The Reveille 5-4-26

FOREVER LSU

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TO THE CLASS OF 2026

BY REI ZIMMERMAN Production Editor

There are moments in life when you pause, not out of hesitation, but in awe. Awe at how far you’ve come, how much you’ve changed, and how something that was once unfamiliar has become so irrevocably yours.

As I sit here reflecting on the past four years, I can’t help but see our journey as a kind of garden — one that each of us entered in different ways with differing expectations. Some of us arrived knowing exactly what we wanted to grow. Others stepped in unsure, still searching for direction. But none of us could have fully understood what this place would ask of us, or what we would give in return.

When I first stepped into the newsroom, I didn’t yet know the rhythm of deadlines, the weight of words or the responsibility that comes with telling stories that matter. In the same way- many of us began our college experience without fully grasping the demands ahead — the long nights and quiet persistence required to keep going. And yet, somehow, we learned.

Growth, as it turns out, is rarely loud. It happens in the unseen moments: late nights spent studying, creating, failing and trying again. It’s in the conversations that challenge us, friendships that sustain us and in the courage it takes to keep showing up.

The Reveille has become more than just a student newspaper. It was sunlight. It became Baton Rouge rainstorms. It has been molded by steady hands encouraging us to grow. Even the hard times imbued us all with resilience and care — a dedication to the craft and the LSU community.

What I will carry with me the most are my fellow gardeners. Those who reminded me that journalism is not just about reporting facts, but about cultivating truth with integrity and empathy.

Together we have planted something that will outlast any single one of us, a living archive of voices and moments that define our time here.Whether through words, actions or relationships, we have each contributed to something larger than ourselves. And that is something worth being proud of.

Now as we prepare to graduate and step beyond this place, it’s natural to feel both pride and nostalgia. Pride in what we’ve accomplished, and nostalgia for the moments and people that shaped us. Though we may go in different directions, the roots we’ve planted here will always remain a part of us. They will ground us as we move forward, reminding us how far we’ve come.

I don’t feel like I’m leaving something behind. I feel like I — like we all are blooming into someone new, rooted in everything LSU has given to me.

This garden will continue to grow, as it always has — through new voices, new ideas, and new hands ready to tend to this garden. And while our time here is coming to a close, what we’ve built and what we’ve become, will continue growing with us.

To those who come next: tend to this place with care. Nurture it, challenge it and leave it better than you found it.

To LSU: thank you for being the place where I learned to take root, to reach for the light and bloom.

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A student’s inclusion in the Graduation Edition does not indicate that the individual graduated from LSU. The publication was printed prior to final grades and degree conferral. The official list of graduates can be found on the graduate lists and honor rolls website after May 15.

The Reveille is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Reveille is free from multiple sites on campus and about 25 sites off campus. To obtain additional copies, please visit the Office of Student Media in B-39 Hodges Hall or email studentmedia@ lsu.edu. The Reveille is published biweekly during the fall, spring and summer semesters, except during holidays and final exams. The Reveille is funded through LSU students’ payments of the Student Media fee.

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

8 a.m.

Friday May 15

College of Human Sciencees and Education

Location: Maravich Assembly Center

8:30 a.m.

Manship School of Mass Communication Location: Maddox Fieldhouse

College of the Coast and Environment

Location: Student Union Theater

12:30 p.m.

College of Agriculture

Location: Maddox Fieldhouse

College of Music & Dramatic Arts

Location: Student Union Theater

1:30 p.m.

Paul M. Hebert Law Center

Location Maravich Assembly Center

4 p.m.

College of Art + Design

Location: Maddox Fieldhouse

6 p.m.

E.J. Ourso College of Business Location: Maravich Assembly Center

7 p.m.

School of Veterinary Medicine

Location: Maddox Fieldhouse

Saturday May 16

8 a.m.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Location: Maravich Assembly Center

1:30 p.m.

College of Science Location: Maravich Assembly Center

6:30 p.m.

College of Engineering

Location: Maravich Assembly Center

Nicholas Parsons

I am so incredibly happy for you today! I am your biggest fan and I am so proud of the wonderful man you have become. As you head off on your next adventure, carry that same confidence and spirit with you. Congratulations and I love you so much! Mom.

