WMBCTV: Caps, Gowns and New Beginnings; Graduates Look Ahead to the Future
- Jun 10
- 2 min read
The final stretch of the college semester is bringing a mix of emotions across campuses - excitement, relief and for many seniors, the realization that years of hard work are finally paying off. As students pack up dorm rooms and prepare for commencement ceremonies, many are already looking ahead to what comes next - whether that’s traveling, starting careers or settling into life after college. And for many graduating seniors, this season is about more than just earning a diploma - it’s about closing one chapter and stepping into a brand-new phase of life. Sinan Merchant from Edison is a graduating senior at Rutgers, getting a degree in Computer Science and he says graduation time is winding down with a mix of emotions.
“It’s surreal,” said Merchant. “I actually had my high school graduation at Rutgers too… it’s bittersweet.”
And while Sinan says graduating feels surreal, he also says he’s excited about what’s to come including one last getaway with friends before beginning a full-time job and moving for work.
“We have a trip planned for right after graduation,” said Merchant. “We’re going to Italy, China and Taiwan… I think I counted a total of 10 different cities within like 30 days so I think getting all my travel out before I start my work is really exciting to me… and then immediately when I come back, I start my fulltime job as a software engineer.”
As Sinan gets ready to close this college chapter, he says he’s grateful for the experiences college gave him along the way. He also had some advice for incoming freshmen and students just beginning their college journey - reminding them to take advantage of every opportunity and enjoy the experience while it lasts.
“I would say feeling lost is very normal,” said Merchant. “I came into college not really knowing what I wanted to do. The most important thing to me that really helped me grow throughout college and realize what I liked, what I wanted and who I wanted to surround myself with was just going and talking to people, joining clubs, going out and talking to random people on the street.”
For graduates throughout the region, the next few weeks continue to mark the end of one journey and the beginning of another filled with new careers, new places and new possibilities.
Comments