by Jovani Figueroa

Final exams are nearly complete, dorm rooms are almost empty, and caps are decorated for the final event in the four year journey to a college degree. 22-year Jason Haselkorn is ready.

“My time at Brockport has shown me a lot about what I want to do in the future,” said Haselkorn. “At first, I never thought journalism would be for me. When I added it as a second major, I knew that this would be a good option for me. It has allowed me to combine my passion for sports with my writing ability, and it’s been a perfect combination,” said Haselkorn. 

Photo of SUNY Brockport’s sign Photo Credit Jovani Figueroa

For many, graduating is something that they have prepared for since the start of their college career but for others it’s a scary introduction to the real world. Whichever category they may fit in SUNY Brockport will celebrate the accomplishments they have achieved here and wish them the best for their future endeavors.  Gena Willis, an EOP senior counselor, has been waiting all year to see the students she helped cross the stage this May. 

“Students work hard for years just to get to this moment that shows all their hard work paid off in the end. I’m happy that I get to help these students achieve their goals and see where the future takes them,” said Willis. 

But for some students it’s not all that exciting, some are anxious to see what the future has in store for them. The job market for students is a tough one because the job market in New York City is still struggling to recover after the pandemic. Making it hard for many students who want to work in the city or are returning back to the city after four years in Suny Brockport. Jason Perez is nervous about jumping into a struggling job market. 

“Going back home and living and finding a job in business is stressful because I know the competition to get a job is tough. Even with a bachelor’s degree it can be really stressful getting a job because there are so many other people who could be more qualified than you.” said Perez. 

However, this isn’t the case for all graduating students; some are more than ready to step out into their field and are excited about the next step in their lives. Making connections and networking while they are studying for their degree. Students like Haselkorn have been getting ready for this moment all year.

Picture of the SUNY Brockport fountain Credit: Jovani Figueroa 

“After college, I will be working for the Syracuse Mets in the media relations and fan experience department. I also plan on pursuing a sports media internship with a company called UStadium,” said Haselkorn.  

Whatever the situation might be the 2022 graduates have worked long and hard for their big day and have achieved a lot despite major obstacles. Such as a global pandemic that took two years away from their college experience and succeeded through online learning. The path ahead of these students will be full of obstacles but the skills developed at SUNY Brockport will prepare them for the professional world.