Seniors: We have definitely changed

As another academic year comes to a close, thoughts of graduation pass through the seniors' minds.

They have a chance to look back at their experiences and turn towards the future and what it holds for them.

"It was great. I had a lot of learning experiences and there were a lot of fun activities," said Anita Moreno.

Seniors are making plans for the real world.

"I'm going to get a job at home and then in the fall I'm going out to California for training, space missile training for the Air Force.

And then I'm going to Montana after that," said  Moreno, 21, a criminal justice major from Long Island, N.Y.

"After graduation I'm going to try and find a job at home and then Aug. 10 I leave for  Oklahoma and start training," said Matt Hernandez, a 22-year-old senior communications major from Arlington, Texas.

Seniors are reflecting on how they've changed in four years since arriving as freshmen.

"I have definitely changed since freshman year. When I came here I wasn't that mature and I've grown up while I've been here," said Dan Unright, a 22-year-old senior physical education major from Albany, N.Y.

Corps members have gone from rooks to positions of leadership.

"Freshman year as a rook, you're kind of just a number, you don't lead you just kind of listen and follow. Leadership experiences have definitely changed me a lot," Moreno said.

Seniors are also reminiscing about their four years on campus.

"My favorite part about being here would have to be hanging out with all my friends, whether it was on the weekends or just hanging out in the dorms," said Don Hanni, a 22-year-old senior criminal justice major from Youngstown, Ohio.

For some students, being a part of a team enhanced their time here and created bonds they will carry with them even after graduation.

"The people here, especially my team, it has been a great ride and we've had a lot of fun, so that has been the best part," Moreno said.

Seniors are discussing what they will miss the most about college.

"I will definitely miss the people here the most, they are what made my college experience," Unright said.

Some seniors are reluctant to enter the real world, not knowing what new challenges they will face.

"It's kind of scary with it all being over. This place grows on you, you get here and you can't wait to leave but in the end you feel like you belong here," Hanni said.

Others are welcoming the future and are excited at what may lie ahead for them in their new life.

"I am looking forward to graduating and kind of moving on with the next step of my life," Unright said.