The buds are once again blooming, and the sun rays are shining down on Kent students as they walk to the last few sessions of their spring semester classes. 

For some Flashes, these moments are bittersweet, as they spread their wings and depart on to new, bigger journeys. 

Before the time comes when they make that anticipated walk across the stage, they may stare at their classroom halls, the Student Center or their favorite parking spot, reflecting on their memories and accomplishments. 

However, even bigger accomplishments are on the horizon for our seniors. 

For English major Isabelle Tooley, a busy life of reading, writing and traveling awaits. 

“After graduation I am going to work at an upscale restaurant in my hometown and hustle to pay off my loans,” Tooley said. “I am also going to be a beta reader for novelists, freelance edit tutor and write as much as I can. I will be taking intermittent trips around the U.S. during all of this, until the next opening in my local office, from there, world domination.”

Nursing major Ava Wilford plans to stay local to Northeast Ohio and work as a nurse for Summa Health. 

“I am so excited to begin my career and very thankful to Kent State for giving me such a strong foundation in nursing,” Wilford said. 

Alyssa Bechtold is a nursing major who plans to move back home to Pittsburgh and work as a registered nurse in a medical intensive care unit. Before deciding on this career path, Bechtold made many memories here at Kent with her friends. 

“My favorite Kent memory would definitely be any nights out with my friends, whether it’s a late night study session, exploring the town or late night drive,” she said. 

Bechtold’s memories are the foundation of the advice she gives to future freshmen, “get involved!”

Getting involved has allowed Bechtold to gain leadership experience, connect with friends and other nursing majors for study sessions. Bechtold is a member of the Chi Omega sorority, where she has served as a sorority recruitment counselor, a chapter treasurer and held a few other smaller positions. 

The positions she held in her sorority allowed her to develop financial management and communication skills. 

“I managed the finances of an organization of over 90 girls and ensured the compliance with members paying chapter dues. I also communicated effectively with other members of the chapter and executive board,” Bechtold said. 

Additionally, she was a member of the Student Nurses Association. 

“Taking on a leadership opportunity teaches you so much about yourself, your leadership style, and how to prioritize time wisely. Your time in college goes by so much quicker than you realize, so take it all in and enjoy it,” the Pittsburgh native said. 

In Wilford’s experience, getting involved is not only great for a resume, but for your quality of life on campus. 

“My favorite memory at Kent was being a part of the PINK Campus Team during my freshman year. We held events that promoted the brand and spread positivity around campus,” Wilford said.

Wilford spent her time at Kent getting involved in extracurriculars that prioritize health and wellbeing. 

She was involved in CHAARG (Changing Health Attitudes and Actions to Reach Goals), spin classes at the Recreation and Wellness Center and the Student Nurses Association.

Despite being involved in the aforementioned organizations, Wilford regrets not getting involved more. 

“Something I would tell an incoming freshman is to get out of your comfort zone and talk to people,” she said. “There are so many people around you who are at a similar stage in life, and it is interesting to hear everyone’s stories and experiences. I would also remind freshmen that not everyone you meet will become a close friend, and that is okay, keep meeting new people and always be kind to everyone.”

Even though not exploring more organizations was a regret of hers, Wilford said being at Kent allowed her to gain more confidence in both herself and her passions. There are more ways to put yourself out into the world than just joining clubs and making new friends, as Kent State offers many study abroad programs to over 60 countries. 

Tooley wishes she had snatched the opportunity when she had the chance. 

“I can’t believe I missed out on the chance to get a vacation now and pay later,” Tooley said. “Plus, they have everything set up for you so you don’t have to sweat so much about finding an apartment or directions or anything.”

Although not experienced with study aboard, Tooley’s four years here have allowed her to acquire a myriad of advice for incoming freshmen. 

“Make as many friends as possible because your friend groups almost always narrow the longer you’re in Kent, and you don’t want to be lonely when upperclassmen friends graduate and other friends transfer or get super busy with internships,” Tooley said. “Also, you don’t have to buy that many going out tops. Even if you want to. You’ll end up having to wear them to class to justify the cost. Which, you do look pretty great at 8 a.m. on a Tuesday, so that’s cool at least!”  

She also advised that freshmen “shop around” for different clubs and organizations. 

“Organizations always love seeing prospective members, even if you don’t stick around,” Tooley said.

As president of one of the clubs on campus, she may know a thing or two about them. 

“I didn’t spend very much time in clubs, to my massive chagrin. I have to start book clubs in my small hometown now to make up for it,” Tooley said. “But, I did give my all to KSURGE (Kent State Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity) in my junior and senior years, as treasurer my junior year and president my senior year. I learned a lot about dedication and commitment, especially when you’re exhausted. No one else is going to make it happen for you. Sometimes you’re the only thing standing between an org you care about and extinction. You have to fight for it, even if your execution isn’t the best.”

Tooley mentioned some advice for current juniors or soon-to-be-seniors. She advised that it is never too late to prioritize getting involved in the community, and to do so in a way that speaks to your personal passions. 

For creative majors, Tooley emphasized the importance of getting your work published and mentioned the many magazines on campus to make that an easy feat. 

“Join clubs even if you don’t think you have the experience. Build up your portfolio while it’s your job to invest in yourself – and fill it with things that you are passionate about! Plus, see as many local shows as you can and really soak up the Kent culture,” Tooley concluded.

Emilia Jacobson is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].