These Graduating Seniors Transformed in their Time at CMU

During this time of the year, once again, we see high school students on the infamous Central Michigan University college tour. Often, we reminisce when we went on the tour – how amazed we were by all the Student Activity Center had to offer and wondering what happened to our flying C drawstring bags.

Now, for us seniors graduating on May 7, this remembrance becomes all the more sentimental.

We have spent at least four years on this campus. We have come to know that there is not a tangible Chippewa mascot or design, but that doesn’t stop us from yelling in praise “Fire Up Chips!”

We drove down Main Street, pointing out different houses we stumbled into freshman year (none of which we actually knew who the real owners were). We have used the railroad track as a guide back and forth from the residence halls to the house parties, more times than we would like to admit.

Once we finally hit the elusive 21st birthday, we knew exactly which bar to go to according to the night. Yes, O’Kelly’s pints are on Tuesday nights, The Cabin is for Wednesday night and we all know Thursday is meant for downtown happy hour deals at The Bird Bar and Grill.

We have found professors to confide in more than some of us do with our own parents. We have met lifelong friends, and are already looking forward to future reunions. And most importantly we discovered which career path is most fitting for us. Through all the University Prerequisites and changing of our majors, we have decided on a Bachelor and Masters degree that we will walk across stage and proudly receive.

So now as we see potential incoming freshmen on campus tours, we remember just how far we’ve come over the years at CMU. And, we think about just how much we’ve matured and grown since our freshmen year.

Graduating seniors realize the growth as they have lived through it, and now can share it.

Here are what five seniors have to say on their transformation.

Lindsey Caverly, Bay City senior

Communication Disorders major, Child Development minor

What would you tell your freshman self now?

“Enjoy yourself and your time in college. Be as involved as you can be on campus and actually talk to people in classes. Don’t be afraid to go after your goals in life, and don’t get too stressed out about what your future holds. Not everything is going to go your way, but as long as you have a positive attitude and do your best, everything will fall into place.”

How have you grown over your years at CMU?

 “I’ve learned a lot of valuable life lessons throughout college. Especially studying in a field that focuses on individuals with disorders and disabilities. Working closely with individuals with dementia has helped me learn a lot about others and myself. I have made strong connections with people I never imagined that I would become friends with and have realized the range of challenges others face. It’s taught me compassion and just how far relationships can impact your life.”

If you could give one piece of advice to students, what would it be? 

“The best advice I received as a CMU student came from a professor that has helped me get through these past four years – ‘Fake it ’till you make it.’ We are all learning as we go. You can plan your whole day, week or life out, but people and things will always change. Trust your gut and hope for the best, it sounds cliché but everything really does happen for a reason.”

Mason Flick, Jackson graduate student

Broadcast and Cinematic Arts Graduate Assistant

What would you tell your freshman self now? 

“Don’t stress out about anything, too much. College is a time to take risks, have fun and figure out what you want to do with your life. As overwhelming as the balancing act of college life can be, no test, quiz or final exam should take away from the fabulous experience of being an independent college student. Stay focused, have fun and make friends. These are the people you will stay close friends with for the rest of your life.”

How have you grown over your years at CMU?

“A lot can happen in six years! As a freshman, I more than anything else was trying to prove myself. I wanted everybody to know who Mason Flick was and why I belong. That was a big focus for me. Now, as a second year graduate student, I’m starting to look toward the future a lot more. Instead of worrying about what people think about me, I’m planning out my future and figuring out how my present actions will impact where I end up down the road. Some people may call it maturity, but I just call it growing up.”

If you could give one piece of advice to students, what would it be? 

“Do your work! If you don’t pass your classes, you can’t enjoy the rest of what college life has to offer. Keep up with your homework, and everything else will fall in place for you.”

Brian Nakoneczny, Livonia senior

Marketing and Logistics Management major, Information Systems minor

 What would you tell your freshman self now? 

“’Self, you have to get more involved!’ When I first started here, I had a few people I met in classes or next door to where I lived, but the fun came when I started getting involved on campus.  I wish I would have been involved earlier too, it’s allowed me to learn more about the majors I was interested in.  Joining several RSOs here also helped me meet more people who had similar interests, some who have turned into great friends that I’ll stay in touch for years to come, and possibly end up working with in the future. Also, to keep an eye on my grades, it’s a lot easier to start off strong academically than to start in a hole and try to dig your way out sophomore or junior year. And, find a mentor …or two, whether they be older students, faculty or otherwise, having someone to bounce ideas off of or to hold you accountable for goals would have really helped with all the classes, projects and teams I was on. In my senior year I had a few mentors who I would do just that with. Sometimes just a 10-minute conversation could help me make a decision.” 

How have you grown over your years at CMU?