Chloé King

Congrats Chloé, since 9th grade you dreamed of LSU, now you’ve earned your degree. I’m so proud. Your determination, curiosity, and compassion brought you here. I can’t wait to see what you do next. I love you and will always cheer you on. Love, Mom

Kaley Melancon

Kaley we are so proud of you. Congratulations! Your hard work and dedication paid off, and this is just the beginning of an exciting journey. Wishing you sucess and happiness in all that comes next.

We love you, Mom and Dad.

Logan Wachter

Logan- Congrats on completing your LSU journey! We are so proud of all your hard work and are looking forward to seeing your bright future unfold. We love you! Mon, Shawn, and Avery

Emma Bond

Congratulations Emma! We are so proud of the young lady you are becoming! We are all grateful for the great experience you had at LSU! Now on to the next chapter! We love you!

Congratulations on your college graduation, Katie! We are so proud of your hard work, determination, and the amazing person you have become. We love you and can’t wait to see where life takes you next.

We are so proud of who you are. We are so proud of how hard you worked and what you have accomplished in the last four years. The world is your oyster. Congratulations! Love Chris and Amy

Morgan Vannosdall

Morgan, we are BEYOND proud of you! You have accomplished so much in your 4 years at LSU! Reach for the stars you will be amazing!

Geaux Tigers!!!

Ariel Munholland

We always have known you were going to be Tiger, it’s in your blood, your great grandmother, to your aunts who have all yelled Geaux Tigers!! And Forever LSU! We are so proud of you!!

Love Mom and Dad, Faith, Reed, and Winter!

Emmie Nicole Doucet

Emmie you hard worked has paid off. You make us so proudTo have accomplished so much in three years. You were one to always say what was on your mind and still do. Just don;t change, you will always be our golden granddaughter.

Love Pappy Keith and Granny Anns

Adrianna Lea Payne

We are so proud of all your accomplishments at LSU. Your commitment to Girls Club, the Kinesiology Club, and LSU athletics has been truly inspiring. Your faith, drive, and compassion left a lasting impression on everyone. Keep shining in grad school! Love, Mom & Allie Kat

Joshua Bayton

From that first day at LSU to today, your excitement has always stood out. Never lose that. We are so proud of you. Take your time, trust your path, and enjoy the journey. We love you.

Adrianna Payne

Adrianna, we are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments at LSU. Good luck in your next journey which is completing your Masters

Love you, Nana and Papa

Riley Herbert

To our beloved daughter, sister, and grandchild,

Today, as you celebrate your college graduation, we want you to know how incredibly proud we are of you. This moment reflects years of hard work, determination, and commitment—and you’ve carried it all with strength, grace, and heart.

We have watched you grow not only in knowledge, but in character. Your intelligence, perseverance, and resilience have shaped you into a truly remarkable woman. You set high standards for yourself and meet them with a quiet confidence that inspires everyone around you.

This achievement is just one milestone in what we know will be a life filled with purpose, success, and continued growth. As you move forward, always remember how deeply you are loved and how proud we will forever be.

Congratulations, Riley

Dominique D. Williams

Congratulations Dominique!

I am so proud of you and I thank GOD every day for blessing me with you. It has been my greatest honor to watch you grow into the beautiful young woman you’ve become. This accomplishment is just one of many to come in your life. You must always remember to be kind, compassionate, and considerate to others. Treat people the way you want to be treated and always do the right thing - even when no one else is looking. Don’t be afraid to dream gigantic dreams because you can do anything you set your mind to do!

Love Always Mommy

Briley Wilkerson

Four years ago you left home to chase your goal of graduating from a place you have always loved, LSU. Today, after a lot of hard work and perseverance, you have accomplished something that many people only dream about. We are so happy , and beyond proud of you! Although this chapter in your life is closing, we know the best part in your book of life is only beginning! GEAUX TIGERS!

Love, Dad, Grand, Grandad, Ashlyn, Christy

Samantha J. Klinosky

We are so proud of you. You have achieved so much. You worked so hard for all of what you accomplished. We have watched you fulfill all of you LSU dreams.

This is the beginning of great journey.

Love Mom and Dad.

Estelle Mensman

Congratulations! We continue to be so proud of you. Your hard work and big heart have touched so many lives in your four years at LSU. We can’t wait to see what your next adventures will bring. We love you always!

Riley White

Riley,

You’ve bled Purple and Gold since your first time on campus at 7 days old, and have never wavered in your love for LSU.

