Senior Focus 

The Real World is Less Than a Month Away

By Angel' Fossett

Graduation is less than a month away. Emotions are beginning to overwhelm everyone because the college "experience" is almost over. Some feel a sense of joy, others feel fear.

The fear comes from not knowing what the future holds. After college we all will be entering the real world - the life of bills, work and more work. The corporate world is very competitive; you will have to be just as hungry for that as you are for education, leisure and parties. Responsibility lies ahead and many of us are unprepared. This semester is flying by and before you know it graduation will be tomorrow. Look for jobs NOW! A hiring manager from Target's lost and prevention once told me that "the only time you will get recruited for jobs is in college." With the financial situation of the economy you do not want to chance fighting for a position when there was plenty offered to you months ago while you were in college. Take full advantage of job fairs and other recruiting events.

I personally am not fully ready to leave Bowie. School is a major part of my life and I am not completely ready to leave my adopted family. I have been networking for months and researching different positions but I am still unclear about what I want to do. I feel after years of school, I need a break to explore other opportunities, but the closer graduation gets the unsure I become. I know it's a little late, but I plan to map out a five-year career plan that takes into consideration errors, delays and mishaps. Seniors you should try this, it is a great way to prevent aimless wander, and it is a good source for time management.

But as for the seniors that are overjoyed congratulations. College is a great stepping stone and will definitely give you a leg up on your competition, in the business world. Enjoy your last days at Bowie. There are tons of events and programs taking place every day; come out, represent your class and support your peers. The weather is starting to break and the days are feeling more like spring. The vibe on campus is starting to change with the weather. There are more people hanging around campus, so join in.

Senior portraits are available to those that want professional photographs of the experience. There will a memory book in place of a yearbook. The photographs will come straight from Photo Magic and events on campus. It is still not too late to take senior portraits. Visit the website www.photomagicllc.com to schedule an appointment. They will not be coming back to Bowie this semester; all appointments will be held in their studio in Cheverly, Maryland. The prices of the packages will vary and be slightly higher than the ones offered here. There will also be a sitting fee of $25.

The closer we get to May 16. 2009, the more my eyes well with pride, joy, excitement and fear, because the college days are almost done; this is really real. Seniors make your memories last a life time. Bowie State is truly one of a kind! It is family and love. I will miss Bowie State!