Many seniors at Southern Nazarene University are finding themselves in a unique transition as their last year begins. The finish line is in sight, but so is the reality of leaving behind familiar routines, close friendships, and the campus that has felt like home for the last four years. Graduation is an exciting milestone, but it is also a reminder that life is about to look completely different.
For recent graduates Ryleigh Rushing and Natalie Nolen, looking back on this transition brings a mixture of emotions, along with gratitude for the ways SNU has helped prepare them for adulthood.
Rushing, a vocal music education major, described graduation as overwhelming in the best and hardest ways. “It’s a combination of so many feelings,” she exclaimed. “There’s a lot of excitement and anticipation, but also sadness about closing this chapter. I will miss the people I’ve spent my life with for these last four years!”
Nolen, a sports business major, shared similar feelings. “Bittersweet for sure,” she said. “I have absolutely loved my time here at SNU, as it has been such a blessing to call it my home these last four years. The community here is going to be so hard to leave, but it also has helped me grow so much.”
Both alumni emphasize that SNU’s community is one of the most meaningful parts of the college experience. While academics have prepared them for careers, the relationships and spiritual growth they have experienced on campus have helped shape them into confident adults.
After graduation, Rushing stepped directly into her career. She accepted a job as the new music teacher at Forgan Public Schools in the Oklahoma panhandle. While the opportunity was not what she expected, she believed God’s hand was in it. “It’s a small town, and it’s so different from what I had ever expected; there was something so special about it, and I really think it was God that opened the door,” she explained.
Nolen’s post-graduation plans included continuing her education while staying involved in the sports world. “I plan on attending graduate school while also working in sports,” she stated.
While their career paths look different, both women explained that SNU has helped prepare them to handle the challenges that come with stepping into the unknown.
Rushing shared that student teaching helped her gain confidence in new environments, but she also focused on her spiritual foundation. “In the last season, student teaching prepared me to be in a new environment,” she added. “I really made an effort to reinvest in friendships and dive into the word. I really want to be rooted when I walk out into the world.”
Nolen also reflected on how SNU has strengthened her discipline and faith. “SNU prepared me with a lot of discipline spiritually; I will continue to put my plans and worries at the feet of the Lord, just like SNU taught me,” she said. “The tools I learned help prepare me for life after college by giving me more confidence and discipline with everything I do.”
Both alumni offered advice they wish they could have given their younger selves entering adulthood. Nolen encouraged students to get involved and take advantage of every opportunity. “Do everything! Say yes to the plans,” she exclaimed. “Do not be afraid to get involved, it will be so worth it in the end. It will help build leadership, confidence, time management, discipline, etc. You will have a blast!”
Rushing’s advice was centered on slowing down and trusting God’s timing. “Enjoy the time you have. Don’t rush this season,” she said. “The future will come and God’s timing is right.”
When it comes to the future, both alumni emphasized trust. Nolen shared some of the best advice she has received: “Do not compare your plans to anyone else’s.” She added, “Everyone’s plans in life, and especially post graduation look different, so don’t let that discourage you.”
Rushing echoed that same message through the lens of faith: “Someone told me that when people ask me what I’m doing with my life, the best thing to say is that I’m trusting God.”
As graduation draws near, students like Rushing and Nolen serve as reminders that SNU is not only preparing students for a career, but for a life of purpose, leadership and faith beyond college.
Photo by: SNU Creative