I am so proud of everything you have accomplished over the last 4 years and can’t wait to watch your future unfold.

#foreverLSU

Love, Mom

Gianna Vaccaro

We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. Keep reaching for the stars and follow your dreams.

The world is yours.

Love, Mom, Dad, and Anthony

Love you to the moon and

Abbie West

They say the middle child is the peacekeeper, the adapter, the one who quietly figures everything out on her own. We’d like to say we planned that but we didn’t. You just turned out that way.

From the soccer fields to the shores of Louisiana, you have chased everything you love with your whole heart. Now you’re graduating with a degree in Coastal Environmental Science! Who would have thought you’d get the toolset to save the coastlines and maybe one day some otters. You chose LSU, you chose your passion, and you chose to do it all in purple and gold. We couldn’t be prouder if we tried.

LSU was lucky to have you! The otters don’t know it yet, but they have a champion.

Geaux get ’em, Abbie. We love you to the bayou and back,

Mom, Dad, Lexie, Ty, Jude, Luna, & Minnie

Renee Elizabeth Devillier

“She believed she could, so she did.” We are endlessly proud of you. Not just for graduating, but for the woman and mother you have become.

Love you always, Ryan & KK

Cali Frank

My night sky and stars, thnak you for giving me light even in the darkest moments. I will always be there for yours.

Love, Rei

Macie Burrell

My Sunshine, thank you for being alight in my life. I know that your Faith and love will carry you far, and your hard work even further.

Rei

Mason Oteri

So incredibly proud of the leap of faith to you took to go to LSU! Not an easy move for a boy from NJ but it just solidifies your maturity and determination. Congratulations to you and the incredible friends you have made along the way! Love, Mom, ur Dad and Ellia

Rei Zimmerman

We are so proud of you! Two degrees in four years with honors speaks for itself. All of your planning, hard work, and determination have brought you to where you are now.

Saturday morning Daddy will be looking down at you from heaven and cheering louder than anyone as you walk across that stage. As you prepare for your next adventure, know that we have so enjoyed watching your journey. We are confident you will succeed in whatever path you choose.

You are ready for whatever comes next!

We love you!

Mom and Aalok

Anna Claire Bergeron

Geaux Anna Claire! You’ve earned every stripe! Your determination has been incredible to witness; balancing the last five years with grit & grace.

We’re so proud as you trade Purple & Gold to pursue your Doctorate of OT at ULM. We know you will bring that same Tiger Tenacity to Monroe.

Your passion is a gift, and we can’t wait to see your impact. Remember to keep God at your center to light your path.

We will always be your biggest fans—it’s been a privilege to be your parents.

Love Purple, Live Gold. Forever LSU!

Love, Mom & Dad

Lana Lawson

Lana Lawson, keep dreaming big, work hard, and never forget the values that have been instilled in you. This is the beginning, and I’m confident that you’ll continue to shine brightly. My little girl yesterday, my friend today, my daughter forever. Never forget that I am so proud of you and I love you more than anything in the world! Love, Mom

Congratulations my dear Lana. I am very proud of you. May God Bless You now and Forever More. Love Always, Auntie, Alva

Lana Lawson, congratulations on graduating from LSU after a long and hard four year journey. Always knew you could do it. Look forward to seeing where life takes you in the years to come. Know you’ll do big things. Best wishes, Landon.

A YEAR IN SPORTS

Katharine Roth

Welcome to the other side of this four year journey that has helped shape the beautiful person you have become! Your perseverance has paid off and we hope you soak up all the praise and celebration this achievement holds. We are so proud of how you’ve grown to balance everything important in life, while being true to yourself and what matters to you.

You’re one of us now! A proud Alum of the place that challenged, but fulfilled us... gave us amazing memories, but taught us many life lessons... gave us a place to call home forever, but encouraged us to never look back... Choosing to pursue your Masters here at LSU launches you into new adventures, and we can’t wait to see where they take you. We hope your spirit stays warm, strong, and always reflects your time here- forever LSU!

Congratulations, Kate!

Watching you succeed is one of our greatest joys. We love you!

Mom & Dad

Michaela, Watching you grow into the strong, driven, and kind woman you are today has been our greatest joy. This LSU milestone reflects your hard work, resilience, and heart. We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and even more excited for what lies ahead. As you begin this next chapter, stay true to yourself and keep chasing your dreams with confidence. Always remember how deeply you are loved and supported.

