No Looking Back

In my final installment of senior profiles,one students story stuck out in my mind for the sheer courage she had pertaining to her future plans.

Kristin Fulwylie, a 22 year old Public Relations major from Pittsburgh, PA has a master plan that many students strive for but are scared to make the transition. Not Kristen.

"I'm really excited about what's ahead of me" she says, with a brilliant smile.

"I'm concerned about getting a job or finding the perfect job, but not worried".

What's ahead of her is a graduate program in Public Relations at the Utopian-like school of Full Sail University, an innovative school for creative types specializing in exciting programs ranging from Entertainment Business to Game Design.

Another Slippery Rock Alum, Sade Battle, is a close friend of Kristin and a recent graduate of the university. Kristin credits Sade with "encouraging" her to come and visit the school located in Orlando, Florida.


View Kristin's Journey in a larger map

"I love it. I'm excited. I'm ready for a change of scenery"

She credits not having immediate family in the area as a factor in finding it easy to move so far away from her childhood home.

Like the others seniors I did profiles on I asked Kristin why she didn't graduate in the traditional 4 year window.

" I took less credits each semester. I was on academic probation my freshman year so after that I took less credits so I could focus more on my studies. I raised my QPA"

She said as a freshmen she looked at upperclassmen like Jewelle Motley as examples for getting involved on campus in which Kristin was a Vice President on the University Programming Board. She champions getting involved to freshmen and underclassmen.



She says she learned many different things at Slippery Rock primarily taking what she learned in her classes such as Publication Production and PR Writing implementing them into her extracurricular activities.

Graduation can be a bittersweet time for many and Kristin claims she is not exempt from feeling some sadness.

" I definitely do have sadness in my heart. This was my life."



Kristin recalls her fellow classmates she came in with in the fall of 2006 and has fond memories.

"Our class has seen alot of good and bad but we all changed for the better."

"Only half of us made it but the one who made it, MADE IT" she exclaimed with glee.

Kristin has indeed MADE it.

End of the Race. Start of the Marathon

For many graduating seniors each day closer to graduation is a day closer to freedom. Freedom from the monotony of assignments, papers, and professors. This is exciting to some while being a frightening time for others.

One such senior is Kameron Branson, a Business Management major from Pittsburgh, PA.

"I am scared." he says quietly.

"While in school I always knew the next thing I was doing was the next semester." he pauses.

"Now that I am graduating there is no telling what direction my life will go in."

Being my second profile of a graduating senior this seem to be a continuinig theme. The uncertainty of the future and what it has to offer.

Noticing that some seniors have faced obstacles turning the once average four year stay into a 4.5-5 year stay I asked Kameron what was his.

" I declared my minor of Marketing in the second semester of my junior year." he says without a hint of regret.

"I didn't want to rush and plus I think the extra semester helped me out with getting prepared"

It seems like the extra semester has paid off for Kameron regarding his opportunities post-graduation. He has many opportunities lined up.



Branson credits his professional readiness to being in leadership positions such as President of Black Action Society and working with an array of different people.



Overall Kameron seems ready to face the world after graduation but one fear lingered in the back of his mind.

"For some reason in my college career it seems like nothing goes the way it’s supposed to go. I was, and still am, nervous about something going wrong causing me not to graduate. A missed credit, a fee I didn’t pay. Anything that could go wrong. It’s because of this fear, I have been very alert."

Being alert is a good thing.

Light At the End of the Tunnel.

As the semester approaches the end it is a bittersweet time for many seniors that are approaching their graduation. Many are equally excited and scared to start their post graduation life.

This fall graduation will have the remnants of transfer students,non-traditional students ,and students from the freshmen class of 2006.

One such student, Obianuju Anyaogu, is eager to start her ascent in to the professional world.

Known to many on campus as Uju,carries her self with a professionalism that isn't often seen for a student of her age. She credits this with her ability to multi-task.

"Right now I'm currently enrolled in 21 credit hours, work part time at Sheetz, and am the president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc." said Anyaogu.

but this last semester hasn't been with out some problems.

"I have experienced severe financial hardships this semester due to some personal and family expenses but it has been my richest semester as far as building lasting relationships and learning important lessons".

Uju will be receiving her BSBA in Management and is planning on starting her own business.

"My future aspirations are to open a Beauty Salon either in the suburbs or overseas (Jamaica or Africa)" Uju said.
With her first goal accomplished her next plans are, attaining her Beautician license and lastly a Entrepreneurial Certification or an MBA.

Many students worry about finding employment upon graduation something. Uju is one step ahead of the competition.

"I currently have a job oppotunity as an Insurance Sales Person at American Income Life in Pittsburgh."

"It's a fully commission paid job but I am confident I will be a good employee allowing me to find financial stability."

Even a wonderful opportunity such as this doesn't come without it's share of problems.

"Unfortunately, my employment status with this company is dependent on whether or not I attain my driver's license and purchase a car by the time I am scheduled to work." She continues.

"I planned on driving my mother's car, but because she is behind on her payments, the car had to be refinanced by my older sister. This arrangement was necessary to save the car from being seized, and also to replace my sister's car which has broken down. She lives in Virginia."

Uju doesn't seem to be worried about what many might see as a bleek situation.

"I will still be ok, I won't worry about situations I can't control" she says.

Uju speaks with a glimmering optimism that many graduates seem to have today. They have dreams and aspirations but they know that the road along the way may be rough.

All they can do is be hopeful.