Senior Spotlight: Final Farewell

Samantha August

Think about how quickly the time goes as you approach the middle of the semester. These four years will fly by and the next thing you know it will be you walking across that stage. As graduation approaches, seniors will take in the ‘lasts’ of college and close this chapter of their lives.

I had the opportunity to speak with Alvernia seniors, who will in just a few months become alumni. Allison Kirschner, 21, will graduate with her Bachelor of Arts in Finance this May. Kirschner is a student athlete and an O’Pake Institute finance fellow. Alvernia has given Kirschner the opportunity to further her education, play the sport she loves, and make career changing relationships these past four years.

What do you love most about Alvernia?

“Alvernia not only brought me an education, but also brought me lifelong friends.”

How do you manage your time being a student athlete?

“Managing my time being a student college athlete has taught me a couple big things; work in advance as much as you can, don’t over commit, use the academic resources the university provides, and take time for yourself. Getting in the habit of working ahead and meeting deadlines has helped keep my stress under control. While being a student athlete already is a big commitment, there are many other memorable and enriching aspects of the college experience, and too many commitments can be detrimental to one’s academics and athletics.”

What advice can you give future/current Alvernia students?

“One piece of advice I would give a future or current Alvernia student is do things outside of your comfort zone. Whether that be talking to new people, joining a club, getting a job on campus, etc. At the end of the day, you are the only person who can write your future so by doing things outside of your comfort zone will set you up for success.”

What are your plans after graduation?

“After graduation I am working full time at Vanguard as a Financial Planning Associate starting June 12.”

What person or course did you feel made a major impact on you during your time at Alvernia?

“Alvernia softball has made such a big impact on my life the past four years. It is such an experience to have over 20 girls with different backgrounds, majors, and diversities to all come together to play on the field with the same goal. With all the ups, there also comes downs, which has taught me how to approach and handle different situations in a professional and teammate manner.”

Another senior from the class of 2023, Devan Hudson, 22, will graduate with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Devan is from Georgetown, Delaware. She came to Alvernia to pursue a career in nursing, all while being able to play softball. Time management is extremely important to this senior, as she was able to manage balance being a nursing major and a student athlete all at once.

What do you love most about Alvernia?

“I love that I can participate in a sport while also maintaining a high level of education in a demanding career. Alvernia has smaller classes where I can develop my knowledge and grow closer to my professors who have educated me the past four years. Alvernia’s campus is beautiful and has so many resources to better my educational needs and athletic desires.”

How do you manage your time being a student athlete

“Time management is very important when playing a sport and being an avid learner in the classroom. Setting time to study, completing assignments, and participating in clinical while giving 100% at practice is very demanding, but it is doable with a scheduled plan throughout the day. It is necessary not to procrastinate but to keep in mind to always set time for yourself and not spread yourself thin. Throughout the years I have learned and adapted to my schedule by what works best for me.”

What advice can you give future/current Alvernia students?

“The best advice I can give to future Alvernia students is to make time for yourself and never take anything for granted. Time goes by fast, and memories last forever so be sure to excel in all aspects of life and maintain your inner happiness. Do not be caught up in getting perfect grades because you will miss out on experiences.”

What are your plans after graduation?

“After graduation I plan on becoming a pediatric nurse at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where I can embrace their mission through quality care to children and their families from progressive environments.”

What person or course did you feel made a major impact on you during your time at Alvernia?

“Throughout the nursing courses here at Alvernia, collectively all the classes and professors have impacted my learning and the person I am today. Each professor and clinical instructor have enlightened me with the knowledge I need to be successful in the nursing field while also giving me life advice. I am so thankful for the people I have met along the way and how they have shaped me to be a well-rounded student athlete and future nurse.”

As a graduating senior myself, the best advice I can give to any student is to enjoy your time in college while it lasts. I feel like I blinked and now this chapter of my life is ending. I am so thankful for my time at Alvernia and all the amazing experiences I have encountered here. Alvernia will always be my second home and will forever hold a special place in my heart. Congratulations to the class of 2023 and farewell to the seniors! We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.