Joshua 1:9 — “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Congratulations, baby girl! You did it!

Love, Dad and Mom

Adam Pousson

We are incredibly proud of everything that you have accomplished and are excited for what is to come!

Love, Dad, Mom, & Bethany

Maraya Watson

Maraya your resilience, dedication, and hard work have brought you to this successful moment. We are so proud of you and excited for your amazing future ahead.

Lyla McGuire, watching you grow into the strong, brilliant, independent young woman you are today has been my greatest joy. Your dedication and grit continues to inspire me. Congratulations! I’m so proud of you and can’t wait to see what’s next. Love you always, mom!

Alison Rocha Jorge

We thank God for you and this very special milestone. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13) May God guide your life, bless your steps, and fill your path with purpose, joy, and peace. Trust in Him always and follow His plan with courage and faith. Let your light shine in all you do.

We’re so proud of you!! Geaux Tigers!!!

We love you.

—Leslia, Jose, and Hania

Taylor Hamilton

Taylor,

Congratulations on your graduation!

The hard work, resilience, and grit you have shown on this journey has paid off. We are so very proud of the amazing woman you have become. Your courage and strength to overcome things you once thought impossible have been incredible to watch.

While the journey is never easy, continue to follow your passions, embrace the challenges, and know that your future is limitless. Stay true to, and believe in, yourself, just as we believe in you.

Remember you always have our love and support, and never underestimate the power of a girl with a book!

Love, Your family and friends

Courtney Bell

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Courtney we are so proud of you!!!

Geaux Tigers!

Love you Mom and Dad

Tyler, congratulations on your LSU graduation! We are so proud of your hard work, dedication, and the man you’ve become. Keep chasing your dreams—your future is bright. Love always, Mom & Family

5 years are a lot when you’ve only lived 22. Thank you to all that have believed in me, I will start a new chapter believing in myself. Thank you LSU for showing me I will never quit.

ALWAYS KEEP FIGHTING. Go get em tigers!

Jason Willis

Jason, you have redefined what it means to be an awesome EIC, academic scholar and best friend. If life is a tide pool, you’re about to make a huge splash.

Our loving congratulations, Emma and Colin

Jules Lejeune

Congratulations on your college career and being selected as the Manship School’s Outstanding Senior in Digital Advertising. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what awaits in your future.

Love, Mom, Dad, & Carmen

Alayna Ford

Congratulations Alayna! You have been such a joy to work with and you are a staple of student media. From endearing profiles to award-winning campus coverage, you have done it all. We are so appreciative of your work to inform the LSU community. What you have done has made this campus a better place.

Good luck with everything in the future. No matter what you do, you will be great.

Sincerely, Courtney and Jason

Emily Vanderbrook

Your journey has been defined by determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Through every challenge, late night, and breakthrough, you have shown remarkable strength and tenacity. Today, we honor not just your achievement, but the perseverance and passion that made it possible.We are beyond proud of the woman you have become and excited for the future you are about to shape. May this accomplishment be just the beginning of a life filled with purpose, discovery, and success.

Congratulations Emily, your hard work has truly paid off.

With all our love, Mom, Dad and Evan

Jalen McLean

You were the first to call me Nana, and I’ve been proud ever since. Watching you grow and now graduate from LSU fills me with joy. Life will test you before it teaches you. Stay strong and keep rising. I’m always rooting for you.

Love, Nana.

Jalen, watching you grow has been one of our greatest joys. From a little boy with big dreams to the man you are today, your character and hard work shine. LSU was your path to independence, and you embraced it. We are proud of you.

Love, Mom & Dad

Erin Barker

Congratulations on your incredible four years at LSU! We are so proud of all your achievements and the remarkable person you have become. There is no challenge you are afraid to tackle, no job you are not ready to embrace. Take all those experiences and continue to be the leader you have demonstrated yourself to be. Most importantly, continue to be the kind, funny and compassionate person you’ve always been. Never stop challenging yourself, you have proven that there is nothing you cannot achieve! We love you very much and will always be here to support you as you continue on your journey.

Love always, Mom, Dad, Tommy and Joey

Taylor Bowser

You did it, T-MONEY! LSU grad with a BS in Kinesiology –Human Movement Science & a minor in Criminology! We still can’t believe you went from AZ to LA, sight unseen, to chase your dreams at LSU. Being a Tiger family has truly been the time of our lives! We are so grateful for all LSU has taught you. How to live (on your own), learn (life lessons through experience), love (the people placed in your life), listen (even when it’s hard), and let go (by giving it to God). You make us so incredibly proud. Forever LSU.

