College is a time that profoundly impacts the trajectory of our lives. Many of us find out who we are– as our professors share their wisdom and knowledge with us, as we gain perspective from our classmates, or as we join campus clubs, athletics, or organizations where we make connections that may last a lifetime. 

Some of us find out what we want to do with our lives, or at least what we don’t want to do. Some of us find our passion, and some of us still have no idea what to do after this important chapter of our lives. No matter where we stand on that spectrum, one thing is for sure, college helps to shape us as individuals and how we interact with the world around us. 

And making it to the finish line is a truly commendable feat.

“I have zero regrets,” said Riley Beyma, a fourth-year kinesiology major. Beyma said she realized she wants to become an occupational therapist to help individuals who are struggling with physical tasks to regain independence. “My major definitely helped me find my passion because I learned more about body movements, exercises, strategies, programs, and emotional and physical aspects of one’s body,” she said.

Beyma also expressed gratitude for her four years on the volleyball team. “Being on the SSU volleyball team has brought me so many friendships, lessons, leadership opportunities, and just a wonderful experience overall. I am definitely going to miss it,” she said.

Liza Schoen, a fourth-year communications and media major, changed her mind more than once while she was at Sonoma State. She started out as a global studies major, as she considered the possibility of working for the government or in international affairs. “I very quickly realized that I did not want to do that,” she said and switched her major to communications and media with a minor in philosophy. 

After taking a course in applied ethics, she said she had aspirations of pursuing a master’s in applied ethics and considered working in the biomedical ethical field, then realized this might not be the best long-term fit for her mental health. She is now considering pursuing a master’s to become a professor.

“I think fear can play a really large factor in it. And it’s okay to be scared– the future is terrifying. It’s all about going into things with love and compassion rather than fear,” Schoen said. 

Schoen spoke about gratitude for specific professors: Talena Sanders, Emily Acosta Lewis and Anthony Wright, as well as the friendships she made, the space they held for her and the ability to connect with her roots through joining clubs on campus.

Dominic Salerno, a fourth-year business major, said his education helped him understand the work that goes into becoming a good leader in the workforce. “I want to be someone who treats people with respect and kindness regardless of the situation,” he said. 

Salerno said joining Pi Kappa Phi was his most memorable experience. “This fraternity has given me lifelong friendships… it’s not about the place or the surroundings, but the people.”

Jenna Kaplan, a fourth-year psychology major, said through her studies she decided she wants to become a high school counselor. “I have learned many fascinating things about mental health and I have struggled with it as well, so it really felt like the perfect fit and I’m very glad I chose this major,” she said.

Kaplan said of her overall college experience, “The only regret I have is choosing people who were not right for me and wishing that I had left those relationships sooner rather than later. Although good and bad relationships with people have taught me a lot, and have really made me grow into the person I am today.”