 “I’ve grown in quite a few ways in the two short years I’ve been here, but the biggest are through leadership and my comfort zones. I spent four years in the Marines before this, and the leadership skills you learn there are not as easily translated to the civilian world. In the military you could be a leader on a team, give out assignments and tasks would be completed because that is what they are paid to do and it’s enforced through military law. But in college, I was no longer a sergeant in charge of troops who had to obey lawful orders. Instead I was a team leader or a team member and needed to find other ways to motivate my peers. It was difficult at first to be in an environment sometimes when top priority was not the current group project, but it pushed me outside my comfort zone – forcing me to find other ways to motivate the team. I grew as a leader who can now resolve conflicts, combine ideas and encourage people even as pressure grows. I learned that comfort zones are wonderful places, but nothing grows there.  It sounds cheesy I know, but I got involved on campus to push me outside of my comfort zones to help me stand out when I was looking for a job and to help with personal development. Social skills haven’t always been my strong point, but one of the things that helped me a lot were the RSOs I joined. I became a member of Alpha Kappa Psi my first semester here and that helped me get to know people on campus and start to develop my personal and professional network. I can’t count how many times I have talked to other members and our alumni about classes, internships, careers, interviews, traveling, reading, etc., you name it. And I have probably talked to one of my brothers about it, which really helped me to break out of this rough-cut, 100 percent professionalism all the time mindset I developed from my time in the military and in construction. People used to think I was somewhat unapproachable at first, but now, as I get ready to leave CMU I find myself actively involved with younger students answering questions and helping out where I can.”

If you could give one piece of advice to students, what would it be?

“Ask questions. Don’t question everything, but make sure you’re asking questions. A lot of students have a hard time picking a major, and find themselves pulled several different ways by job titles, salaries, benefits, travel opportunities, values and more. Asking questions of other students, faculty, recruiters and alumni can help you pick a major or an industry you may have not previously known about. For example, if you love volunteering, but think pursuing a business degree would prevent you from following that dream, you may be surprised to find that there are positions in finance, accounting or even logistics at non-profit organizations. One of the best questions I ever asked was to a business professor here, Dr. Cook, about what made him pick logistics as a career. This led to a smile, a 30-minute conversation and ultimately me coming to CMU and pursuing the same degree. Fire up Chips.”

Chelsea Mazzetti, Royal Oak senior

Broadcast and Cinematic Arts major, Business Management minor

What would you tell your freshman self now? 

“Have fun and be independent! I think we as freshmen are thrown into this crazy place where we are forced to be by ourselves. Whether it’s doing your own laundry, feeding yourself, getting up for class by yourself, etc., it can get extremely overwhelming, considering we have all been living with our parents for the past 18 years. Take that as an opportunity to grow and become the person YOU want to be. Have fun because your first year is the time to discover everything about college –roommates, friends, co-curriculars, classes and parties. When I was a freshman I was so concerned about what people thought about me. I wanted to come off a certain way to the people in my hall and in my classes, but the truth is, no one really cares. Everyone is trying to figure out what the heck they are doing as well. I think you quickly realize how different college is from high school. You can literally be anyone you want to be and do anything you want to do. On that note, don’t be afraid to switch your major. I thought coming in, I had to have this set plan and that was what I was going to do. I ended up taking one class and completely switching. I would also tell my freshman self to spend her flex dollars wisely.”

How have you grown over your years at CMU?

“When I came into freshman year, I had this fantasy in my mind about how college would be. I was excited for the parties, the drinking and the boys. You come to realize there is so much more to college than those things. I have become extremely independent these past four years and I am the person I want to be. You can literally be anyone you want to be in college and there are so many opportunities to grow personally and professionally. I started my freshman year as a crazy partier, to my sophomore year tied down to a boyfriend, to my junior year struggling with a breakup and trying to keep up with my schoolwork and now to my senior year where I’ve grown into a strong independent woman. I have made great connections and friends that I will cherish forever.”

If you could give one piece of advice to students, what would it be? 

“Get involved – this seriously sounds so cliché, but it is true. Becoming a part of a community is the most amazing experience and it’s where you will make the most memories. I never got into Greek life, but I did join a crossfit gym for three years while in school. And the people there have changed my life in the best way possible. Whatever it may be, just find something you like and run with it. Also, DO YOUR HOMEWORK! I know it sucks and I know there is other things you would rather be doing, but after all you are in college for a reason: to get a degree. So, show up to class and turn your assignments in on time. It’s really not that hard. And, reach out to your professors. When a professor says, “come to my office hours” they really mean it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried and made connections with my professors, and it’s worked in my favor. I have brought a paper in early for their advice and ended up leaving with an A just because of my ambition and I was the ONLY one who came to their office hours. Take advantage of these opportunities and people who are willing to help you. Their knowledge is priceless.”

Chuck Mahone, Detroit senior

Outgoing Student Government Association President

Political Science and Communications majors

What would you tell your freshman self now?

 “I would tell him that his first semester is the most important because that’s when you take the training wheels off (academically speaking). And no matter how well he does for the rest of his time here at Central, that first semester can either hold you back immensely or be the perfect kickoff point.”

How have you grown over your years at CMU?

 “For me, growth can be measured by the ways I’ve been able to touch others on this campus. Throughout my time as a Multicultural Advisor, Resident Assistant and two-year Student Government President, I have been able to help people in different ways. Even if it was something simple, but made their days easier. I appreciate those experiences and I

believe that it’s what has helped me grow most. From having the experience in different organizations and leadership roles, I have grown as a  leader. I have always been mature and set goals, and I have let those goal orientate my decision making throughout my collegiate experience.

 If you could give one piece of advice to students, what would it be? 

“Whenever I’m asked this, I always say ‘find what your passion is.’ Because if you can find what you’re passionate about and you can pour your energy into it, that’s where true happiness and positive change comes from. And, incoming freshmen ­– the toilet paper in the resident halls is really thin, wrap it up really thick before using.”

Congratulation graduates, you are now alumni. Do what you do best, and fire up forever.

Freshmen Year Photos Courtesy of Graduating Seniors 

Senior Year Photos by Adriana Cotero