Friends are a fundamental part of everyone’s college experience. Good ones are there with you through thick and thin, always have your back, and can brighten your day when you’re feeling down. 

Campus is essentially a built-in spot where students can spend time with their friends and see them frequently. However, this time is limited, as once they graduate, this shared space disappears. At that point, more time and effort is required to get together, as most people move and get busy with their careers or other endeavors.

Adyin Coutts, a senior marketing major, said living farther from school doesn’t deter him from making friends. 

“Check in, text people, go find some new places back by my home because I live farther away, so meet new people,” Coutts said.

In fact, the distance has made Coutts more prepared to go long stretches without seeing his friends, as he is already familiar with that experience.

“Just kind of realize you won’t be able to meet up as much if they’re farther away, but just keep in contact,” said Coutts.

Matthew Cisek, a senior communication studies major, plans to prioritize staying close to his friends and is grateful to live near them.

“So, when it comes to friendships after graduation, I’ve definitely spent a lot of time here building my friendships, and I definitely don’t want any of that to go away,” said Cisek. “Thankfully, I’m not too far away from any of my friends, so I would only have to drive maybe an hour, two at most. I definitely have gotten really close to a lot of the people here at Rowan, and hopefully I get to continue those friendships for the foreseeable future.” 

Cisek is glad to live through a time where friendships can conveniently be maintained, as they are one of the most important things in his life.

“Well, thankfully, we live in an age of technology where I can always reach out to them via messages or Instagram,” said Cisek. “Honestly, one of my favorite things is to maintain friendships and continue to foster positive relationships with the people in my life because that’s honestly what gives me the most meaning in life. I think I’m just going to do everything I can to continue to foster those friendships through online [platforms] and see them in person whenever I can.”

Nyrah Wardlow-Matthews, a senior music industry major, intends to see her friends whenever possible.

“I would say just staying in communication, checking up on people, and making plans when the availability aligns,” said Wardlow-Matthews.

Wardlow-Matthews has no concerns about falling out of touch with her friends due to the tight bond they share.

“Me and the majority of the people I’m close with, we have a good level of communication, so I just hope we get to keep that,” said Wardlow-Matthews.

Despite graduating this year, Rowan University seniors clearly aim to keep in touch with their friends and sustain strong relationships with them through digital communication and consistent gatherings.

For comments/questions about this story, DM us on Instagram @thewhitatrowan or email [email protected]