Seniors Share Plans for Life after BU
While being a senior in college can be stressful, most would say it’s rewarding and maybe even a little exciting as the prospective graduates look forward to life after higher education. We spoke to a group of Bluefield University seniors — some who play sports, others who work outside of school, and even other who fill other important roles on campus — and we asked them what it’s like and what their plans are for the future.
Jake Mendoza is a Business Administration major who plays men’s soccer while pursuing an Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). After graduation, he plays to pursue a professional soccer career while also coaching goalkeepers at the collegiate level. He said he’s most excited about playing semi-pro soccer this summer.
“Don’t ever compare your path to others,” Mendoza said when asked what advice he would give fellow students. “God has a specific plan for your life. Seek out God, and you will gain the proper success and happiness.”
Antowyne Shaw is a History major. As a BU student he has served as a resident advisor (RA) and a Roots leader. Shaw plans on staying in the area and teaching at Graham High School. He also plans to continue working with Young Life, Highlands Fellowship, and Camp Jacob over the summers. Beyond that, he said he is excited about no longer having to write essays and getting the rest of his life started.
When asked what advice he would give fellow students, Shaw said, “I’d advise others to not stumble before the finish line.”
Taylor Stiltner is also a History major. Stiltner has served as a resident advisor (RA), secretary of the Missions Club, a member of the prayer team, a volunteer for Elevate, a Roots leader, and a female discipleship Leader. After BU, Stiltner plans to continue as a Young Life leader. This summer she has an internship to grow in the Bible and discipleship. She will also be attending Old Dominion University online in the fall. Stiltner said she is most excited to live for Christ beyond the boundaries of Bluefield University.
“Graduating is not the end of your story — just the end of a chapter,” she said. “It is time to flip the page to the next chapter.”
Darryl Patrick is a Graphic Communication major who also plays football for the Rams. He is planning to work as a freelance graphic designer/artist while looking for jobs in his degree. Patrick is most excited about celebrating graduation with a cruise this summer.
Hannah Thacker is a senior majoring in Christian Studies with minors in Biblical Greek and Exercise and Sports Science. While a student at BU, she has served in many roles: a member of the Student Activities Leadership Team (SALT), a Student Ambassador, a member of Baptist Collegiate Ministries, a resident advisor (RA), a guitarist for the Elevate praise band, and a member of the women’s tennis and women’s soccer teams. After graduation, she first plans to participate in a missions trip to Japan this summer. After that, she plans to come back to BU to pursue a master’s degree while finishing her athletic eligibility in soccer.
“Spend personal time with the Lord, fellowship with the people around you, and make sure to enjoy the outdoors,” Thacker said when asked what advice she would give fellow classmates.
Bluefield University is a beautiful place with outstanding students. BU is very proud of its students at all stages in their time here. These students will go very far after college, and should be proud of their successes in so many ways.