Lorelei Murphree is a staff writer for the Samford Crimson. The views expressed in this opinion article do not necessarily reflect the views of the Samford Crimson or Samford University
From jumping in the fountain as a freshman to joining Step Sing senior year, I have loved making friends through participating in Samford traditions.
Senior year has flown by so fast, and I cannot believe that graduation is in a couple weeks. For my last year, I wanted to have the full Samford experience.
I joined the Samford Crimson staff right after spring break because they had an opening, and it was one of the best decisions I have made this year.
Also, I participated in Step Sing for the first time this semester. I was in Unclassified with some friends, and it was fun to make new friends and be able to perform again since dance has always been a part of my life.
My junior year, I joined the Samford Marching Band as a feature twirler, and I was so grateful to get the opportunity again since I did it in high school.
This year has been very memorable and fun. I went to my last semi-formal and formal for Tri Delta. I was in Tri Delta the last three years of college, and I made a lot of close friends through that. I really enjoyed being a part of a group of girls that are so supportive and kind. Also, I met a lot of girls when I lived in Evergreen my freshman year that I am still very close with today, and we have weekly bonfires every Wednesday night.
I first came to Samford in 2019, and during spring break my freshman year the Covid shutdown happened. We were not allowed to come back to school, and I was separated from my friends. For me, the shutdown was very isolating.
When things finally went back to normal, I think everyone was ready to get back to normal and get connected, so it seemed like there were a lot more events with a lot more people in attendance than before Covid. I think we all realized that we had taken these things for granted and wanted to experience life to the fullest again.
I will graduate from the Howard College of Arts & Sciences on April 29. I majored in journalism with a concentration in public relations and advertising and a Spanish minor. I am nervous, excited, and relieved for this next stage of my life.
I plan to find a job in Birmingham, and my dream job is to be a creative director for a company in the arts. I’ve grown up my whole life doing ballet and baton, so I would love to stay involved in that somehow.
Most of all, I am grateful for the life-long friends that I have made during my time at Samford. I am sad to leave, but I am looking forward to finding out what’s in store for the future!
