Many students' college experience is like a book.
They start reading the book with certain expectations but by the end, some students find that the story has not turned out as they expected.
Many students spend their college years attempting to find out what they want to do in life. Amy Houtz found out later than most.
"I was one class away from graduating," said Houtz. "I know it sounds silly."
She nearly received a degree in court reporting but realized after an internship that she didn't want to be a court reporter because of the long hours and little time for herself.
Houtz changed her major to management information systems and settled in for more courses but she still isn't sure what she wants to do when she graduates.
"I just want a job," said Houtz. "I'll get out of school, then figure out what I want to do."
Winston Taylor, a sophomore recording technology major, also changed majors.
"I thought I wanted to be an engineer," said Taylor, "I thought it was more design. It (engineering) was too structured. I need to be more creative. I should've been doing music from the get go."
Some students, such as Lorie McGrew, began college undecided about a major, but figured out along the way what they wanted to do.
"I began undecided - I thought about an advertising degree, but I wanted to be able to travel around the world," said McGrew, a junior, who has now chosen hospitality and management as her major. "I will probably be working for a tourism agency first (after graduation), but I want to start up my own adventure tourism company that travels around the world."
For some students, like Jessica Britt Cross, senior public relations major, the years in college have made her certain she is pursuing the right career for her.
"My dream is to work for a non-profit," said Cross.
Landing a good job, or as Cross put it, "a dream job," will ensure that the hard work has paid off. Still, when beginning college, the rewards are not so noticeable.
"It's what I felt was expected of me," said Cross of going to college. "Then I figured out it was important."
Senior Megan Hefner is another U of M student with definite goals after graduation. She is looking for a public relations internship. Her goal is to work for St. Jude or another not-for-profit.
"Chances aren't as high," said Hefner of being hired for public relations at St. Jude versus another smaller public relations job, but she is not giving up.
Other students who have internships, like Alam Sharififard, an internet journalism senior, have found that even though they like what they are doing, it is good to keep other options available.
"I'm interning for Mid-South Magazine," said Sharififard, "but I'm also taking classes to see if I can get into medical school. I can always have a degree to fall back on."
Other students say that the greatest benefits of attending college are the life experiences that equip them for the future.
"I've learned practical things so that I can survive in the workforce," said Hefner.
With school nearly complete, many seniors have confidence in their ability to perform out in the world.
"I can do anything," said Houtz.
