From first-year reset to final stretch

Collage by Easton Clark, Photo Editor

In the spring, Chapman’s campus feels familiar, but the feeling shifts depending on where students are in their college journey. 

For freshmen, the second semester represents a chance to reset, build new habits and finally immerse themselves in interests that time did not allow for in the fall. For seniors, however, the spring semester is a ticking clock, counting down the final weeks before commencement.

“Spring semester feels like a chance to do things differently,” Keegan DeMerell, a freshman public relations, advertising and entertainment marketing major said. “It’s the perfect time to reset your bad habits.”

The changing of semesters gives students the opportunity to reflect on their routines and make necessary changes. With fewer academic breaks than the fall, students often find more consistency in their schedules, allowing them to join clubs, participate in Greek life and focus more intentionally on major-related coursework. 

As a result, spring becomes a defining period for personal and academic growth.

DeMerell entered the spring with goals of becoming more involved in Dodge College. Eager to jumpstart his career and pursue his passions, DeMerell emphasized the importance of taking initiative early on. 

“I was able to get a job with Dodge, which has been such an amazing experience,” he said. “I learned so much by putting myself out there.”   

DeMerell hopes to stay involved this semester by acting in thesis films, managing social media accounts and networking within the industry.

“I think a lot of people are scared of doing things alone, but at the end of the day, you just have to do it,” DeMerell said. “It’s not a bad thing at all.”

Looking years ahead, DeMerell hopes to carry the same curiosity into his senior year. 

“Sometimes, people stop trying new things (their) senior year, but I want to continue to have that childlike wonder and explore all of my options,” he said.

Freshman Kelly Ciardullo, also a public relations, advertising and entertainment marketing major, feels more settled in her routine this semester. Her goals now focus on balancing academics with a growing social life and new commitments.

“I went through formal recruitment, so I was lucky enough to join a sorority. And I just started my own Chapman Radio show,” said Ciardullo. “I’m doing a lot more this semester, so I’m excited to finally do the things I’ve been planning on since I started college.”

Seniors, however, are entering a final chapter before taking on the professional world.

Kennedy Murphy, a senior strategic and corporate communication major, is approaching her last semester with greater intention and clarity than she had as a freshman.

“Freshman year, I was definitely all over the place with how I was approaching my coursework because I had nothing figured out yet,” said Murphy. “Everything felt very unorganized, I was skipping class and wasn’t taking attendance seriously, which is something I wouldn’t advise freshmen to do.” 

Now, Murphy says her priorities have shifted toward preparing for life after graduation. “I’m compiling my resume, polishing my LinkedIn, networking and putting myself out there career-wise,” she said. 

Murphy encourages underclassmen to be patient with themselves.

“I’m a second-semester senior and I still don’t know exactly what my future looks like, and that’s normal,” Murphy said. “We’re still so young. College is about finding what fulfills you and makes you happy.”

Despite being at opposite ends of their college journeys, both freshmen and seniors emphasize the importance of embracing the experience. 

“Make the most out of life,” Ciardullo said. “The seniors have made their mark on this campus already, and we will miss you so much.”

While the spring semester brings different pressures, it ultimately serves the same purpose: growth. Students just beginning college have new beginnings and independence to look forward to. For those nearing graduation, it reflects the lessons learned and the courage to step into what comes next. 

Though their mindsets may differ, both are navigating a season of change. Freshmen are just beginning the journey, and seniors are preparing to carry everything learned at Chapman beyond campus.