With the end of this school year coming near, it can be an exciting yet anxiety-inducing time. This is especially true if you are graduating. While the promise of the future can be exciting, it can also be a little daunting. Everyone has worked so hard during their time here at Andrews, and now it’s time for them to continue their studies or go out into the world. Along this point, there are a few things some of the 2024 graduates would like us to remember and some hopes they have for themselves and the future of the school.
I asked the graduating seniors the two questions, “What are your plans for the future?” and “What are some hopes you have for Andrews University as you start the next chapter of your life?” Here are their responses:
“I hope to find a place where I can make a good impact on others around me and find a place where I can keep growing and maturing in a healthy way. I hope the University keeps seeking to focus on God and God’s vision for this University and listening to God’s leading and not the voices of those in power simply due to their status. I also hope Andrews strives to listen to the students and respect those whom they employ.”
- David Sune (psychology)
“I graduate in May. Starting in August, I will move to Idaho to become the associate pastor of the Sandpoint SDA Church. After Andrews University, I hope that God will use me to connect with the Sandpoint community. My hope for the university is to continue following their call to educate young adults in a Christian manner.”
- Benjamin High (theology)
“Andrews has been a beautiful time in my life that I’ll remember forever! This is because of my amazing speech pathology and audiology program, the faculty, and the best community of friends I’ve made. Honestly, the biggest wish I have for myself post-graduation is to go out and help people. That is one of my greatest passions. This is why, soon after graduation, I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to pursue student missions through AU. I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve, teach, and explore a new culture for a point in time. I am extremely grateful and excited for my future and the opportunities ahead!”
- Sydney Reeves (speech pathology and audiology)
“I am hoping to do well in grad school and start my career once I finish. I’m still deciding what school I will attend, but I will be pursuing a master’s in public health. My hope for Andrews is that they take a serious look at the response to the removal of VP for Diversity and Inclusion and take the thoughts and opinions of students and alumni when deciding how to shape the Andrews community moving forward.”
- Dallas Dunn (public health)
“I plan to take a gap year and work in the family law field, specifically in child advocacy. I hope Andrews University continues working towards better dorm conditions, listening to student voices, and lowering tuition!”
- Gabby White (psychology)
“My plans after graduation are to continue my education and get my Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I hope that, in the future, Andrews will provide better facilities for the students.”
- Lydia Sarpong (speech pathology)
“For now, my hope for my life after graduation is to be admitted to my favorite psychology graduate program. I may know whether I have been admitted before or after the undergraduate graduation ceremony. But, if all my applications this year fail, I may choose to prepare next year’s applications while working. As an international student, I am looking forward to spending a rare summer break with my family. Being separated from my family for such a long time is hard. I hope our university can improve, become more loved by students, and make the changes students expect.”
- Robert Zhang (psychology)
What exciting plans they have! What a powerful way to display the bright future our generation has. Even amid the stressful last few weeks of school, we should always look to the hope of the future and focus on the things that need to be changed in the present. I wish these individuals and the whole graduating class of 2024 all the best as they take on the world.
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.