In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”
It’s about time for many students to say goodbye to The University of Memphis and take that long-awaited stroll across the stage to receive their diplomas.
For some, the college experience was more than tests and papers. It was also about what happened in between the cramming.
“What I will remember most about The University of Memphis is how big it seemed when I first started,” said Jennifer Miller, graduating communications major. “I remember looking around as a freshman and thinking, ‘This place is so big, how will I ever find my way?’”
But Miller said she soon became familiar with the campus and made some friends along the way.
“I have met many wonderful people,” she said. “They were not always like me, but they opened my mind to new ideas.”
Miller said she is sad this phase of her life is ending but appreciates the experiences she gained.
“College was a great experience,” she said. “I learned how to study for three tests in one night while also working on other homework I had. It always seemed like everything was due in all my classes at once. I look back now and wonder how I did it.”
Many students said making the grade required lots of study time, but the best memories came when they put the books down for a while.
“I can’t really remember,” Thomas Johnson, graduating management information systems major said jokingly about his college days. “It’s all a drunken haze.
“Seriously, I guess it would be staying in South Hall in general — that was fun.”
Jennifer Sparks, graduating marketing management major, said her best memory is joining Alpha Kappa Alpha and participating in positive activities on campus.
“One of my funniest memories would be the night our (sorority) line dorm-hopped in front of Carpenter Complex and Richardson Towers,” she said. “I had to sing a solo part. I was so nervous that I broke out in hives, and my face had little red bumps all over it. Despite my nervous jitters, my line sisters and I still managed to put on a memorable show.”
Soon-to-be graduates said there was plenty of fun to be had on campus, but for Tiger fans, the Tomb of Doom was the place to be.
“One of my most favorite moments in the past four years here at The University would be this March 1, when the Tigers played Cincinnati,” said Brienne Smith, graduating finance major. “The Pyramid was electric. All I remember thinking was, ‘This is so what college here at The University should be like every game.’ The Tigers played an awesome game and came out winners, and best of all the fan support and atmosphere was phenomenal.”
Other students found time between classes to join in a few competitions of their own.
“I will always remember the (University Center) game room,” said Jesse Fisher, graduating communications major. “All the friends I made, the camaraderie of the gamers. All the matches I’ve had, all the quarters I’ll never see again.”
Some graduating students said their college buddies have become lifetime friends.
“My best memory of going to The U of M is living in the dorms my freshman year,” said Amy Kirby, graduating English major. “I met a lot of great girls, and two of them became some of my closest friends.”
Graduating accounting major Leslie William said she spent many of her favorite times with her sorority sisters.
“I’ve had the opportunity to participate in a number of philanthropic events and activities — Follies and All-sing and Up ‘Til Dawn. Through Delta Gamma I have made lifelong friends and great memories that will always make me smile.”
For some graduating students, the college chapter of their life is closing, but a new chapter lies ahead.
To quote Dr. Seuss again, “Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”
