In approximately 20 more days, the outgoing class of 2009 will walk the aisle to a newer, bigger, and more exciting future. As they do so, they are keenly aware that the experiences, situations, and challenges they will be asked to face are unlike any they have encountered thus far. Yet, the education and opportunities they found at the College of Notre Dame have prepared them for the road ahead in many ways. This is evidenced not only by the high aspirations of the graduating class but also by the achievements, roles, and successes they have already achieved during their years at Dame.
An overwhelming majority of this years senior class have achieved far beyond their peers and their own expectations. Of the seniors surveyed for this article, all were involved in at least three extra-curricular activities with most of the girls involved in five or more. These activities range from honor societies to student organizations, which often held GPA prerequisites as well as significant time commitments. In addition, over fifty percent of the girls surveyed found time to commit to the athletic program at Notre Dame where they were expected to balance full academic loads with a vigorous practice and game schedule. For example, Roxana Beyranvand is a double Marketing Communications and Spanish major. During her time at Notre Dame she has balanced a position as captain on both the soccer and tennis team, a position as President of the Hispanic Society, a position as Vice President of Phi Sigmi Iota (Foreign Language Honor Society), memberships with the Association for Women in Communications, Delta Epsilon Sigma, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and the National Scholastic Honor Society and a notable internship with Comcast SportsNet. " I believe my time at Dame has prepared me both as a person and as leader for my future career goals" Roxana says. "I am excited and nervous about what lies ahead but feel 100% equipped to face it."
As seniors, many of the girls were expected to fulfill internship requirements during their final semesters. These internships required time and dedication and gave the girls an opportunity to put into practice the skills and knowledge they had acquired over their time at Dame. Internships included Amanda Arkwright's promotions internship with the Baltimore Orioles, Christina Murphy's Research Assistant internship with the Council for Court Excellence in DC, and Megan Good's curatorial internship at the York County Heritage Trust in York, PA. These internships not only helped equip graduates for their post-graduation experiences, but show the level of skill, knowledge, and capability that the girls had gained during their college experience.
Post-graduation plans for this talented young group of graduates are as diverse as the girls they represent. All of the senior's surveyed plan to attend graduate school in the near future, many having already been accepted and begun preparations to enter their prospective schools in the fall. Chloe Pavone plans to attend law school at SUNY Buffalo and pursue a career in Immigration Law, Cassandra Bales plans to attend Institute of World Politics in D.C. and study Masters in Statecraft and National Security, and Deeanne Curtis plans to attend College of Notre Dame and study early childhood and elementary education. Roughly 63% percent of surveyed seniors plan to pursue a career in either politics, international relations, or law. Another 18% are pursuing educational careers. This is but a small sampling of the many and various interests and pursuits of this years outgoing class.
As the Class of 2009 counts down its final days until the moment of graduation, they face many moments of both excitement and trepidation. However, the hard work, experiences, and education they have experienced at Notre Dame have prepared them in ways that they can only imagine. As they prepare to enter a whole new world may they echo the words of C.S. Lewis;" There are greater things ahead than any we leave behind."
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