Fourth-years describe the evolution of their friendships with graduation right around the corner
By GRACIELA TIU — features@theaggie.org
As the end of spring quarter approaches, many fourth-year students are getting ready for graduation. Preparing to part from classmates, close friends and loved ones, the soon-to-be college graduates are reflecting on their changing relationships.
“I met a lot of my close friends during orientation and throughout freshman year,” Sara Pimenta, a fourth-year managerial economics major, said. “We’ve seen each other grow up and turn into the people we are today. We’ve helped each other through tough times and celebrations, and I look forward to continuing them through post-grad.”
Pimenta described how she expects that leaving college will shift the nature of some of her friendships.
“Not all college friendships will last beyond college,” Pimenta said. “However, the ones who mean the most to you definitely can. It’s important to check in on one another and have clear communication so no one feels like the friendship is one-sided.”
Jasmine Lam, a fourth-year managerial economics major, relayed how her friendships have evolved throughout her four years at Davis.
“Over time, some of those relationships deepened while others faded as we grew older and apart,” Lam said. “My closest friendships now are the ones that have withstood all the transitions, the midterms, drama, hardships, bonding moments and late-night talks. They’ve grown from convenience to true emotional support.”
Some students feel that nearing the end of their time together in college has changed their friendships already.
“Honestly, the core of my friendships hasn’t changed; We’re still just as close, but the focus has definitely shifted,” Lam said. “Now, it’s more about supporting each other through this huge transition. A lot of our conversations revolve around post-grad plans, goals and what we hope for in our careers. It feels like we’re growing together — just in a new direction.”
With a new stage of life comes impending challenges, and many graduating students are preparing to navigate how to maintain their relationships.
“To me, keeping up a post-grad friendship means being intentional,” Bush Ngo, a fourth-year biological sciences major, said. “It’s about checking in even when life gets busy and making the effort to stay present, even from afar.”
Even though post-graduate life and relationships may seem overwhelming, Ngo — as well as many fourth-years at UC Davis — feels that change can also be beneficial.
“I also remind myself that change is natural,” Ngo said. “Letting go doesn’t mean I’m losing the love or lessons those friendships [have] brought me.”
Written by: Graciela Tiu — features@theaggie.org