Love, Mom, Dad, & Payton

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Congratulations Ava Madison Francis, our favorite Reveille Opinion Columnist. We’re so proud of you and your many contributions to LSU Student Media. Your brilliance and beauty is undeniable, your kindness is irrefutable. You visualized it. You did the work. You saw it to fruition. Now go and continue to tell stories that matter, speak truth that moves, and write words that last. Here’s to the fools who dream.

Love you, mean it!

Mom, Dad & Jax

Hayley Fleming

Congratulations Hayley Fleming! Just yesterday you headed to LSU and now you’re graduating! Your college years have flown by and now it’s time for your next big adventure! We are so proud of you! We love you!

Love, Mom, Chandler, and Daniel

Ty’riana Ruffin

Ty, we are so proud of you and all of your achievements. Wishing you the best of everything life has to offer. You will always be our sunshine. We love you! XO Love, Mom, Dad, Tj, Tyrin

Mommy, from pigtails to this proud moment, you did it! You showed us strength, courage, and hard work. We are so proud of you and love you always. Geaux Tigers! Love, Nylah, Skylar & Zaylee

Larkin Applebaum

Congratulations Larkin! We are so incredibly proud of you and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! Good luck in Los Angeles!

Reach for the stars!

We love you so much.

Mom, Dad, Eli, Isabelle, Colton and Buddy

Avery McLaughlin

Congratulations to our NUMBER ONE TIGER! Let’s GEAUX, AVERY!

Avery, your constant devotion to make the most of your four years at LSU is truly inspiring.

Every single day you wholeheartedly embraced not only the fun that comes with college life, but you also welcomed every challenge as a chance to to learn and grow. Words cannot begin to express how deeply proud we are of you and your hard work. What an absolute joy it has been to witness this time of your life, and we love you more than you will ever know! The sky is the limit, and we look forward to your next chapter - FOREVER LSU!!!

All our love, Mom, Dad, Elisabeth, and Reid

Jason Willis

It seems you may have always had a little more tiger in you than we realized as you were growing up. Something inside of you, maybe with a little help from above, guided you to LSU where you belonged. No one ever doubted your capacity to handle the academics no matter where you chose to go, though like so many others, you didn’t have absolute clarity of direction when you arrived. Your connection to the Reveille became one of destiny, engaging your skills and passion and placing you on a path of purpose. We are proud of your journey and excited to see where every new turn will lead you. The truth is that you have always made us proud. Your gifts of intelligence and leadership are obvious to anyone, but you are not who you are without a deep sense of justice, compassion and responsibility. God has blessed you with an amazing heart and strength of character, and we cannot wait to see the future that awaits you! Your loving family

Alex Nicole Lay

From your love of science to your determination to go above and beyond by earning two minors, your faith, hard work, and dedication have set you apart. Watching you grow into the strong, beautiful woman you are today has been our greatest joy. We are so proud of you.

May God continue to guide your path always.

Geaux Tigers!

Love, Mom and Dad

Tre Allen

You knew since you were a young boy that you’d be a Tiger. The audacity to follow your heart has led to what has been some of your most memorable experiences. Not only that, you have represented yourself with kindness, compassion, friendship, and a passion for your own personal quest.

We love you! We are proud of you and look forward to all that is coming your way!

Charles Thompson

Congratulations, Charlie! We are so proud of you, and all you have accomplished. Geaux Tigers!

Lots of love, Mama, Dad and Grey

Isabella Marie Pollet

As one door closes, a new one opens.

Congratulations Isabella!

Chandler Pullam

Chandler, we are so proud of you! Your hard work and determination brought you here. Keep trusting God and chasing your dreams. The best is yet to come. Love, Mom & Dad

Katarina K. Rice

Today we celebrate more than a diploma. Katarina, you don’t just follow the path — you scorch it & blaze a new one. Your grandparents came to this country to give our family a better future. By earning this degree you honor their sacrifice and make their dreams real.

