May 10, 2012 | Julie Bruhn '12 (CLAS)

One Student. One Story. New Chapter

As one chapter ends in the stories of this year's seniors and a new chapter begins, a newly minted graduate takes a look at what UConn has meant to the Class of 2012.

Melanie Cunha '12 (CLAS) wears a decorated cap before the early afternoon College of Liberal Arts and Sciences commencement ceremony held at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on May 6, 2012. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

Melanie Cunha '12 (CLAS) wears a decorated cap before the early afternoon College of Liberal Arts and Sciences commencement ceremony held at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on May 6, 2012. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

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It’s finally here. We’re finally here. We are now college graduates, UConn alumni. After all the hours studied, exams taken, and papers written, our hard work has finally paid off. For some of us, this is the end of our academic career. For all of us, this is the beginning of a new chapter.

These four years went by so fast, yet I have grown so much. I’ve dreamed of being a UConn student since I was 10 years old, and now that dream has come and passed – and I couldn’t have imagined a better experience. The skills I’ve gained, lessons I’ve learned, and friends I’ve made have marked my college career and will continue to impact me for the rest of my life.

So thank you, professors, for teaching me how to make it in the professional world. Thank you , friends, for giving me the most fun four years I could ask for. And thank you, UConn, for exceeding my expectations and allowing me to discover who I really am.

Congratulations to the Class of 2012 – we made it!

For individual video profiles of these and other students by Julie Bruhn ’12 (CLAS), click here.