Graduates and professors give last words about USU and education
Graduation is May 3.
Many graduates and professors leave Utah State University with fond memories and words of advice for remaining students.
As they leave, some plan on furthering their education, studying abroad, searching for jobs or internships and doing religious service.
Some of the professors leaving or retiring from USU plan on continuing their education, exploring, writing, reading, and relaxing.
Many graduates have learned that attitude is everything.
Joey Hyde, who is graduating in business information systems, said, “The college experience is what you make of it. It can suck, or it can be cool. Classes can be not worth your time, or you can learn a ton. It’s all what you make of it. If you decide to learn and enjoy it, then it’s going to be great.”
Amber Schiffman, who is graduating in family and human development, said, “Life doesn’t always turn out as expected. Changes happen. Do what feels comfortable and that you enjoy.”
Jamie Nelson, who is graduating in political science, said, “Just make sure you are happy with who you are and that you are loving what you’re doing.”
Most seniors agree it is important to work hard and not take education for granted, while at the same time to have fun and enjoy the experience.
Jonathan Hollist, who is graduating from the concurrent program of mechanical engineering, said, “One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned from my time here at Utah State is how to have balance in my life and my schedule.
“It’s important to study hard, but not too hard. I think in the end it is better that you are sane and still have good grades, instead of crazy and have excellent grades or be overly playing and have bad grades. Just have balance,” he said.
Dan Neville, who is graduating in human resource management, said, “Don’t forget to have fun, but fight the urge to procrastinate. For the love of Pete, just go to class.”
Becky Clements, a senior majoring in psychology, said, “Enjoy the people around you. It’s over before you know it.”
Kyle Hancock, a senior majoring in psychology, said, “Enjoy every second of it. Work hard in all you do, and enjoy yourself all the time. Make lasting friendships, and always give back what you can to make Utah State better, because you were here.”
Schiffman said, “Enjoy the college experience. Get involved. Involvement makes such a difference.”
Hyde said, “Don’t stress out. Make the best of it. You can do well, but give yourself a break, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Have fun, most importantly.”
Nelson said, “Enjoy the journey. Don’t worry so much about graduating and getting done. That’s important, but worry more about learning while you are here [rather than just grades] and about having fun and making good friends.”
A few professors who are leaving added that USU’s student body is of a high
caliber.
Thomas Hilton, department of business information systems, said, “One of the greatest things acquired is probably the worth of my relationship with the students. I have come to admire and appreciate them.”
Clair Batty, mechanical engineering, said, “The biggest single reward has been the grand privilege of watching students who don’t know who they are participate and become technical warriors, anxious to try their skills in the world and then
succeed.”
To the students, Hilton said, “Get all the education you can. Study hard. Challenge your teachers, and pick their brains. Don’t let them get away with telling you less than they know.”
Tyler Johnson, who is graduating in physical education, said, “Apply what you learn as much as you can to your life.”
Many graduates say the lessons they take with them continue to apply as they start a new step in life.
Batty said, “Bag your pride. If you are able to benefit from a university education, it is a gift and you should be grateful. You are not better, though; treat those you come in contact with as human beings and not as objects. As you go out in the world, remember they are people.”
Hancock said, “I think the greatest lesson I’ve learned while here at Utah State is hope for the future and hope that what we’re doing now will help us in the future of our lives and also other lives that we can touch.”
Johnson said, “I’m proud to say I am a True Aggie. I love Utah State and I’ll always be a proud alumni.”
-julia@cc.usu.edu