Seniors prepare for graduation

As the December graduation date approaches, senior students are preparing to finally enter the “real world.”

Graduation will be held on Dec. 14 in both the Koger Center and Colonial Life Arena, depending on what type of degree students will be receiving. Once the students graduate, however, the fun and games of college life are truly over.

Whether they’re headed to law school, Teach for America or a career, the graduating Gamecocks have spent the last couple years of their life waiting for the epic December date.

“I can’t wait to move on. I’m excited about starting my life,” said Briannon Griffin, a fourth-year fashion merchandising student.

Griffin plans on moving back to New York City after she graduates. With job interviews lined up at Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Liz Claiborne, her future is bright.

“Its scary though, nobody wants to actually leave college,” Griffin admitted.

Fourth-year public relations student Carli Rasch agrees.

“I’ll miss all the fun times with friends — and football season of course,” Rasch said.

With plans to move home with her fiance in New Jersey, Rasch is hoping to find a new job in our tough economy.

“I loved all my previous internships, so I hope I can get a job I enjoy just as much,” Rasch said.

The current economic situation has many graduating seniors worried about finding the dream job they worked so hard for in school.

“I hope I get to start a new job right away after I graduate. I know some people that graduated last year that still aren’t where they want to be,” Griffin said.

Graduation, however, is a time to celebrate your hard work rather than think about the possibility of not getting a job.

The graduation ceremonies are open to the public and are first come, first served seating. For those who have family or friends that can’t make it to Columbia, a live Webcast will be made available.

“I’m really excited about walking across the stage,” Griffin said. “Having my parents see me accomplish something so big is going to feel awesome. Plus, I’ll never have to take another test or write a term paper again.”