Listening to the announcer as he calls your name with honors,being acknowledged for the many academic hours, community servicehours completed or joining a Greek organization that has been atradition in your family for years -- these were goals somegraduating seniors made in their first year at The University ofMemphis.
But were any of these expectations achieved while attending TheU of M?
Graduating senior Brad Ellis said his expectations as a U of Mfreshman were challenging ones. But in the end, he said, hisexperience worked out for the best.
"Like any upcoming freshman, my goals were extremely high, likemake good grades and make new friends," said Ellis, a communicationmajor. "My expectations as a senior are still high, as a matter offact, they were achieved better than I thought."
Many college freshmen try to discipline themselves to becomestudents academically and socially. But either way, there has to bea way to get things done.
Film production major and December graduate Mark Norris said hisexperiences in film production encouraged him to continue to dowell, especially since graduation is near and job opportunities arecloser.
"When I started at The U of M, I thought the film program was agreat opportunity for me, so I wanted to do my best in film,"Norris said. "I feel like I achieved that goal by graduating inDecember with honors."
However, just graduating is a great accomplishment to some.
"My main expectation was to graduate from here within fouryears, and I am happy that I have 34 days left," said criminaljustice and criminology major Jessica Sloan.
As students get ready to finish this semester, some are excitedto finally get the opportunity to walk across The Pyramid's stageand be recognized for their hard work and perseverance during theirtime at The U of M.
Recording engineer major Russ Hensley said when he graduatedfrom high school he didn't know what he wanted to do, but he knewfinishing college would be a necessity for him.
Entering The U of M as a freshman, Hensley said he didn't haveany goals, but working with the music program made his choice alittle easier.
"It took me a while to get this far, and graduating and havingsomething to look forward to is great," Hensley said.
