More recent graduates, such as Donovan Nichols, who graduated in May 2004 with a degree in communication and a minor in math, find the transition more difficult and surreal.
"I feel weird when I go out drinking with my buddies that are still students," Nichols said. "It's really hard when you become a staff member … I can't tell people I'm not allowed to be friends with them anymore - you can't cut those ties."
Nichols took a position as AmeriCorps*VISTA Campus and Community Collaboration Leader and is completing work on his master's degree in higher education.
He admits this complicated role as employee, student and graduate "adds a little bit of a twist," but he added, "I enjoy being a grad student at the same time as working here; it keeps me related to what's going on."
There were several factors that drew Nichols to his position at UT, the first of which was his experience as an undergrad.
As a result of his involvement in the university as Student Government president, a student member of the board of trustees, member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and director of Dance Marathon, Nichols said, "I have a lot of connections and a lot of ties … I really enjoy the culture."
Those of you who went to Texas and Tennessee may be mildly amused to see the hubris of "Toledo" using the "UT" identifier. The nerve!
Diploma to paycheck - News (subscr)
