By Kelsey Purcell
Laura Esposito in Allegany last semester/Image Courtesy of Kelsey Purcell
Jan 17 marked the last first day of classes for many seniors at St. Bonaventure University as they started the 2023 spring semester.
Some seniors say they feel like it is a bittersweet thing. They said they feel excited about what is to come post-graduation but are sad to be leaving Bonaventure.
Marnique Olivieri-Panepento, a senior journalism major, said the fact that it is her final semester has not hit her yet.
“It is nerve racking knowing that I won’t be back for fall semester,” she said. “It’s gone by really, really quickly.”
Academically, Olivieri-Panepento said she is looking forward to finishing her degree. She has two minors, one in international business and another in French. She is excited to have her diploma in hand to prove all of her hard work after graduation.
“I’m very nervous about getting a job after graduation or continuing my education,” she said. “I’m interested in a graduate program or my master’s study abroad, so I have a lot to think about.
Olivieri-Panepento believes that a lot of her peers are also nervous about the future.
Laura Esposito, a senior health science major and sociology minor, said she is nervous to be on her own at graduate school. She does not know exactly what to expect.
Other seniors may have this feeling of uncertainty about what their future will look like. For some it might be hard to see themselves studying something else or starting a real job, especially after spending the past four years in college.
Olivieri-Panepento said she feels prepared to move on and start a new chapter in her life. She learned a lot from her peers and professors along her undergraduate journey.
“I’m trying to make the most of the semester by not overcramming my schedule and by cherishing my time here at Bonaventure,” she said. “But I’m not excited to say goodbye to a lot of my professors that I really appreciate.”
Esposito said, “I’m excited to finish, but I’m also not. I cannot believe four years is almost up.”
After graduating, she is staying at Bonaventure to get her master’s in occupational therapy.
Eposito said she is happy about her light course load of only four classes this semester. She is also excited for senior events such as the 100 Days and 50 Days celebrations, and commencement.
Seniors have other events to look forward to such as sporting events, spring weekend, senior days and more. The class of 2023 may try to attend many of these moments, since it is their last chance to go to these events as a student.
“I’m definitely trying not to work as much, so I can enjoy events and social life,” said Esposito. “I look forward to hanging out with my roommates as much as I can before we’re not together anymore.”
The end of college can be sad for many seniors. They have this last semester to soak it all in before entering the next phase of their lives. Many seniors will spend their time making memories and enjoying their final moments as a Bonaventure student before it is time to graduate.
purcelkr20@bonaventure.edu
