As the days grow warmer, everything becomes green again and Clemson’s campus returns to its spring self, that time of the year comes around once again: graduation.
Thank you, Class of 2025. Each and every one of you has made a lasting impact on our beloved Clemson. From all of us returning in the fall, you will be greatly missed.
The memories that you’ve made during your time at Clemson — tailgates and sports games, visits to Y Beach, long study sessions in Cooper,walks on the dikes, grueling classes, late-night trips downtown and so many more — have shaped you all into the wonderful people you are today.
During your college years, many of you have learned to live on your own, while managing schoolwork, extracurriculars, jobs, relationships and so much more. You are more than ready to go out in the world and make a difference in your careers as engineers, doctors, writers, mathematicians, filmmakers, lawyers, architects, parents — the list goes on.
Post-grad life will undoubtedly be much different from the lives you’ve led at Clemson, and it will be difficult to leave the place you’ve called home over the past few years. However, take the lessons you’ve learned, hardships you’ve endured, memories you’ve created and that “Clemson GRIT” you’ve developed into this next chapter.
I’m sure many of you have been told to “enjoy college” because it will be the “best years of your life,” as if it’s all downhill from here. To me, graduating is just the beginning of the best years of your life; there is so much greatness awaiting you all.
While I’ve only been here for two years and I don’t know many of you seniors personally, I can’t help but be beyond proud of all of you. Graduating college is a remarkable accomplishment, and I cannot wait to see you walk across the stage, collect your well-deserved diploma and embark on the journeys awaiting you beyond Clemson.
The Tiger celebrates the graduating class of 2025 with this commencement issue, especially our seniors here at The Tiger, who have all made an unforgettable impact on Clemson in their own unique ways.
As you turn your rings outward, collect your diplomas and head into this next part of your lives, please remember that you always have a home — and a family — here at Clemson.
Kat Pugh is a sophomore English major from Clayton, California. Kat can be reached at [email protected].
