As graduation peeks around the corner covered in snow and smelling like hot chocolate. Almost all The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) seniors have a go-to spot on campus to find solace. Many use these key spots to recharge, study, congregate, escape or just simply take a nap to pass time before the next class.
Some seniors go to these areas for their peaceful aesthetics, like senior Oriams Garcia, who is majoring in media advertising.
“My favorite spot to be at is in the Interdisciplinary Research Building, as it’s nearby Cotton Memorial where most of my classes are,” Garcia said.
She also mentions how she’ll miss certain areas on campus such as the libary, as she associates it with many memories and has met even friends for the first time in that building.
Garcia continues reflecting on her college experience, dealing with personal losses, but ultimately she found avenues through life-long friendships and participating in the Student Advertising Federation.
After graduation, she hopes to continue working part-time at a marketing agency to someday move somewhere with more nature, one step at a time.
“Some advice I would give to upcoming undergraduate students would be that you don’t have to be on a specific timeline,” Garcia said. “If your timeline deviates from someone else’s timeline, it’s okay. College is for you and your future, so even if plans fall through, it won’t be the end of the world.”
Taking a b-line towards the studio art department, Nina Rocha is soon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a double major in drawing and painting.
“The painting studios are a shared space, and my spot where I normally chill and do all my work, even if the work isn’t related to art. It’s reliable.” Rocha said.
Rocha mentions what she’ll miss most from UTEP is the community, who welcomed her with open arms. She also recalls that many of her professors have helped set her on a path where she can pursue her passion for studio art.
Born in Southern California, she plans to move back to big cities like New York or Chicago and continue improving her portfolio for grad school.
In the end, no matter what walk of life people come from, there’ll always be that one spot they go to unwind, study, commute or even call home. Whether you do it alone or with a group of friends, it’s never always boring.
Dustin Perez is contributing cartoonist and may be reached at [email protected]
