there long after I am gone. However, I am also incredibly grateful for the memories that I made here with people I cared for and currently care about. Whether I still have time after I am gone is up in the air, but the point still remains that we seniors have learned to live a happy life here at Andrews University. So, to any current student, I would encourage you to live life to the fullest and get out of your comfort zone while you’re here.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.