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May 8, 2012

Shining bright: IU Southeast graduates ready to move forward in life

By JEROD CLAPP jerod.clapp@newsandtribune.com

NEW ALBANY — The threat of rain moved commencement indoors, but it didn’t keep scores of families from watching their graduates get their degrees from Indiana University Southeast on Monday.

For the first time in 11 years, the commencement ceremony was moved inside. The Activities Building — which was filled to capacity with overflow seating in Hillside Hall on campus — had more than 1,000 students scheduled to walk the stage between two ceremonies at noon and 4 p.m.

Jardin Smith, a 26 year old getting his bachelor’s in general studies, said earning his degree meant a lot to him as the first college graduate on his mother’s side of the family.

“It means everything,” Smith said. “I always pushed myself to follow through because of my mom, so I wanted to continue to pursue this career.”

Smith said he’s applied to jobs related to human resources all over the country and hopes to find something out of state.

But while students like him are looking for a first career, others got their degrees to push forward the career they already have.

Brian Mains said his 34-year-old wife, Crystal, looked to give herself more opportunities at Humana, a company where she’s already employed.

“It was a big challenge for her going back to school and finishing,” Brian said. “I know it’s very rewarding for her. Now, it’s really opened up a bunch of doors for her that she really didn’t see.”

Donna Burke was at the ceremony to watch her son, Justin, graduate. She said his future was a little uncertain when he was 10 because doctors found a tumor in his brain. Now, he’s earned his bachelor’s in general studies. Donna said though the job market is tough, she has confidence in her son.

“With the economy the way it is, I’m skeptical,” Donna said. “But I’m very proud of him. I think it might be hard for him to find a job right now, but this is quite an accomplishment.”

Ariel LaGrange, a new mother who earned her degree this year, said she’s glad she’s finished with school. She said though there are more challenges ahead of her, she’s got a good support network.

“I’ve been given a taste of the real world,” LaGrange said. “It’s harder than I thought, but my family is amazing, so that’s how I handle it.”

Smith said he knows earning a degree was just the first step of his new career, but he’s optimistic about the life ahead of him.

“I don’t know what to expect or what’s going to happen in the future, I’m just hoping for the best,” Smith said. “I’m just excited, I’m ready to get this show on the road.”

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