MyVU

As Commencement approaches, six seniors reflect on what comes next

L-r: Aladine Elsamadicy, Josh Shannon, Elin Bunch (top), Mara Truslow (bottom), Shewa Adelekun and Rebecca Boelzner. (Lauren Holland/Vanderbilt)

When the Class of 2013 first set foot on Vanderbilt’s campus, they were the sum of their experiences up to that point. Four years later, those experiences have multiplied exponentially, say six seniors MyVU spoke with for the May cover story.

As Commencement approaches, we asked them to reflect: How has Vanderbilt provided new opportunities, given focus to your interests and prepared you for the future? Most importantly, what comes next?

Shewa Adelekun wants to champion health care equality

Josh Shannon wants to pioneer biomedical discoveries

Mara Truslow and Elin Bunch want to empower children to achieve

Rebecca Boelzner wants to bolster appreciation for the arts

Aladine Elsamadicy wants to bridge cultural divides