As the spring semester draws to a close, college seniors everywhere face an intimidating reality: what happens after graduation?
Decades of schooling and sacrifice have led to this moment: walking across the stage to receive a diploma.
The weight of the world lies on their shoulders to make their education count.
Luckily, many seniors at Missouri Baptist University feel adequately prepared to take these next steps.
“MBU has given me confidence going into the workforce,” said Malachi Blue, a senior communications major. “From my freshman year until now, I’ve been well educated on what I want to do in life.”
Blue plans to enter the sports media field and pursue a career in broadcasting.
As an athletically dominated campus, it is no surprise that many students hold similar ambitions.
Abby Williams, a senior sports management major, will pursue a master’s degree while working in the sports industry.
She credits much of her career-readiness to the senior seminar class at MBU.
“My teacher has prepared us for interviews, and we’ve made resumes and cover letters,” Williams said. “It’s definitely given me more confidence for life after school.”
While the future looks bright for many seniors, the path to success was far from linear for some.
Natalie Gum, for example, entered college as an accounting major yet plans to graduate with a sports management degree.
Gum is a fifth-year senior and transfer student from McKendree University, as well as a star player on the Spartan women’s soccer team.
Her switch in trajectories came unexpectedly after working in the communications division for the St. Louis Blues, where she found a passion for sports media.
“I had a tough time switching at first because I felt like I was changing everything, and it was all just going to be a big mess,” Gum said. “But in reality, it actually opened more doors for me. Sometimes change is what you need.”
Gum now holds a triple minor in broadcast media, communications and business administration.
Josh Wilson, a senior communications major, shares a similar experience.
“I came in undecided in my first year,” Wilson said. “During my second semester, I switched to English. The next year, I switched to ministry, and before that semester ended, I switched to communications.”
Like Gum, Wilson’s love for media came by surprise after one class changed everything.
“Coming into communications, I originally had journalism on my mind,” Wilson said. “But that changed when I took Intro to Audio and Video Production with Professor Tim Ezell.”
Ezell is a special lecturer of broadcast media at Missouri Baptist University and reporter for KTVI Fox 2.
“He’s had such an impact on my life and changed my trajectory here at MBU,” Wilson said. “He showed me how even in the most mundane things, you can capture a story that gives meaning and benefits those who view it.”
Wilson currently serves as a student fellow for Students for Life of America, a nonprofit Pro-Life organization, where he plans to take a full-time position in the summer.
Ultimately, he hopes to become a pastor like his father, Dr. Josh Wilson, an adjunct instructor of Christian studies at MBU.
When the future feels scary and uncertain, Wilson encourages underclassmen to turn to Matthew 6:33-34.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Missouri Baptist University not only prepares students for the workforce through quality education but cultivates a spiritual foundation that equips them for life beyond the classroom.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
