Seniors Clearing Last Hurdles Before Graduation

In the last weeks before graduation, Drexel seniors are clearing their last few hurdles before commencement.

“I’m just getting through these last few weeks,” said Ali Smith, a nutrition student graduating from the College of Nursing and Health Professions. “Once I wrap up my senior project and research and some finals, I’m done.”

Soon-to-be graduates headed to the Barnes & Noble Bookstore on the University City Campus for the annual Grad Fair. There, they picked up their graduation regalia and also did things like order class rings and diploma frames and received their senior class gift. Additionally, Student Affairs and the Alumni Association had tables set up to talk to students as they moved through the line.

Ben Johnson, a senior in music industry at Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, picked up his cap, gown, tassle and senior class shirt Tuesday.

“This is just sort of another step in the process. I’ve got my senior project, then I’m going to be done,” Johnson said. “But getting all this, it’s very emotional.”

Baro Jovi-Usude was happy to get her graduation items, but she knows she still has work to do.

“I’m still in classes and have to work on research project,” the biological science major in the College of Arts and Sciences said.

When will it sink in that she’s graduating?

“When I finish my last final,” she said, smiling wide, closing her eyes a little. “Then it will all be done.”

That seemed to be the universal sentiment as the seniors picked up their things Tuesday.

Some already have jobs or other opportunities lined up after graduation. Smith falls into that category. She’ll be heading to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas after graduation for an internship in her field, nutrition.

But she’s ready to savor her transition to being an alumna.

“I’m just looking forward to getting done and being able to just celebrate,” she said.