Bryn Athyn College Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2017 | Page 5

Graduation
THE CLASS OF 2017: FOLLOWING
WHAT LIGHTS THEM UP
T
he swish of tassels by your brow. The smell of cologne from
the dapper classmates beside you, clad in starched gradu-
ation gowns. The feeling of anticipation as you hear your
name called, as you walk across the stage for your diploma. Can you
remember that day – what you hoped to become? You may have felt
excitement, relief, maybe anxiety about your future. Quite likely,
you felt pride for finishing years of focused study, with all its chal-
lenges, joys, new connections, and personal growth.
This May, a record-breaking 63 students crossed the stage at
the Asplundh Field House to receive their baccalaureate degrees
from Bryn Athyn College (the previous record stood at 49 graduates
in 2015). These students who studied for years on the same campus
are now launching into a multitude of different directions, carrying
with them many memories from their experience at Bryn Athyn.
Who are these students? What are their hopes and goals? After
speaking with a variety of seniors from this graduating class, a com-
mon theme emerges: “follow what lights you up.”
Saryluz Ramos, for example, chose to follow her love of chil-
dren by studying early childhood education. She said, “Every time I
see a child my heart lights up, and it makes me want to get to know
them and find out what and how they are thinking.” She added, “I
enjoy being able to teach them new skills and ideas that they can use
in the future.”
Saryluz found that the education major at the College worked
Anna Martin with her parents, Erik and Rachel
Ray Silverman and Je'la Watson
Jar-El Volcy, Colin Rogers, and Zachary Jones
by Sasha Silverman
B RY N AT H Y N A LU M N I M AG A Z I N E
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