Finals have begun, marking the near end of another academic year here at Linfield. While this can be a stressful time for all, the final weeks of this semester carry a much different feeling for graduating seniors. The familiar places on campus may start to feel temporary as seniors prepare to close one chapter of their lives and begin another. 

Although every student’s experience is different, many seniors are reflecting on the challenges, friendships and personal growth that helped define their time at Linfield.

“College will always have its ups and downs, but at the end of the day, I’d do it all again,” said education major with an endorsement in physical education, Brooke Hatch. 

Balancing academics, sports and future career plans proved to be one of the most essential aspects of the college experience for many seniors.

“My days consisted of waking up for early lifts, driving to Portland for class, driving back, practicing for five hours, studying and repeating,” said nursing major Natalie Brinda when asked about how she managed life as an athlete on the McMinnville campus while going to classes for nursing at the Portland campus. “I managed the challenge by prioritizing school by staying up late and waking up early. I used my friends and teammates as support systems and wouldn’t have been able to continue what I was doing without them.”

For some seniors, these support systems seemingly become crucial during difficult semesters and times of uncertainty. 

“Junior year I took physio basis of exercise strength training and conditioning. I was allowed in the class without the prerequisites which made it extremely hard to understand the big words they were using. What got me through was honestly relying on friends to study with me and help me fill in the gaps and really understand the information,” said Hatch.

Beyond academics, many seniors said the community they found and the relationships they built became one of the most meaningful parts of their overall experience. 

“The highlight of my academic career was meeting cool people and getting to know the community here,” said communications major Joe Higuchi. “Finding out there’s a big Hawaiian community up here was probably one of the best things.”

Other seniors shared similar feelings about the connections they made throughout their time on campus, emphasizing how relationships often become just as impactful as the academic journey itself. 

“Without a doubt the highlight of my Linfield career was meeting some of the best people and gaining relationships that will be with me for the rest of my life,” said Hatch.

Seniors also reflected on the opportunities that Linfield provided them with that, otherwise, they may not have received. 

“I chose to take the opportunity to meet new people and get out of my comfort zone,” said Brinda while reflecting on studying abroad in the Bahamas. “I’m so grateful I did because I got an experience of a lifetime.”

As they prepare to leave Linfield behind, many seniors are thinking about the advice they would give to returning and incoming students who are navigating through their college experience. 

“Know yourself, know who makes you happy and know what makes you happy,” said Hatch. “This is such a huge time of growth, so make sure you incorporate the people and things that will fill your cup and carry you through to the end.” 

Other seniors emphasized the importance of allowing room for change. 

“It’s okay to not have it all figured out when you first come in,” said Brinda. “As you progress through your years at Linfield, things start to fall into place and make more sense.”

While some seniors reflected on growth and uncertainty, others emphasized the importance of appreciating your experiences while they’re happening.

“Just enjoy it here, man,” said Higuchi. “This place is special so use all of your resources.”

As graduation approaches, seniors are preparing their cap and gown for the big day and looking back on all of the adventures they took part in. Whether they are stepping into the work-force, continuing their education or are simply still figuring it out, seniors have changed immensely since arriving on Linfield’s campus years ago. As they move forward into an unfamiliar path, there is a shared sense of optimism in what lies ahead and gratitude for the experiences that helped prepare them for it.