By Malika Burieva
Editor’s Note: The Delphian has an annual tradition of publishing first-person essays by senior staff members so they can talk about what their experiences were like leading the school newspaper, as well as their time as Adelphi students. Here the recent social media editor shares her thoughts.
As my last three and a half years come to an end, it’s time to say goodbye and say thank you to Adelphi University for making my college experience so impactful. I’m an early December graduate of Adelphi, and I could not be more excited to start my life post-grad. I’m a communications major (journalism and public relations concentration) and graphic design minor.
I began writing for The Delphian as a sophomore in my spring semester, and since then I became social media editor. I felt confident in my ability to write after being recruited, and that year, I wrote a piece about the month of Ramadan coming to an end, welcoming Eid. I was so proud to see my first article published in an official newspaper that I took five copies for my friends and family. My mother was a journalist in her home country of Uzbekistan before immigrating to America with my father. She was as proud as ever knowing I was writing for my college newspaper.
I’m a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts, and it feels like a relief to share that. I received my degree in the mail earlier this month, close to my 22nd birthday, and it’s been a celebration since then. I come from a family of overachievers, so I always had to be the best of the best to make my family proud. I was on the dean's list; a member of the Levermore Global Scholars Program; vice president of Asian Students Intercultural Alliance; participant of the Bhisé Global Learning Experience India Study Abroad Tour; finalist for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Award to Uzbekistan; member of the National Communication Honor Society: Lambda Pi Eta, Zeta Beta Chapter; social media strategist and ambassador for University Communications & Marketing; and had my short film “Bilingual” selected for second place in the Student Fall Film Festival. I was burnt out by my senior year, but my family could not be more proud of me.
Since graduating, I feel as though all of my hard work has finally paid off. But, there comes getting a job, which is always a struggle for a fresh-out-of-college graduate. It’s almost like a ticking time bomb. Thankfully, not long after finishing my classes and receiving my degree, I got a job as a freelance journalist for the Long Island Press and content creator intern with NoGood, a marketing agency. The scary part is over.
However, I can’t help but miss my college days. Now, I feel like I’m growing up too fast. But it’s part of life, and it needs to happen! I hope to see my peers as I walk the stage this May during commencement. To anyone who has graduated this December, like myself, or graduating this May, I wish you luck. Don’t feel rushed or stressed. You’re doing great, and I have faith in you. You’re so close to the finish line. Good luck, Panthers!