Diverse futures ahead for grads

   For graduating senior Kayla Rutledge, a lifelong dream will come true when she receives her undergraduate degree next Saturday.

   “I was contacted by National Geographic and told that I would be able to start an internship studying wolves in the Midwest,” the photojournalism major said. “I have never wanted anything more!”

   As the final days of this spring semester pass by, many graduating seniors like Rutledge are ready to break away and dive into their specific fields of interest.

   Zack Cooper, majoring in biology with an emphasis in oral health, already has potential jobs lined up.

   “I have interviews set up at a few orthodontic centers around Hattiesburg and am just hopeful I hear some good news soon,” Cooper said.

   Anna Dufour, a senior sports medicine major, is looking forward to continuing her education.

   “This fall I hope to work at Forrest General [Hospital] and then start the nursing program in Jackson,” she said.

   Fellow senior LeeAnna Callon also intends to continue schooling.

   “In the fall, I am planning to start at the University of Colorado to get my master’s in English,” she said. “My dream goal is to become a freelance writer for an independent music magazine.”

   John Wesley Leek, a senior religion major, is looking forward to moving to Kentucky for more school.

   “In August, I begin theological seminary at Kentucky Seminary School,” he said, “and could not be more excited.”

   Some 2009 graduates intend to use their education to teach others.

   Hope Stanford, a speech pathology major, has always wanted to be a teacher.

   “Growing up, teaching for deaf or blind students has always been on my heart,” she said, “and I am excited at the possibility of finally beginning that journey.”

   Brandon Knight, a speech communication major, hopes the demand for some kinds of teachers will increase to better his chances at securing employment.

   “I’ve heard lately that specialized teachers, like speech, are not in high demand right now, but maybe that will change by the fall,” he said.

   But some soon-to-be graduates still don’t have a clear next step to follow when the semester ends. John Bianchini, a senior majoring in political science, has not set any short-term goals.

   “I actually haven’t decided what I will do when I graduate,” he said, ‘but I’m hoping my parents don’t mind if I move back in for a bit while I figure it out.”