By Mariham Hanna—
On May, 16 2012, New Jersey City University (NJCU) graduates will celebrate their accomplishments at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford.
According to Monica Almonor, associate registrar from the Office of Registration Services, 1,343 students will be graduating this year.
“It’s bitter sweet, I’m so used to my life at NJCU. It’s like a second home,” said Senior Class President Jane Sepulveda, 22, Geo – Science major from Jersey City.
As Senior Class President, Sepulveda will have the privilege of addressing her peers by delivering the graduation speech.
“Yeah, I’m nervous,” said Sepulveda, “It’s a big responsibility because Dr. Hernandez is retiring.”
This year’s honorary degree recipient will be Emanoel Araújo, a Brazilian artist and the Head Curator and Director of the Museu AfroBrasil in Sao Paolo. In attendance will also be the Consul-General of Brazil in New York, the Honorable Luiz Felipe de Seixas Corrêa.
Graduates are enthusiastic about finally receiving their degree.
“I feel so accomplished and excited to finally have the chance to walk down that stage and receive my degree,” said Nahed Mansour, 35, Education and Special Aid, from Bayonne.
Some of the graduates have already planned or considered attending graduate school.
“I am currently preparing for my graduate school program,” said Elizabeth Hemingway, 63, Business Administration, from Jersey City. “I have met with my professors and they are currently in the process of writing my letters of recommendations. So far things are falling into their proper place. I am looking forward to graduation.”
“Well I have started considering graduate school but have not yet taken action. However, I am getting married in July of this year,” said Madline Eskander 22, Early Childhood Education, from Bayonne.
Others have not yet decided whether to attend graduate school or not.
“As for my life after graduation, I have not yet decided if I will attend graduate school, however I have started my hunt for the jobs and I can’t wait to start working with my degree,” said Mansour.
Before students can graduate, the following requirements must be met:
1Seniors must review and confirm with their advisor on their status in fulfilling all the required courses. Many seniors face the dilemma of discovering an incomplete amount of credits or unfulfilled requirements at the end of the year. Make sure that you schedule an appointment and meet with your advisor, confirming that your courses have met clearance.
2If you have taken any loans, make sure that you acquire the information of your loaners in order for you to continue to pay off your loan, after graduation. Failing to make any payments after graduation can result in a decrease in your credit score as well as other financial complications.
3Review and reconstruct your resume. Your resume is an important element in your constructed portrait which will be important to the employers in job markets. It should represent who you are as well as what you have accomplished in the past. It should also demonstrate what you are capable of doing.
4Those who are considering graduate school, take heed and begin searching for graduate programs that will fulfill your major and personal requirements.
5Pay a visit to your coordinating professors so that they can begin writing your letters of recommendations. These recommending letters are a very important ingredient in all of your upcoming events and new stages in life. Make sure that you acquire your recommendation letters as soon as possible.
Congratulations, Class of 2012!