Saluting the class of 2013

It's hard to believe, but the end of another semester is nearly here! I'm not sure about all of you, but I am very much looking forward to summer!
The end of the spring semester is a time of transition. Some of us are preparing for summer courses. Others are planning on taking the summer off from school. Then there are those of us who have endured the trials and tribulations of college and are graduting.
Graduation is an exciting time. It is a time of hope and optimism for the future. It doesn't matter if you are a traditional college student, or an adult learner. The achievement of finally getting the degree you worked so hard for is the apex of the "college experience" no
matter who you are!
I hope each and every GSU student who is graduating this spring will truly revel in their accomplishment. After all, pursuing a college education is not easy! All college students know it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice to earn a college degree. The end result, however, is certainly worth it. Graduation is a momentus occasion that deserves to be celebrated vigorously!
Graduation is also, however, a time of uncertainty. While some may be lucky enough to either already have jobs lined up, or jobs that they can now advance in because of their degrees, many college graduates face an uncertain job market that is still recovering from the recession. The sad reality is, job competition is stiffer than ever these days, and a college degree isn't the golden ticket that it was just a few years ago.
In spite of all this, however, a college degree is worth it. While it may not be the slam dunk for financial security that it once was, those who have degrees are in a much better position for success than those who don't. The intangible benefits of a college education have a profound effect on us, whether we realize it or not. College in numerous ways helps us to grow and become better people. The benefits go far beyond how much money we can make in our careers. We become more knowledgeable, well-rounded people because of our education. We learn the value of hard work, develop critical thinking skills, and gain many professional and social contacts that wouldn't be available to us otherwise. These are just a few of the countless benefits of a college education.
To those who are graduating this semester, I encourage each of you to think back to the person you were before you started your college journey, and compare that person to who you've become. Think about all you have accomplished, as well how much you have grown as a person during that time. Getting a college degree is not an easy accomplishment!
Before I say goodbye until the summer, I would like to thank everyone who has helped to make this a successful semester for the Phoenix. I would first like to thank the Phoenix faculty advisor, Victoria Pierce, for all of her guidance and support. I would also like to thank Samantha Kaspar, the Phoenix Staff Writer, and Andrea Florenz, the Phoenix Business Manager. Both of these women have done an amazing job this semester! I would also like to acknowledge the contributions of Corrie Gray. Although she is no longer with
the Phoenix, Corrie contributed for two years as Staff Writer before taking the role of Associate Editor for the Fall 2012 semester and much of the Spring 2013 semester. Good luck to Corrie in her future endeavors!
I would also like to thank all of the students who have contributed to the Phoenix this semester. We have received so many excellent contributions from GSU students this semester. It has been a joy to share the work of our contributing writers with the GSU community. The Phoenix becomes a better publication when we receive stories about GSU, written by GSU students. Thank you to all of our contributing writers!
Congratulations to the GSU class of 2013! So long for now!