Departure from Bronco Land

May shines as the golden month for many students here at Fayetteville State (FSU). It marks the beginning of a new life and the change that many have worked so hard for? As students scramble their minds for post-graduation plans, every student comes up with their own answer.
Some students look forward to going to grad school while others get excited about the workforce. Some students are overwhelmed with nervousness because they aren't quite sure what to do. I had the opportunity to speak with two students from FSU to find out what their strategy was for post Bronco Land. Graduating senior Lisa Harris is a member of the Delta Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a member of the Honor's Program, and the current Miss Fayetteville State University. The Voice: How do you feel about graduation? Emotionally? Academically?
Lisa Harris: My feelings toward graduation are mixed. Although I am excited to leave and begin a new chapter in my life, I am also anxious about what to expect once I am officially out on my own.

T.V.: Do you feel as if you have been prepared professionally for the workforce?
Harris: I feel that attending college here at FSU has fully prepared me to enter into the work force. Not only am I academically prepared and knowledgeable about my field of study; FSU has helped in my development into a well-rounded person who is able to work with diverse groups of people and able to adapt and maintain in any working environment.

The Voice: What are your plans post graduation-- graduate school? straight to work?
Harris: Upon graduation I plan to teach on the elementary level in Cumberland County. After at least three years of teaching, it is my desire to attend graduate school either here at FSU or North Carolina Central University and pursue a degree in School Administration. Eventually, I would like to work my up and become a Superintendent of a public school system.

The Voice also had the opportunity to sit and speak with an early graduate from FSU to find out what experiences have been like since graduation. Jonathan Walker is an early graduate (December '07) from Spring Lake, North Carolina. After graduating from FSU Jonathan has already began to advance not only his professional career but his academic one as well.

The Voice: How do you feel about graduation? Emotionally? Academically?
Jonathan Walker: Pursuing and obtaining a bachelors degree has truly been a satisfying moment in my life. During commencement, all I could think in my mind was this is really about to go down. I had just achieved a goal, that I set for myself back in high school. Knowing that I've done something great for yourself is enough to take pride in; knowing that I've done something great for my parents and family members to boast about for days makes me feel honorable. But knowing that I've changed the statistics for the African American male community in a more positive light, is what I take pride in most.
T.V.:Do you feel as if you have been prepared professionally for the workforce?
Walker: Yes, I feel as though I have been prepared professionally for the workforce. However, this was not only through classroom instruction, but by encountering and coming in to contact with various people and organizations on campus. Witnessing and observing others professionalism on campus such as Dr. Paris Jones and Mr. David Camps, inspired me. It also made me aware, that its not only what you know and what you have learned, but your appearance and your mannerism play and vital role in being professional.
T.V.:Now that you have graduated, what has life like been for you?

Walker: I'm currently in the process of applying for graduate school at Arkansas Tech University to purse a Master of Science in College Student Personnel. While working full-time on campus as an Academic Advisor with Student Support Services, in addition to working a part-time job, I knew I wanted to purse an advanced degree, however, distance learning would be my best option due to my busy schedule. I would say that I have followed my post graduation plans. Although, I went back and forth for months, on what field to study for my masters.


FSU students stand among the many high acheivers just as with other neighboring colleges and universities. With hard work and determination throughout your tenure you can accumulate the knowledge needed to grow for a lifetime. FSU students prepare to conquer their dreams in the workforce and corporate America by utilizing the many opportunities here to push them further along life's road. Life after graduation depends solemnly on the actions of the person. Your first stop after departure depends on your many steps before it. It seems as if students board up to take flight, they carry with them on their ticket motivation for success with the inscription: res non verba.