By Katie Potzick

A sense of anxiety, coupled with anticipation is slowly creeping into the cold, biting air of the spring semester, as seniors take their first steps in the commencement process. 
With various graduate information e-mails filling the mailboxes of upcoming May graduates, the age old question once again arises; how does it feel?
“I’m definitely ready to graduate,” said Lindsay Coblentz, a senior communications major.
“I don’t have senioritis but I was trying to get ahead in the beginning of the semester so I could enjoy the rest [but then] the ice storm hit.”
Unlike Coblentz, some students have already felt the strain of senioritis come and go.
“I’m ready to graduate but I’m going to miss my friends and the campus,” said senior biology major Scott Howard. “I actually had more senioritis last semester than this one.”
Along with facing potential senioritis, another one of the main obstacles that may be weighing on the minds of graduates this year is what they plan to do after completing their final semester. 
According to honors program advisor Luke Buckman, many students may face difficulty with finding a job right out of college.
“A lot of seniors that I meet with are looking for job openings,” said Buckman. “Although it will probably be harder in this economic climate to get a job right after graduation.”
Currently, Coblentz plans to head straight into the workforce after graduation, while Howard is headed to University of Louisville’s medical school. “I’ve got another good 7-8 years of school ahead of me.” Howard said.
With commencement set for May 9, a mere three months away, seniors have a fair amount of work to do on top of class work to ensure that they participate in the festivities. 
Along with registering to walk, they must also order their caps and gowns and attend rehearsal on May 8. 
For the most part, many of the seniors have not forgotten what it’s like to be an incoming student starting out fresh.
“Go to class!” said Howard. “Try to find something that interests you about each class even if it isn’t in your major and you’ll be more likely to attend and actually enjoy the class.”
Coblentz also attributes internships as a means of helping one along during their time in college.
“Work hard and get as many internships as you can,” said Coblentz. In the end, Coblentz realizes, small, consistent efforts can go a long way in an unsure job market: “They will really help you with networking and finding a job.”