An arc of balloons greeted soon-to-be University of Idaho graduates during Gradfest Wednesday in the International Ballroom of the Bruce M. Pitman Center.
The almost-alumni picked up information about graduation, browsed class ring options and tried on their caps and gowns for the first time. A photographer took photos of students posing with caps and other props. The Career Center informed students about post-graduation options and the VandalStore sold diploma frames.
Senior Angelica Lopez said she is excited, not nervous, about graduating.
“I just want it to be over,” she said.
Diamond Koloski | Argonaut
Fall graduates purchase their caps and gowns during Gradfest at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the International Ballroom.
Lopez said she eventually plans on attending nursing school.
“For now, I’m going to look into social work,” she said. “Do something with my degree.”
Lopez will graduate with a sociology degree. She said her impatience to finish her college education began early.
“I started (senioritis) before school even started,” she said. “I missed one of my first classes. I was just like, ‘Nope.’ It’s a struggle, but it will (be worth it), hopefully.”
Senior Kaylee Kinser, on the other hand, is nervous. So is her friend, senior Emily Kernan.
“Having done school for so long, it’s kind of weird to think about doing anything else,” Kinser said.
Kernan said she is nervous about finding a job. She will finish with a degree in organizational science with a communications minor. Kinser is majoring in criminal sociology with a public relations minor. Though their majors differ, they agreed their dream job is any job.
The two are members of the Delta Zeta sorority, and said they had a good experience in Greek life.
Senior Ryan Spaniel said he is nervous, but relieved to be graduating. He appreciated his experience at the university after being turned down his first time applying.
“When I was a kid, I was going to junior college and had like a 1.9 GPA,” he said. “(UI) denied my entrance. After the first semester, they allowed me to come here and after the first semester I was off probation. Now I’ll be graduating with a 3.0.”
He said working full-time and attending night school wasn’t working for him. Spaniel took several years off, and said his degree is a testament to the importance of a break from school.
“I ran my own business for a while,” he said. “Then I decided to come back to school.”
Fall commencement is 12:30 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Kibbie Dome.
Tess Fox can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @tesstakesphotos