Graduating in 2021; Putting it into Perspective
Senior year of college is a bittersweet, important, and transient time. During a global pandemic it seems these sentiments are even heavier than ever before.
Morgan Wright, 22, is a senior business marketing major at The University of Tampa. As she prepares for the next step in life, she reflects on the past year.
Wright graduates May 8, and has attended the university since 2017 and has been involved on campus all four years. Especially this final year.
“[The triumph in] fundraising throughout COVID, as a community we were still able to give back to as many communities as possible,” said Wright.
During this final semester Wright was able to help raise over $62 thousand dollars for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention during the schools Greek Week. Greek Week is a competition in which fraternities and sororities team up to raise money and compete in activities and a variety show.
Wright had been Delta Zeta’s Greek Variety Show captain for 3 years, without a win, until this year.
“I usually don’t cry but I sobbed so hard,” said Wright. “Our team and every team broke the records from past years in a pandemic.”
That wasn’t the only championship Wright took home however. Wright took the Spartan Scarlets to the National Dance Association Championship, winning first place in the Jazz Open Prelims and Final.
Although it was all very glamourous for the young woman, none of her highs came without some lows.
COVID-19 effecting a lot of students experiences, there were obstacles in getting to her final week of college.
“It surprised me how some people at the school didn’t grasp everyone’s situation,” said Wright. “It’s hard to communicate with a professor when they don’t understand.”
Wright had also been through housing trouble during the final semester, after her landlord found black mold in their apartment.
Forcing Wright to move out and find a new place in a week all while dealing with the stress of school work and preparing for Greek Week.
Having relied mostly on her parents for most of her life, she thinks that this final year and all her struggles have changed her for the better.
“I am more independent, “ said Wright. “My parents have accepted the fact that I am now an adult and I have grown up.”
The pandemic has been a catalyst for many people during and after quarantine to change and evolve. With 18% of the population losing weight and a resurgence of fitness centers across the country in the last few months.
For Wright she decided to take her health more seriously.
“I took up running and tapped more into my fitness and health,” said Wright. “What I’m putting into my body and getting out of it has become a new hobby for me.”
The dancer keeping herself in shape going into the future.
And as the next chapter in her life is fast approaching there is the question; What does she hope to take with her and what is next?
Leaving Florida is not in the cards for Morgan, a Virginia native, as she finds it hard leaving such a community.
“I feel like with the Super bowl Championship and the Lightning, it finally felt like we are all one.”
Wright’s passion for the city and its winnings have inspired her, has she plans to audition for the Buccaneers Cheerleaders this summer and is currently in the process.
As well as looking into professional careers at Walt Disney World or applying to be apart of the returning college program.
“Learning to overcome adversity and be a leader, even when its not needed, has pushed me,” said Wright. “I’m here to get the job done and I will need to take that into my professional career.”
She leaves behind some big shoes to fill between her sorority, her dance team, and the dance program as a whole. She wishes to leave behind a legacy.
“I hope that the leadership and involvement in my sorority inspires my sisters,” said Wright. “I hope I gave some excitement to those that want to keep dancing in college, out of college, or just for fun.”
Though the road has not been easy, this senior has found a way to make the most of her last year, all while staying socially distanced and over zoom.
As she preps for her virtual graduation she parts with her beloved university with memories and victories to last a life time.
“Push through the hard times and keep spirits high.”
