A senior check-in: looking ahead
Campus, Feature March 30, 2026, 0 CommentWith only a few weeks remaining at Drury University, seniors are reflecting on their experiences, memories, and plans for life after college. There is a mix of anticipation, excitement, and uncertainty as the semester draws to a close and graduation creeps closer. Some students have already mapped out a clear path for the future, while others are still considering possibilities, but all are taking a moment to reflect on the connections, growth, and lessons they’ve learned while on campus.
Graduation is more than just a final ceremony for Drury seniors like Sam, Abby, and Verity; it’s a time for contemplation, planning, and looking forward. While each student’s journey is unique, a similar theme emerges: the importance of connections, personal growth, and preparation for what lies ahead. As the university prepares to honor the Class of 2026, these seniors leave grateful for their experiences and eager to apply the skills and relationships they’ve developed at Drury to the wider world.
Graduation feels unexpectedly calm for Sam Stagner, who has double minors in mathematics and French. “I don’t typically feel big changes until after they happen,” he said. “After that, I simply think, ‘Oh, well, I guess it’s over.'” With only a few weeks left, Sam is already planning his next step: getting a PhD in mathematics with the intention of becoming a teacher.
While his final semester is more relaxed than previous ones, he remembers fondly the connections he’s built since transferring to Drury as a junior. “I think I’ll miss the ease of interaction and the relationships with both professors and students,” he said. Sam recognizes how far he has grown intellectually and personally, especially in organizational and time management skills, which he believes will benefit him after graduation.
Despite his calm appearance, Sam’s feelings about leaving campus reflect the bittersweet element of change. He has struck a balance between planning for the future and enjoying the present, showing that not all seniors are anxious about graduation; others, like Sam, take it in stride while carefully planning their next steps.
Abby Stunja considers graduation both exciting and overwhelming. “It’s crazy to think… in like a month and a half, I won’t be a student anymore,” she said. Abby, an accounting and finance double major with a minor in computer science and a certificate in ethical leadership, plans to work in public accounting, most likely in tax, and is considering moving out of Missouri.
She confesses it’s difficult to balance final projects, housing decisions, and career goals all at the same time. “There is so much going on at one time,” Abby remarked. She also reflected on the connections she’s made at Drury, saying that while she struggled at times as a commuter student to fully participate in campus events, she loves the supportive teachers and small class sizes that have helped her succeed.
Abby stressed the importance of mentorship and advice from professors who stress practical preparation. “Some of my accounting professors mention how important this material will be for the CPA exam,” she said. “That’s been really helpful as I think about life after graduation.” For Abby, graduation is an exciting leap into independence and the professional world, full of opportunities and challenges.
Verity Gerhold is both excited and nervous about their upcoming graduation. “I’m really excited that I’ve been able to meet so many people…but I’m also really nervous because I don’t have a set plan yet,” they stated. A theater and graphic design major with a fine arts minor and a certificate in professional visual communication, Verity wants to work in creative fields like photography and artmaking, though their path isn’t fully defined.
To help prepare for the future, Verity has leaned on therapy and guidance from professors and other mentors. They emphasized the importance of asking for advice and staying connected with people who can provide insight throughout this transitional phase. When they look back on their time at Drury, Verity values the friendships and contacts they gained in the theater and arts departments, even if they wish they had attended more campus activities, clubs, and late-night theater calls.
Despite stress and self-doubt, Verity thanks their professors for keeping them optimistic and encouraging perseverance. “Seniors and college students need to use their resources,” they said. “If you can go to a therapist or talk to someone, you should. It’s something that’s really benefited me.” Their reflections show both the opportunities and challenges that seniors face as they prepare to leave university and begin the next stage of their lives.
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