Stay hungry for growth, stay kind to those around you, & keep that fierce spirit that refuses to settle. God Bless You ALWAYS! We’re all so proud of you! Forever LSU <3

Jillian Clair Norman

We are so proud of you! You went off to LSU and got straight to work! Finishing your undergraduate degree in 3 years is amazing. We have enjoyed watching you perform in the LSU choir over the years, and we are so proud of the work you have done at the Reveille. We can’t wait to see what you do next. We love you to the moon and back!

Love Mom, Dad, and Joy!

Nicholas Barrient

Congrations, Nick, on your LSU Graduation! We are proud of your dedication and cannot wait to see you excel in Law School!

Love, Mom, Dad, Brandon, and Tyler

Rishabh Malani

Congratulations on your graduation. You have achieved an amazing milestone, and we wish you a lifetime of success ahead . Best wishes and blessings

Mummy & Papa

Holly Ann Alexander

To say we are so proud is a huge understatement! You have shown all of us, especially our granddaughter, that with hard work, commitment and love you can achieve anything.Congratulations Darlin! We celebrate you today and everyday!

Love always, Mom & Dad

Isabella Rei Suarez

To our favorite Tiger, Isabella Rei:

Congratulations on your degree in Sports Administration! Your hard work and dedication inside and outside of the classroom has been inspiring to witness. We know you’ll bring that same tenacity to your professional career and everything you do in the future.

We love you and are so proud of the woman you’ve become. Geaux Bella! Class of 2026!

Love,

Dad & Mom, Brother, Sissy, and Otis

Peyton LaPaul

Peyton LaPaul, 12 weeks early and less than 2lbs at birth; however, your small size has not stopped you from achieving big things. We love you, Mommy & Daddy.

Peyton LaPaul, We are proud of you for demonstrating the determination and commitment to achieve your goals. Love from Uncle Ronnie and PawPaw

Claire Broussard

Claire’s graduation from Louisiana State University marks an exciting milestone and the beginning of a bright future. Her dad and I couldn’t be more proud of the dedication and determination she has shown in reaching this moment. She set meaningful goals for herself and worked hard to achieve them, never losing sight of what she wanted for her life. Watching her grow into the person she is today has been a true joy, and we are so excited to see all that she will accomplish in the years ahead.

SENIOR ADVICE

BY MIA HATTAWAY Staff Writer

Many people remember college as the best four years of their life. From moving into their first dorm room freshman year to walking across the stage in a cap and gown, college inspires growth, independence and self discovery.

Noemi Duran

For sociology senior Noemi Duran, campus involvement has been key to her college experi- ence as a first generation student.

U“Since I was a first generation student, I didn’t have much guidance,” Duran said. “Going to events, putting yourself out there, networking and experiencing as much as you can is very im- portant. I try to go to everything and meet people. Greek Life has given me so many connections.”

Duran is a member of the Lambda Theta Alpha Latin sorority, which has helped support her cul- tural identity and sense of belonging on campus.

“Being a Hispanic student, I had to figure out how to find my culture here while also trying to guide myself through college,” Duran said.

Trinity Nathan

Embracing the college experience was something psychology senior Trinity Nathan struggled to do during her freshman year.

“I never realized how many things I missed out on or psyched myself out of just because I was scared to feel embarrassed or out of place,” Nathan said.

Now, Nathan would advise underclassmen to take college one step at a time.

“It’s okay to appreciate the little things,” Nathan said. “You never know what those little moments can grow into.”

James Douet

Anthropology senior James Douet credits much of his personal success to the relationships he built rather than just academic performance.

“I am lucky enough to be able to go to graduate school,” Douet said, “in part because I am smart, but also to an extent I think having a good personality and treating my educators, my teachers, my professors, my peers, my fellow students as people who deserve my love and respect, however well I know them or don’t.”

For Douet, success in college goes beyond grade point average; it comes down to how you treat others and how kindness can make a lasting impact.

“I try to treat my peers with the utmost kindness and respect that I want to receive from them, and I found that that has gone above and beyond to help out with my academic career and with my personal growth as a human being — far more so than worrying about my grades and whatnot,” Douet said. “What they will remember is, how do you treat them? Do you treat them well?

As graduation approaches, these seniors leave more than just memories behind — they leave learning lessons for those still on their collegiate journeys.

Whether it’s stepping outside of your comfort zone, getting involved, building relationships or simply stopping to smell the magnolias, their advice is clear: college goes by fast, but the way you choose to spend it can shape everything that comes next.