In contrast with the 1,355 Nights event the first night of Freshman Move-In day, 100 Nights marks one of the final events for Keene State College seniors. In honor of those students and the event that distinguishes their final 100 nights as KSC undergrad pupils, several students reflected on past experiences and life going forward to and beyond graduation.
KSC senior Jeff Bradley talked about the logistics. Bradley said he wants to, “Close everything out, I want to get everything in fruition. All the work I have done with restorative practices with my internships. And now, I have a new internship with the City Hall. So I am hoping to make some connections there…and try to balance my classes and be an R.A. and work at ACA [Academic Career Advising].”
According to seniors, the focus remains on one huge event: graduation. Senior Kristin Carlson described her goal for this semester as, “Pass and then graduate.” Carlson already finished her major and just needs to complete her minor, she said.
“Then, I am done and good and hopefully I get a job after,” Carlson added.
Senior Hannah Gawrys reflected with similar themes in mind.
Gawrys said her top priority is to graduate and grab a diploma.
Michelle Lefebvre / Equinox Staff
“Finding a job is also one of my priorities. Probably just try to experience it and have the most fun since it is the last semester—just try to go out with a bang,” Gawrys said.
Before life gets too practical, some seniors still focus on enjoying their time at KSC. Bradley spoke about how fast time has flown by.
“I have gotten so nostalgic this past month. Looking back on freshman year and thinking about when I was moving in—it was terrifying. But, it is funny, because freshman year you don’t take it seriously—you have no idea what you are doing until halfway through sophomore year—and then everything just flies. It’s crazy, but it’s fun.”
He continued and said that he will miss the familiar faces and places, as well as all of these things some KSC students may sometimes take for granted.
“My favorite part about Keene is the community. It’s just so small and family-oriented almost. I am going to miss walking down Appian Way and seeing everyone—and the DC.”
“I know when I graduate I am going to miss having all of that food. Also, just all the people and all of the familiar faces…I feel like at other schools it’s just not like that,” Bradley added.
Gawrys also said she will miss the college lifestyle and, “Being able to just go and be with your friends and live with your friends. It’s just that atmosphere—I mean, I love Keene.”
“I am involved too, so I am just going to miss all of that, going to spring events, doing events and just planning events in general is what I am going to miss a lot… instead of doing the nine to five [p.m.] work every day,” Gawrys continued.
While seniors shared general nostalgic thoughts like missing the DC and enjoying the small community the city of Keene offers all KSC students, these seniors offered more specific memories and thoughts as they begin to anticipate the upcoming graduation.
Gawrys recounted the KSC men’s basketball game where the KSC Owls snatched a victory against the number one ranked Middlebury team in 2012.
“My favorite game was when we played Middlebury and it was so tight and I lost my voice during the game. Best game ever—the atmosphere—everyone was so into it and we won by a point and it was crazy. I will never forget that,” she said.
Gawrys also said, “As for best memories…probably hanging out in the office, hanging out with my friends and just having fun and not caring and being silly.”
Carlson similarly reflected, sharing embarrassing stories of the fun she had during her sophomore year living with roommates.
Carlson also remembered how, “One year I did a summer semester and my professor got a CD stuck in one of the computer towers…They never got it out,” she explained.
But as the day begins its approach, and excitement creeps in, seniors expressed that they have also grown sad and share feelings of anxiety.
Gawrys explained how her fellow classmates are handling the upcoming transition.
“People are either really sad or really happy. I personally am in the middle. But people are crying about this being the last semester and you see the Facebook posts about ‘last first day ever.’”
“I just want it to go slow, which I know it’s not going to,” she said.
Carlson said, “We did it. Four years gone by and let’s just say there was a lot of partying, a lot of studying and somehow we all made it.”
Nicole Carrobis can be contacted at nicole.carrobis@ksc.keene.edu