Seniors approach graduation with mixed feelings -- while they have enjoyed their time at the College, they are ready for new challenges and experiences.
"You can have sentimental feelings about Dartmouth, and still be ready to leave," Aaron Lisman '98 said. "I have a lot of memories, but I also can't imagine being here any longer."
The approach of this Commencement, seniors said, is very different from the last major benchmark in their lives -- high school graduation.
"After high school, there was a definite plan for the next four years, we were college-bound," Toshiaki Komura '98 said. "This time there are more uncertainties."
"This is better than high school," said Heather Bell '98, an English major from New Jersey. "I am completely more prepared for the real world."
Many students said their feelings towards life after graduation have evolved over the year.
"Most of the year I kept putting off thinking about graduation," said biology major Julie Herron '98. "Right now I'm not really worried, but I'm starting to get really excited."
"I'm getting more excited as I see the stage being built," Taida Wolfe '98 said.
"I'm looking forward to new experiences," said Wolfe, a Biology and Women's Studies double major. "Hanover is kind of sheltered. It will be interesting trying to adjust and taking on adult responsibilities"
When they were asked what they except to miss the most about Dartmouth life, seniors' answers varied. Many cited the people and the College's rural New Hampshire location, some even claimed they will miss academic life.
"My best memories come from the people that I've lived with," Herron said. "My favorite memories really are conversations and hanging out with friends."
"My strongest memory is from my sophomore year," said Erik Baldwin '98, a philosophy major from New York City. "I remember finding out that professors are real people too."
"Since then, I have had lunch with several professors who are now also my friends," he said. "Even some profs I haven't had classes with. I met them in the sauna and now we are good buddies."
Many of the seniors interviewed said their least favorite parts of Dartmouth -- the things that they definitely will not miss -- are Dartmouth Dining Services and the constant sleep deprivation that goes hand-in-hand with a busy student lifestyle.
