As the editor-in-chief of The Stute, I am proud to highlight the accomplishments and the journey of the senior class of 2023. It is no secret that these students have had a wild ride, facing unparalleled challenges over the last four years. This class had to navigate through the unique experiences brought on by the global pandemic, all while trying to earn their degrees. I am fortunate to be a part of their journey at Stevens and to witness their growth, resilience, and unwavering determination. Even with a challenging four years, I am confident that the seniors have learned valuable lessons that will guide them throughout their lives.
When these seniors first arrived on campus in 2019, everything was normal. They participated in orientation and convocation, lived in the dorms, and had all the typical experiences of a first-year student. However, halfway through their first year, the pandemic struck, and the school had to shut down. It was a surreal experience for everyone as the students had to adapt quickly to finishing their first year online, after only one semester on campus.
The pandemic forced the sophomore year of these seniors entirely online as Stevens only allowed first-year students on campus. The sophomores had to adjust to a completely remote learning experience, making it challenging to connect with classmates and further their involvement at Stevens. The connections that were made during the previous semester were maintained virtually or through socially-distanced interactions. As a first-year student on campus during that time, I was grateful for the in-person experience, but it was also difficult not to have older students on campus to look up to.
In their junior year, the seniors were back in person, but many of the established clubs, friend groups, and academics needed to be rebuilt from being online for over a year. The returning students had to adapt to the new normal and the changing regulations surrounding the pandemic. Booster vaccines were in circulation, and the mask mandates were fluctuating. The now-seniors showed us all the importance of resilience and adaptability, remaining optimistic despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. This experience taught us all the importance of perseverance and the value of friendships and support systems.
Finally, in their senior year, it was great to see the seniors back on campus in leadership positions and with a strong presence at the school. The seniors’ resilience and determination shone through as they tackled their final year with positivity, despite everything they had already been through. The senior class had the chance to experience a year of normalcy, which provided an opportunity to reconnect with friends and clubs they had not seen in over a year.
The pandemic has taught us all the importance of adaptability and the power of resilience. This senior class exemplified these traits as they navigated through unprecedented times and still managed to graduate with flying colors. They will leave a legacy on campus, not only for their achievements but also for their ability to persevere through difficult circumstances.
As the younger generation, we have looked up to these seniors and learned a lot from them. They have set an excellent example for us to follow, showing us that when things get tough, we can still overcome obstacles and succeed. The Stute congratulates the seniors of 2023 on their graduation and wishes them all the best in their future endeavors. As they move on to the next phase of their lives, we have no doubt that they will continue to do great things.
