The Last Word

As the class of 2005 prepares for commencement, several Carnegie Mellon seniors reflected on their most cherished memories, as well as where and how they will put their degrees into practice.

The most important thing I learned at Carnegie Mellon...

"Nothing in life happens in isolation; the more well rounded you are in your experiences and knowledge, the more successful you will be in any professional or personal arena."
—Erin Weber, Communication Design and Psychology (CFA & H&SS)

"The value of diversity. The opportunity to meet some of the most brilliant minds from around the world involved in a variety of disciplines is unparalleled."
—Lela Gibson, German Studies and International Relations (H&SS)

"That you can achieve depth in a field of study or an activity, but that the richness of a broad experience is unlimited. Carnegie Mellon creates such a diverse and plentiful world for its students that you can't help but want to take a bit from every part."
—Kristina Wiltsee, Chemistry and International Relations (MCS)

"To have courage and strength in my convictions, and to have the confidence in myself to know that I can do anything. From both a personal development and academic standpoint, I feel like I have been given the tools to do anything I chose. The sky is the limit, and I fully intend to make my mark."
—Samantha Bushman, Psychology (H&SS)

"Work hard, work passionately, and work in groups because someone will teach you what you didn't learn in class!"
—Derek Li, Business Administration (Tepper)

My lasting memory of Carnegie Mellon...

"Spring days with music playing and what seems to be the entire school on the Cut and the mall playing Frisbee, reading poetry and just takin' a nap under a tree."
—Sinduja Srinivasan, Biological Sciences (MCS) and Economics (H&SS)

"Traditions like Booth, Buggy, the Fence and the Kiltie Band. We do things differently here and it shows in our interests and our spirit. Our hearts are truly in our work."
—Nancy Adler, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering & Public Policy (CIT)

"The ability to cross campus and cross paths with actual robots"
—Erik Martin, Computer Science (SCS)

"Carnegie Mellon is a place of diverse talents and dedicated individuals. I have been amazed on a daily basis by the abilities and accomplishments of those around me. It has been a humbling, yet incredibly rewarding experience to be exposed to so many talented students and professors."
—Erin Weber, Communication Design and Psychology (CFA & H&SS)

"Staying up all night in the studio interacting with students and professors, or attending a lecture from a famous historian or public figure that I could not have seen anywhere else."
—Jennifer Murray, Art (CFA) and Social & Cultural History (H&SS)

After graduation...

"Hardest decision I had to make...because I couldn't choose between nine job offers in completely different fields. I had the opportunity to go into careers from consulting to insurance. Carnegie Mellon gave me the opportunity to interview with so many places...Newsweek rated Carnegie Mellon University as "the hottest place to get a job from." I didn't believe it until I saw every single one of my friends employed by the end of the year."
—Adeem Fenster, Decision Science Major (H&SS)

"Working at Procter and Gamble...and remaining active in the Carnegie Mellon community by helping recruit CMU students and participating in Alumni events."
—Allison Lin, Business Administration (Tepper) and Psychology (H&SS)

"Working in India for a year then going to graduate school for economics."
—Sinduja Srinivasan, Biology and Economics Major

"Becoming a graphic designer in the NYC or Washington D.C. areas. I would like to work on logo and identity design."
—Erin Weber, Bachelor of the Humanities and the Arts Interdisciplinary Program, Communication Design and Psychology Concentrations

"I plan on working for Ford Motor Company as a Chassis Engineer in their three-year rotation program. I also plan to get my masters starting next fall as a part-time student."
—Nancy Adler, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering & Public Policy

"Attending Georgetown's School of Foreign Service."
—Lela Gibson, German Studies and International Relations (H&SS)

"After graduation I'm planning on remaining in Pittsburgh...and creating more art in hopes of showing in local galleries in Pittsburgh."
—Emilee Kohan, Fine Art, Sculpture Sitework and Installation Concentration (CFA)

If I could attend Carnegie Mellon all over again...

"I wouldn't change a thing. It's a cliche, but so true at a school like this...where there are so many opportunities. It's difficult for a diverse group to find their version of 'home' at university, but Carnegie Mellon got me calling it 'home' during my second week freshman year."
—Christl Kagiyama, Biological Sciences (MCS)

"Take more classes, even audits, just to listen and learn as much as I can. So many of the classes are structured around discussion that great insights can be made in an afternoon."
—Jennifer Murray, Art (CFA) and Social & Cultural History (H&SS)

"Do so in a heartbeat. I feel like it is the best, most important, and well made decision that I have made for myself thus far."
—Samantha Bushman, Psychology (H&SS)

What I'll miss the most about Carnegie Mellon...

"The people. The friends I have made here are amazingly supportive and add immeasurable joy to my life. The lessons I have learned from my passionate professors and the talented staff members I have worked with throughout my career, will stay with me for years to come."
—Erin Weber, Bachelor of the Humanities and the Arts Interdisciplinary Program, Communication Design and Psychology Concentrations

"The professors. They go out of their way to really care about their students."
—Lela Gibson, German Studies and International Relations (H&SS)

"The people. After four years of working with the students, faculty, and staff on various projects, I realize that we are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. I will always cherish the many friendships I've made and the memories of late nights working hard or hardly working."
—Derek Li, Business Administration (Tepper)