Commentary by Imogen Farris
My time at Kennesaw State University is not something that will be forgotten easily as I spent six years, which is a little longer than I anticipated, trying to figure out what I wanted to do.
I began college as a marine biology major, optimistic about my scientific future. My ideal career path suddenly changed after taking my first anthropology course. I switched majors and had my heart set on becoming an archaeologist, think Indiana Jones minus the fear of snakes.
I continued through the anthropology program before deciding to change again, this time hoping to become an English teacher. I have always had a strong love and passion for reading and writing, which I hoped I could share with my future students.
I changed to an education major thinking I had finally found my calling. I was meeting more and more people throughout the university and managed to meet the Editor-in-Chief of Talon Magazine, KSU’s magazine before Sting. I became Chief Copy Editor of Talon and discovered my love for editing. This led me straight to The Sentinel where I started out as a copy editor for the sports section.
Shortly after beginning at The Sentinel, I began writing for both the News and Arts & Living sections, learning more and more about what it takes to be a journalist. While I never saw myself as a journalist, I did see myself as a copy editor or freelance writer, causing me to switch my major one last time to communication.
After writing for The Sentinel for a few months and finishing my junior year, I was offered the editor position for the Arts & Living section, which I happily accepted. Not only was I able to grow and refine my writing abilities at The Sentinel, but I was also given the chance to experience many unique opportunities and make many new and terrific friends.
My senior year wouldn’t have been the same without them. While I stayed at KSU a little longer than I planned, I wouldn’t change anything about my experience. I learned many different subjects from many amazing professors who encouraged me and pushed me to reach my full potential. The resources and skills I learned at KSU helped me find my passion for writing and helped me land my dream job in public relations for Georgia Aquarium.
Even though I have graduated from KSU, I think back fondly to the time I spent there, the people I was fortunate enough to meet, and the professors that helped guide me along the way. For any students still unsure of their path and feel indecisive about their major, just know that it’s okay to feel that way!
I encourage you to switch majors, take classes that interest you, and really figure out what you want to do. College is an amazing time to learn multiple subjects and really find your interests. It is important to meet people and make those connections because once it’s over, it’s absolutely over.
Graduation was certainly a bittersweet experience. It’s almost a surreal feeling as you get shoved into the world of bills and fulltime jobs and making all of your own decisions, including your own doctor’s appointments. Enjoy college while you can, but be prepared for the amazing and somewhat intense freedom that comes from graduating. It’s a relief to be able to go to work and come home without constantly wondering about homework or upcoming tests. Thanks for everything, KSU. I wouldn’t have had things any other way.
