Looking back at the USU experience.

Thousands of Aggies reached a major stepping stone last Saturday, an end of a chapter that marks the beginning of many more to come. Graduation, the final goal for many college students, is now a reality for the class of 2016.

Many graduates lined up to have their photos taken on the iconic A by the quad.

It was an emotional day for many graduates, along with their families and friends. Too emotional to fully describe in an article. Instead, here are six students who shared their favorite parts of the USU experience.

Tayla Lambright – Dietetics and Exercise Science

“It probably was being in a small program and getting to know people really well so we could use our brains together.”

Suzette Tyger

Suzette Tyger – Asian Studies

“I had a really good experience with my teachers and advisers. I’m also a non-traditional student, so I think I learned things more quickly because of that.”

Alex Torgesen

Alex Torgesen – Biological Engineering

“I would say the community. I feel like the student body is a lot closer here than I would see at a lot of other schools.”

Jake Barton

Jake Barton – Food Science, Men’s Track and Cross Country

“The friends I made. The social life. There was always something that we found that we could do. It didn’t have to be going out, we always made the best of hanging out with each other.”

Sneddon and Shorthill

Tate Shorthill – Mechanical Engineering and Sydney Sneddon – Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Music Minor

Sneddon: “For me it was the camaraderie between me and the other students in the field, and even with the teachers. I think that it’s a part of the magic about Utah State, we’re a big family. Once you’re an Aggie, you’re always an Aggie.”

Shorthill: “I feel similar, I think there’s a really tight bond, at least amongst the engineers. It was a lot of fun just to work together, all the things we had to do, all the classes, that was enjoyable. I liked it.”

These six students have a lot to look forward to in the future. Their experiences at Utah State have made their dreams possible, and we wish them the best, along with all of this year’s graduates. Go Aggies!

Eddie Collins is a freshman journalism major who hopes to graduate eventually.

edcollins270@gmail.com