As a graduating senior, one might assume that my mind has been void of anything pertaining to the commencement of my undergraduate academic career. However, as we seniors are attending receptions and celebratory dinners left and right, I can’t help but observe the striking differences in the way each discipline commemorates its accomplishments over the past four years.
Some major faculty choose to wine and dine its students, others award a certificate of achievement, and some simply give a firm handshake complete with a pat on the back and no celebration at all (boring science majors). I myself am a double major in communication and management and even among these similar areas of study, the events are distinguishable.
Last week the communication department treated us students to a classy and elegant reception, complete with some free booze of course. I must admit, there is nothing more gratifying than having a beer and some informal conversation with my professors, whom I’ve despised at times, and hearing the words “congratulations, we’re proud of you and we’ll miss you.” It shows you a humanistic side of academia that you won’t find in a laboratory.
Yesterday I attended the management department’s senior happy hour at O’Connell’s, equally enjoyable. Honestly, I’ve been much closer and more intertwined with my communication professors and coursework, maybe it’s because we talk about feelings. But I again felt a sense of satisfaction following the reception. My professors actually care about what happens to me after I leave this glorious place we affectionately call home, even if it is only for a few more weeks.
Following these gatherings, I choose not to reflect upon the fact that my days here at CSB/SJU are numbered, but rather that I will leave here in May feeling completely at peace with my college experience.
Yes I went to class (most of the time), I learned an inordinate amount (I’ll never stop learning), I had a little bit of fun I guess … and yeah, I talked about my feelings and discovered who I really am. But you know what? I still managed to meet, befriend, acquaint and get to know a lot of really great people and do a lot of real fun things. Much of this I credit to the skills and knowledge I was and am equipped with from my studies in communication and management.
I have probably spent more money than I’ve wanted to at St. Joseph’s famous watering holes and lost many brain cells along the way, but a good friend of mine (who is a biochemistry major) recently informed me that our brain produces more of these a day than we could ever lose anyway so that is the least of my concerns.
I’ve never understood the rivalry among disciplines over who’s smarter, or who works harder or whose better looking (communication majors by a landslide). Why not lay down the swords, seniors, and enjoy these last few weeks we have together? I may only go to class every other day and not wake up until 10 a.m., but I bet I’ve had a lot more fun than any biochemistry major. Seriously, meet me at the bar this weekend and we’ll swap stories if you’ve got them, but don’t interrupt my mom time on Saturday.
I’m going to close with my favorite joke from one of my favorite professors here at CSB/SJU (who will soon be our new Academic Dean of the College): What will a non-liberal arts science major who only memorizes formulas call a communication or management major in 10 years? Boss …
Congratulations on your promotion Dr. Richard Ice, Chair of the Communication Department, you’ve earned it.
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