So long, seniors

As the year draws to a close, the class of 2009 anxiously awaits the turn of their tassels and the open gates of freedom.

"It's a little scary to think we won't have that safety net of going to school anymore," Kimberlee Orr, graduating senior, said, "We are moving into the real world."

With the economy in a slump and the job market nearly inexistent a main fear for graduates is finding a job in the recession the U.S. finds itself in.

But for high school sweethearts Andrew and Michelle Livengood, the near future seems a little more promising. "I got accepted to grad school at the University of Colorado," Michelle said. The two plan to move to Colorado Springs where Michelle will pursue a degree in clinical psychology.

"I got lucky," Andrew said with pride as he spoke of his wife's future schooling and career plans. Andrew will be graduating this spring with a degree in electrical engineering and will attempt to find a job after the move.

"My biggest fear is making the jump from theoretical concepts we face in class and applying that knowledge in the job force," Andrew said.

Michelle concurred in stating that her biggest fear in attending grad school is the possibility that the school "might think I have learned more than I really have."

Along with the fears seniors feel a swarm of butterflies during these last couple weeks as the end of their schooling comes to an end.

"I never have to read another textbook!" Orr said. Adding to her enthusiasm Orr noted the money that would be saved in not buying textbooks each quarter.

Michelle stated that she was happy to finally have a degree. "I want to help people, and I feel I can really do that with the field I am choosing to go into," Michelle said.

Adding to his wife's excitement, Andrew said. "I am excited for a whole new experience, I am moving and changing everything about my life."

Most importantly, these seniors offered a bit of their wisdom to other students pursuing a higher education.

"Research what you want to go in to before you declare," Andrew said. "Picking classes is a lot easier when you know exactly what you are doing."

From a more social aspect, Michelle urges all students to take the most out of their experiences at college, "Don't do the bare minimum, experience everything and think about how each experience will relate to your education."

As Eastern Washington University reluctantly lets the class of 2009 go, Michelle leaves students with the advice to not take everything as truth because they "change over time with newly acquired knowledge, question everything."

Best of luck class of 2009, EWU will miss your intellect and spunk.