Graduation and Future Plans

February 21th, 2024

After five and a half years, I've finally graduated! Three years at Truckee Meadows Community College and two and a half at the University of Nevada, Reno. I walked on December 9th, 2023, and only just got my diplomas in the mail (photos to the right). I think it still hasn't clicked in that my undergrad is completed, but the diploma help. I've gone out with quite the bang. I received the Westfall Scholar award for getting the highest GPA of all the graduating biology majors (photos below). I was interviewed for a Grad of the Pack article. I've been nominated for the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award for a second year, but still waiting for results. And, I will also be applying for the Henry Albert Senior Public Service that's due March first.

     In addition to the latter two awards, I am also awaiting results for the NSF GRFP. All of the uncertainty has me feeling quite stuck.  I've got to wait until "Early April" for the GRFP results. I've got two university spots for graduate school this fall, but they are all "on condition" that I get the GRFP. 

Until all the award results come out, I've got a few things planned. I've been relaxing, subbing, and trying to learn the alto saxophone. I'll be taking the PRAXIS PLT and Biology exams to get my teacher license. I've got trips planned to visit family during WCSD spring break and the UK planned for May. 

Nobody really talks about the post-graduation life. Everyone, including myself, says that school is so hard, while you are in it. However, from this perspective, school was a breeze. Everything was scheduled and predicable, I got feedback on everything I did, my friend group was prebuilt, and there was a determined end. However, now I'm here, without a set schedule, limited feedback (if any at all), a few friends with various schedules living in different states, and no determined end. 

Just trying to keep busy to keep my mind off the future for a little. I've got about a month and some until the GRFP results come out, and the other two awards should be announced around then too. Then I will have time to plan the future, whether I get any awards or not.