Temple University Fall 2015 Graduation
BY ZACHARY JAWORSKI
As 2015 is coming to a close, thousands of Temple University’s fall 2015 graduating seniors are preparing to receive their diplomas on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015. Many students become overwhelmed at the thought of graduation and taking the next step into what is known as the “real world.” However, it’s time to take a deep breath, relax, and take on this next step in full confidence and stride. Just as Jonathan Forstater, a fall 2015 graduating senior of the College of Science and Technology, said in an interview with WHIP Radio, “A lot of people tend to emphasize the nervousness of the whole ordeal, but I think I’ll be alright.” In my interview with Jon, we discussed his plans after graduation, the benefits of having a support system, and what graduating seniors have to look forward to in their later endeavors.
The one thing that scares most seniors about graduation is the question they have to ask themselves upon receiving their well-deserved diploma, what’s next? Well that answer varies for everyone. Some young adults will immediately go to work, some will go back to school, and some will wait for the next event to happen. However, no matter what you end up doing after that piece of paper is handed to you, one must remember that life does not end after graduation. In reality, it is quite the opposite.
When I discussed Jon’s future plans after graduating from Temple University with a degree in Biochemistry, he had quite a lot to say. “Originally I wasn’t sure, I was undecided whether or not I wanted to go into medicine, become a doctor, or if I wanted to do lab research.” Jon went on to say, “Now I’m pretty much decided I want to do research.” No matter what degree one receives or what preconceived notions one has of what kind of job they dream of having, plans always have the potential to change.
As Jon and I delved further into discussion, he touched upon a very important topic: support. Jon went on to say, “I’m hoping to first get an internship at a pharmaceutical company…Then after that, I’m hoping to take some time off, go down to Honduras, and learn to become a scuba diving teacher.” From the standpoint of a nearly-graduated senior, it is almost unheard of to make plans to travel the world and pursue other career paths. Nonetheless, Jon told me that his optimistic outlook comes directly from his parents when he said, “My family is supportive, they always say to me ‘you’re young, you should go do it.’ I told them I can get my scuba-certification, come back, then go to grad school and they were like ‘no, enjoy your time there for a couple years.’ I think I’ll do that.” Support from the people in your life is one of the most important factors in becoming successful. Pursuing the dreams that make one truly happy are very important, but having people in your life to support your decisions and tell you to actively go pursue those dreams are even better.
Graduation for the fall 2015 semester at Temple University is just around the corner, and for some that can be a very frightening thought. However, the “real world” is only as scary as you make it out to be. Receiving your diploma is merely a sign for the end of one’s college career, and the start of a new chapter in one’s life; regardless if that new chapter involves working, learning, or traveling the world. For the young college kids just finishing up their first semester, and for nearly-graduated seniors planning to receive their diploma on December 17, life is just beginning. It’s time to look forward to the beautiful moments that come with starting a new chapter in life because with the right support system, and the motivation to live the best life possible, success will come easy.
