May 2018

Each year in May, the Women’s Center gathers its graduating interns to thank them for the impact they’ve had on the UVA community. As they look back on their experiences working with the center, they offer some terrific insights that we at Iris want to share with you. 

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” is often repeated advice, (Cross and Thomas). In college, the pressures to begin building a strong network for academic, professional, and personal development start early.

Well, it's the end of an era. The school year is over, and my matriculation at the University of Virginia is over. I graduate this weekend. By the time you read this, I'll have already graduated. 

I promise I'm not so much of a narcissist that I chose to use my picture for this. I was encouraged to by the rest of my team. But hey, I look pretty good, right? 

 The other day I heard a woman, a law school graduate with a really awesome job and absolutely no reason to think her life is boring whatsoever, describe college as “the best four years of your life.” This statement was distressing for multiple reasons. While I have loved most of my time at this school and hope to look back on these four years as an incredibly formative part of my life, dear God please help us all if this is really the best it’s going to be.

The coming of spring means many things to me: flowers are blooming, the weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining, and soon I’ll have freedom from classes. It also means it’s almost time to break out my summer clothing and put my winter clothes deep in the closet.

To many people, putting the jeans away and putting on shorts brings a sense of freedom. The sun on your shoulders and legs feels good, and finally that months-long chill is gone.