Seniors give a final goodbye

Written By: Samantha Burgess

As we scramble to finish assignments and prepare for exams, most of us have begun dreaming about summer plans. But seniors are preparing for graduation and their future. They’re filled with hope and bittersweet feelings as they get ready to leave behind good friends, professors and staff.

To say goodbye, some of the seniors shared their best and worst memories at Bryan along with their future plans and advice for underclassmen.

Senior elementary education major, Elizabeth Albert, built many strong relationships.

Lizzie Albert
Lizzie Albertduring her years at Bryan. Here she met her fiance Tom Durbin and best friends Christina Lee, Megan Clarkson, and Alix Lawson. Albert also has a deep appreciation for Mama Tut and the resident life team for always helping her and growing her spiritually.

“Take in and enjoy your time here,” said Albert. “Don’t try to wish it away, because when the time comes for you to move on, you’re going to wish that you took the time to enjoy college life.”

Cody Wheeler, a senior exercise and health science major, feels traveling with the Worldview Initiative team during his 2017 Spring Break was his best college experience. Not only did he form deeper connections with friends, but he was also able to disciple high schoolers in Florida.

Cody Wheeler
Cody Wheeler

After graduating, Wheeler plans on pursuing a master’s degree at Bryan. He also wants to become a Resident Assistant and an assistant for the Worldview Initiative.

“My advice for underclassmen with regards to schooling would be to stack up on credits (keeping it bearable) your second through sixth semesters.  That is what I did and as a result, I only had to take 14 credits my last two semesters,” said Wheeler. “Socially, I would recommend being flexible with relationships. Having a tight knit group of friends is important, but don’t be afraid to get to know people you wouldn’t normally talk to.”

Lindsay Cate Smith, a senior majoring in politics and government pre-law with a minor in biblical studies and honors and leadership, said some of her favorite memories are playing intramural soccer and going to Italy for a semester.

Lindsay Cate Smith
Lindsay Cate Smith

After graduating, Smith plans on spending her summer in Madagascar working with an anti-trafficking organization.

Smith advises students to dig in, “Comfort zones are not meant to be lived in forever. Do things that scare you and invest in those around you. Live out loud for Jesus. Have adventures. Say yes to big things. Be obedient to what Jesus asks you to do and through it all praise Him.”

Senior business administration major, Tyler Boone, went to nationals his freshman year with the cross country team and made 10th in the nation. It’s one of the best memories Boone made during his time at Bryan. One of his worst experiences was transferring to another school his sophomore year and realizing what a mistake it was.

Boone will start work as a financial analyst for Nissan North America in Franklin, Tenn. after graduation.

Tyler Boone
Tyler Boone

“ Make sure you figure out what you really love to do and pick a major that will allow you to do that,” said Boone. “For me, I know I love cars and coffee so I chose to study business in hopes of working with an auto manufacturer or owning a coffee shop. When you have a goal to work toward and achieve it is much easier to succeed.”

As seniors prepare for graduation and the next stage of their life, we wish blessings on all of them in their future endeavors.

Bio:

Samantha Burgess is a Freshman majoring in Communication with an emphasis in Digital Media. Samantha is actively involved in PCI. She writes Triangle articles on a variety of topics including campus life and current events. When she’s not doing homework, Samantha can often be found curled up with a good book, writing, listening to music, or watching TV.

Samantha Burgess
Samantha Burgess