Yesterday was graduation day at IUP

Yesterday was graduation day at Indiana University of Pennsylvania—a day I had always pictured myself walking across the stage with my peers as we all anxiously and cautiously moved toward the next stage of our lives.

Instead, I graduated early in December 2024. It was the right move, and I remain thankful for the opportunities it opened—but being back on campus stirred up a lot of feelings. I was so proud to celebrate the Class of 2025, but there was a part of me that still felt connected to that moment, too.

I missed the IUP community more than I expected. It’s a place that left a mark on me—full of friendships, mentors, late nights, meaningful conversations, and memories I’ll carry for life. While I’ve found a new rhythm in my Redbank Valley community, IUP will always be part of who I am. Thank you to every friend, professor, and mentor who helped shape my time there. You made it special!

To everyone who graduated yesterday: I’m proud of you! Get out there and change the world.

And to anyone else figuring out their own way—know that there’s no one right path. We all arrive on our own timeline. The important part is that we keep moving forward, with courage.

IUP, thank you for four years of fun, learning, friendships, and new experiences. I’m ready to fully close this chapter of my life and move on to the next. Here’s to the next 150 years of IUP!