Graduation Essay Melvin Laurence Poplar III

The weeks leading up to my graduation have been surreal. Until a semester ago, the idea of completing my academic career seemed so far out of reach. Not because I doubted my ability, but because I was so used to school. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been working hard in an academic setting, and while I understand why many people can feel somewhat lost once they’ve left an academic setting and enter the “real world”, I cannot help but feel relieved.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts is definitely my greatest accomplishment, but the real accomplishment for me, is getting school out of the way.

I am in no doubt that I will miss many aspects of my college experience though. I know this because I have already missed many of the elements that changed since the start of this pandemic. I miss socializing with classmates in person, and having an excuse to talk to others with similar goals or ambitions. My college counseling has fundamentally changed my outlook on life for the better, and there are so many professors that have so much wisdom and insight to offer.

While I will miss things about college, I am extremely satisfied with my college experience. I’ve learned so much and met so many great people. I have relationships with professors and students that I hope last for years, and once we’re through this pandemic, I hope to reunite with those people and so many more. Then, not only will we be able to celebrate my graduation, but everyone else who has endured the difficulties we’ve experienced in these trying times.

Thank you to all of my professors, classmates, friends, and family members that have encouraged me throughout the years! You all hold a special place in my heart and have played a significant role in my journey!

"I’ve learned so much and met so many great people. I have relationships with professors and students that I hope last for years, and once we’re through this pandemic, I hope to reunite with those people and so many more. "

Melvin Laurence Poplar III