As caps soar through the air and parents and friends cheer, Ohio University’s fall graduates experience their final moments as Bobcats, crossing the finish line and entering their next stage of life.
With papers due, exams to take and the thoughts of leaving friends and professors behind, the final weeks as an undergraduate student can be bittersweet and stressful.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, forming a routine while in college is healthy and normal but can create fears of uncertainty as students are forced to enter reality, possibly facing hardships and loneliness after graduation. These hardships can lead to “post-graduation anxiety or depression,” as some students may not know what their next steps are.
Fortunately for most Bobcats, graduating college is not a daunting task, but a time to reflect on the connections made in and outside the classroom. Olivia Freeland, a senior studying media arts production, is a co-producer for Friday’s Live sketch comedy show. Some of her favorite memories at OU were created after joining her sophomore year.
“I … very quickly discovered (Friday’s Live) was my home in school (and) is where I made all my closest friends and got a lot of really good experiences,” Freeland said.
Freeland started as a camera operator, but after becoming a producer in her junior year, she fell in love with the role and had the opportunity to host the show's 53rd season finale as a senior farewell.
“I was performing up there with the cast for the very first time after spending years behind the scenes which was really fun,” Freeland said.
In addition to lifelong friendships, OU offers many resources in hopes students will explore their interests with a fun and exciting mindset. OU’s nearly 600 student organizations aim to “enrich” the “cultural, social and intellectual life of the University” while helping students build their “leadership” and “organizational skills.”
Jalen Tolbert, a senior studying communications, said he looks forward to the future, and he is grateful OU supported his dreams of pursuing music and gave him opportunities to create a successful career.
“Being at Ohio University with a lot of other like-minded people and … having access to resources … has been invaluable,” Tolbert said.
OU was not Tolbet’s first college choice, but after graduating high school, taking a gap year and touring in 2020 he knew it was the place for him.
“I know that there is so much more to learn out there and I really appreciate my time at a higher education institution,” Tolbert said. “The skills that I learned to become a better student will be applicable to me for the rest of my life.”
Although seniors may feel pressured to have a plan after graduation, it is also important to embrace freedom from assignments, classes and grades. After moving back home post-graduation, Freeland plans to take a much-needed break and begin job searching.
“I am looking forward to having time for myself where I can pick up hobbies again,” Freeland said. “As much as I love school, I have been a student for so long (and) I am excited to not have schoolwork be the number one thing on my plate anymore.”
Whether a senior has a job set aside or is planning to spend time with family, OU continues to support its students after graduation.
Dana Wright, senior associate director of student and early engagement, said it is crucial to create relationships with students immediately upon admission to ensure their next four years are successful and engaging.
“We connect with students and alumni family members beginning at Bobcat Student Orientation, the involvement fair, Welcome Week programming … (and) through the Bobcat Network platform, mentorship and collaborative events with campus partners,” Wright wrote in an email.
In addition to these events, Wright said an important aspect of her job is to host the Grad Bash Dec. 5 where the upcoming graduating class is encouraged to learn about the OU alumni family.
“Whether it's hiring fellow Bobcats, providing guidance to current students, or serving as enthusiastic advocates for Ohio, our alumni exemplify the spirit of giving back to our alma mater,” Wright wrote in an email. “Our seniors will soon become part of this lifelong Bobcat family.”
Senior year can seem far away, but in the blink of an eye, students will walk across the stage and be welcomed into the alumni family. Freeland said she encourages underclassmen to immerse themselves in OU’s exciting atmosphere and appreciate time with friends.
“Athens is such a special place,” Freeland said. “I genuinely feel like even though I do not know at the school we are all connected. Every time I leave my house, no matter how short my walk is … I’ll see someone I know in passing and … it just feels like one big hug.”
