As the academic year draws to a close, Samford University prepares to bid farewell to the class of 2024 – a group of well-accomplished graduates, each with their own unique journey and aspirations.
97% of these seniors will be a part of the work force or furthering their education within the next six months, according to the Samford Annual Report.
The class of 2024 had quite the undergraduate journey – their incoming freshmen year was 2020, the year of masks, social distancing, quarantine and limited contact.
MK Adams, a finance major in Phi Mu, remembers the dissonance all too well.
“Oh man, freshman year feels like forever ago,” said Adams. “It is crazy to think back to having remote classes and signing up for time slots at the CAF, or even having to use DoorDash for food at the UC. Sophomore year in a way felt like my ‘second’ freshman year.”
Many seniors didn’t know if their college experience would ever resemble anything normal.
“This was the year: I got to finally go in the UC without a mask, go to all in person classes, and getting to walk into the sorority house for the first time,” Adams said. “It was a relief to finally get back to what normal college is supposed to be like.”
For many of the graduating seniors, it’s the sense of belonging that leaves the most lasting impression, especially when they didn’t think COVID would ever allow them to feel at home.
“I think I am going to miss all the community that comes along with being in college,” said Adams. “I’m going to miss everything, even the random run-ins on campus.”
As commencement approaches, seniors like Adams find themselves shifting between excitement and disbelief.
“Every day getting closer to graduation does not feel real,” said Adams. “Like, only [11] days now, how can that be?”
Adams plans to pursue her master’s in business administration here at Samford. Like her classmates, she is ready to embrace the unknowns of the next chapter with enthusiasm.
“I am just excited for this next chapter in life, getting to stay in Birmingham and live with some of my best friends,” she said.
As the class of 2024 prepares to part on their respective paths, they will carry with them the memories, lessons and friendships cultivated during their time as undergraduates at Samford University.
“Enjoy being so close with your friends and community at Samford; enjoy the lasts,” Adams said. “It is not sad, it is exciting! Soak it all in.”
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