Launching into the real world
Class of 2024 university grads share feelings about next steps
For most 2024 graduates, their degree didn’t happen in the most conventional way. Through the worldwide pandemic that began in 2020, stacked with the current economic recession, it was difficult to imagine the finish line.
However, Korynn Farnsworth has successfully made it to the end of her bachelor’s degree at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax — and she couldn’t be more excited.
“I’m currently graduating with a bachelor of arts with a major in criminology and double minors with psychology and women studies. It’s been a wild journey, I feel like I blinked,” said the 22-yearold from Annapolis Valley, N.S. “Throughout my BA, I had some hard times that I didn’t think I would get through, but I pulled myself together and here I am with so many doors open in front of me.”
Like many young adults, Farnsworth is ready to walk out of the graduation ceremony and soak in the world around her.
“My next steps will definitely be working, saving up money, travelling and hopefully going to law school,” she said. “I plan to move at some point, not right quick, though. Money is a necessity when it comes to moving in this day and age. I want to be able to succeed.”
Farnsworth says she’s excited to utilize her education in the workplace and get some real-world experience in the things she has only experienced in a classroom setting.
“I’m excited for this next chapter, I get to use the stuff I have learned and apply it in workplace, and it’s stuff I actually love,” she said.
“My favourite criminology professor has said one thing that I will continue to carry after university for tough times: ‘to take 24 hours to sook and then the next day to get back to it.’ It stuck, and trust me, it works. It gives you time to collect yourself, think and get the tasks that you need done after.”
As for the financial burden of graduating, Farnsworth admits that there’s also some stress for the next chapter that awaits her.
“Oh yeah, I mean, who isn’t stressed when they’ve just graduated with a big degree and possible debt?” she said. “Inflation hurts, the struggle is there. With only part-time work alongside full-time school, it’s hard to manage a proper schedule and earn money at the same time with the rising costs of rent and food.”
Despite it all, Farnsworth is eager to walk the graduation stage and take on whatever life throws at her next.
“I’m preparing to cherish the memories I’ve made and just know there’s so much more in store even after I’ve graduated.”
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Charleigh Teefy is excited to be finishing up her bachelor’s degree, but she isn’t quite finished with her education yet — a typical plight of an undergrad student.
“I’m graduating with my bachelor of science in biology with honours at the University of Prince Edward Island. I’m really excited to be finishing up my degree but the whole experience of applying to further programs is scary,” shared the 22-year-old living in Charlottetown. “There’s so much preparation for ending high school but not nearly as much for graduating university.”
Originally from Lindsay, Ont., Teefy is no stranger to a cross-country move. She may be in store for another one.
“I’ve applied to further programs in health sciences across Canada. This means I will have to leave the island; however I feel like when I’m done future programs I will move back east as I love this area and the people I’ve met out here,” she said. “I’ve been applying to multiple jobs and programs. My graduation comes before my applications get approved for my other schools. However, I am also preparing for the fact that I only have a couple more months in a state of what has become normal for me, and that’s terrifying.”
Preparing for graduate school has its own mountain of emotions that Teefy is currently experiencing.
“I’m really excited for this next step as it will get me that much closer to my dream career where I will be able to help people. It will also mean that I will get new experiences and meet new people. It will also help me build up my connections in multiple places!” she said. “I’m also stressed because the application processes for these programs have all been different and it’s hard to keep track of all the different schedules.
“I’m also leaving the life I’ve built over the last five years on the east coast, which is quite stressful as this is the second time I may move across the country for school.”
Despite the challenges that come with pursuing graduate studies right out of an undergrad, Teefy feels that she’s been prepared well by her UPEI professors.
“The biggest sentiment I’ve taken is the importance of making connections with your professors and other students. The biggest thing I’ve learned through my time at UPEI is that not getting those grades or into that program you wanted doesn’t mean your plans are done. It just means you have to adjust it,” she said. “Failure is not bad, it’s part of life that is going to happen and you have to take it in stride to reach your goals.”