As the countdown to commencement continues at Marshall, many seniors are feeling a mix of excitement, nerves and pride while preparing to close one chapter and begin another. 

For senior Ayden Johnson, the reality of graduation is both thrilling and a little intimidating. 

“It feels a little nerve-wracking. It feels a little exciting,” Johnson said. “But it also feels like it’s time and like an accomplishment. I feel ready.” 

Johnson, a management information systems major in the College of Business, said he chose Marshall because it felt like the perfect balance, close enough to home but still offering a new experience. With family ties to the university, the decision came naturally.

“My dad went there, so I already knew it was a good school,” Johnson said. “I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do yet, but I knew if I were going to go somewhere, it would be Marshall.”

During his time on campus, Johnson said some of his best memories came from moments with friends, whether it was attending campus events like a silent disco, celebrating game days or simply longboarding across campus between classes.

“I used to longboard here at Marshall all the time,” Johnson said. “When it was warm outside, just riding around campus and passing people, those are memories I’ll always have.”

Beyond the memories, Johnson credits several mentors for helping him succeed academically, including his advisor and professors who made the classroom environment welcoming and supportive.

“Anytime I had questions or didn’t understand something, they were always willing to help,” Johnson said.

Johnson also found community through campus organizations, particularly the student ministry Cru, which he said played a major role in shaping his college experience.

“That organization really helped me grow my network of friends,” Johnson said. “It made my time here so much more enjoyable because wherever I went on campus, I knew people.”

Through Cru, Johnson also had opportunities to travel internationally to places like Cuba and Panama, experiences that broadened his perspective of the world.

“When I first came to Marshall, my view of the world was small, but now it’s so much bigger,” Johnson said. “Hearing other people’s stories and learning new things really taught me how to adapt and keep learning.”

Johnson said some of his proudest accomplishments include serving as a resident advisor when there were very few spots left.

“Being an RA was hard to get,” Johnson said. “There were only a few spots open, so landing that position meant a lot.”

Across campus, other seniors share similar feelings about the upcoming milestone. Hannah Patton, an elementary education major with a minor in special education, said graduation feels like it arrived faster than expected.

“It’s really exciting, but a little nerve-wracking,” Patton said. “I feel like I was a freshman just the other day.”

For Patton, Marshall has always been close to home. Her grandmother once worked in athletics at the university, and she grew up attending games and visiting the campus.

“When I toured Marshall for myself, it immediately felt like home,” Patton said. “I knew it was the right decision.”

One of her favorite college memories came while she cheered in the stands as Marshall Men’s Soccer defeated West Virginia University at home.

“That was really cool and really fun to be there with my friends and celebrate that win,” Patton said.

Patton credits her professors for preparing her for a career in education, especially Amanda Pre, a professor in the College of Education and Professional Development.

“You could see the passion she had for her students,” Patton said. “She was always encouraging us and giving advice for our future careers.”

Like Johnson, Patton found a strong sense of community through campus involvement. She participated in Cru, served as a resident advisor for three years and recently joined Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional society for women educators. Those experiences, she said, helped her grow in confidence and leadership.

“My freshman year I was very reserved and quiet,” Patton said. “But Marshall gave me opportunities to step into leadership roles and grow.”

One moment that stands out most for Patton was receiving the Resident Impact Award during her first year as a resident advisor.

“Residents vote on the award, so that made it especially special,” Patton said. “It meant a lot knowing I was helping provide a safe space for them.”

As they prepare to walk across the stage, both seniors say the lessons they’ve learned at Marshall go beyond the classroom. Johnson encourages incoming freshmen to balance academics with exploration.

“Keep your grades up, but also allow yourself to explore what interests you,” Johnson said. “Stay open-minded and curious.”

Patton offered similar advice to get involved early.

“Everyone has a place here at Marshall,” Patton said. “The quicker you get involved on campus, the quicker you’ll find your people.”

With commencement just weeks away, seniors like Johnson and Patton say they are proud of the journeys that brought them to this moment and are excited for what comes next.