Don't leave JMU without...

Students suggest activities to do before graduation

Have an experience

Looking back on their academic careers at JMU, many students leave Harrisonburg without a complaint or list of things left undone. More and more students, however, are finding their college experiences consist mostly of time spent in the classroom or at parties. With roughly five weeks, until the end of the school year there are several things that students said others should do before graduation.

People have experiences every day, but there is a difference between experiencing mundane activities and stepping outside of one's comfort zone. Join a club or organization — anything from a religious or culturally based association to a post-graduate professional organization. Round out a resumé with volunteer work, a great internship or work experience within school. While such experiences will look great to employers, the personal benefits gained from any of these activities will far outweigh type on a resumé. "Not everyone leaves a mark that will be remembered for years to come in everyone's minds," said senior Hallie Boisseau. "But, the mark that each person leaves within their friendships will continue on after graduation."

Leave campus

Looking back on their academic careers at JMU, many students leave Harrisonburg without a complaint or list of things left undone. More and more students, however, are finding their college experiences consist mostly of time spent in the classroom or at parties. With roughly five weeks, until the end of the school year there are several things that students said others should do before graduation.

People have experiences every day, but there is a difference between experiencing mundane activities and stepping outside of one's comfort zone. Join a club or organization — anything from a religious or culturally based association to a post-graduate professional organization. Round out a resumé with volunteer work, a great internship or work experience within school. While such experiences will look great to employers, the personal benefits gained from any of these activities will far outweigh type on a resumé. "Not everyone leaves a mark that will be remembered for years to come in everyone's minds," said senior Hallie Boisseau. "But, the mark that each person leaves within their friendships will continue on after graduation."

Shop around

Looking back on their academic careers at JMU, many students leave Harrisonburg without a complaint or list of things left undone. More and more students, however, are finding their college experiences consist mostly of time spent in the classroom or at parties. With roughly five weeks, until the end of the school year there are several things that students said others should do before graduation.

People have experiences every day, but there is a difference between experiencing mundane activities and stepping outside of one's comfort zone. Join a club or organization — anything from a religious or culturally based association to a post-graduate professional organization. Round out a resumé with volunteer work, a great internship or work experience within school. While such experiences will look great to employers, the personal benefits gained from any of these activities will far outweigh type on a resumé. "Not everyone leaves a mark that will be remembered for years to come in everyone's minds," said senior Hallie Boisseau. "But, the mark that each person leaves within their friendships will continue on after graduation."

Get to know your surroundings

There are many perks to being a student both on campus and in Harrisonburg. For example, who knew students can rent recently released DVDs from Carrier Library free of charge? Students don't seem to know about these opportunities and often miss out on enjoying them. Carrigan suggests students take advantage of local fare. "Mexi-night at the Little Grille is a great experience for anyone," he said. Josh Richardson ('02) agreed, and said, "Go see a show at The Little Grille, ‘cause' it's the only place around here to catch a truly enjoyable show, and the atmosphere rocks."

Though students may think they know JMU like the backs of their hands, there probably are fun facts about Harrisonburg and campus that even after four years of college here, one might not know. Therefore, Marissa Vitolo recommended to take the JMU tour. Tour times are available by calling Sonner Hall. While on the tour, student ambassadors tell much of JMU's history — and are full of knowledge about where you've opted to obtain your education and great random trivia if ever on "Jeopardy." Thomas said to eat at each on-campus dining location again at least once before graduating, since many haven't eaten there since the beginning of their college careers. Richardson recommended that students, "Stay with one of JMU's oldest traditions and kiss someone at the kissing rock on the Quad."

Form meaningful relationships

"College is a time of self-discovery" — how many times has any student heard that? Many students said the friends one makes in college can have an impact on the kind of people he or she becomes and what he or she chooses to do with their life, both personally and professionally. "Don't keep the same roommates all the way through college," Futrell said.

Boisseau said, "If you have roommate problems, live it up and laugh through it, even when problems arise. Your roommates become your family at JMU." She added that it is important to always talk about your problems, no matter how little they are.

Many students take their time at JMU as an opportunity to establish traditions. "Every Thursday night, my friends and I go to El Charro for their specials," senior J.J. Garofalo said. "We know that's our night to get together and enjoy ourselves." Experiencing favorite college pastimes before leaving also are necessary. Melissa Inks ('03) said, "Before you graduate, do everything you know you are going to miss about going to JMU, whether it's [Buffalo Wild Wings]'s chicken wings or frequenting certain bars."

Participate in graduation activities

Anyone can get their diploma mailed home after the end of classes, Futrell said, but college students only have one opportunity to put on the traditional mortarboard cap and long black gown to listen to an inspiring public figure and pose for pictures with their friends and family. "My friends always tell me I won't make it to my own funeral, since I'm always late for everything," he said. "I'm going to make it to graduation because I know [my family and friends have] waited a long time to see me walk."

This is a one-shot deal to celebrate the culmination of what everyone works so hard for during their time at JMU. Don't fight your parents on it, just go to graduation. Garofalo said above all to remember, "When graduating, go out with an open mind and don't forget about the school that showed you the way."