Graduation: One Senior's Reflection

By Ivy Dong, Jeremiah Radel, Dawn Wesenberg

Reaching the end of your college career is an exciting time. For senior, Molly Jagla, a human resources management major from Ironwood, Michigan, who is graduating in May, the feeling is of excitement and nervousness. “I am excited because I won’t have to come to classes every day, and then do homework at night.” she explains, “But I am nervous because I am not yet sure where I will end up living or where I will be working.” Mixed emotions as graduation approaches is only normal as a student defines where he or she fits in the world.

To help her prepare for her future, Jagla, a human resource management major, joined SHRM, the student chapter for Human Resource Management. “Through SHRM, I have met a lot of people in my major which has helped me through some of my classes,” said Jagla. “Our guest speakers have given us a more realistic view of what to expect when we enter the real world.”

Jagla credits the ongoing support she received from her family and friends for helping her make it to graduation. She also believes she made it this far because she set goals for herself along the way. One last goal she hopes to accomplish before she graduates is passing her PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certification exam in May.

Although Jagla hasn’t received a job offer yet, she is interviewing with a number of companies. Eventually, she hopes her college experience and involvement in SHRM will help her secure a position in human resources or recruiting. She would like to work her way up the corporate ladder to a position as director of HR or recruiting.

Jagla has some parting advice for upcoming freshman and graduates. For future college students she states, “Study hard, but don’t let studying be your life.” Her advice for those approaching their final year: “Don’t worry too much about what you will do after you graduate, it is important to just enjoy the time you have.”

Jagla transferred to the UW-Eau Claire from a technical college in her hometown of Ironwood, MI. “My boyfriend came here first,” she explained, “I liked the area so I decided to move as well.” Although she attended UW-Eau Claire for a short 2½ years, she enjoyed her time here and is proud to be a Blugold. “I will always remember my experience at UW-Eau Claire,” she said.

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Ivy Dong is a senior accounting student from New Richmond, WI; Jeremiah Radel is a senior marketing major from Spring Green, WI; and Dawn Wesenberg is a senior management major from Hartland, WI.