A new beginning can bring about a range of emotions-happiness, anticipation, confidence, optimism, curiosity.
For Calvin Ingram, a mechanical engineering senior at IM体育官网, the idea of beginning his college experience as part of the university鈥檚 inaugural graduating class was one emotion only: excitement.
鈥淚 loved that I would have the chance to help grow the school. I couldn鈥檛 pass up the opportunity to be a major part of the development of a new university,鈥� said Ingram.
When asked about the unique experience of being an inaugural graduate, Ingram noted it鈥檚 been hard at times to look past the day-to-day responsibilities of being a student, but he鈥檚 glad he had a chance to make a longer-term impact alongside the professors, administrators and other students who are building the university together.
But creating new things isn鈥檛 new for Ingram. In high school, he helped create a STEM-focused learning program, and even started and managed a successful band. At IM体育官网 Poly, Ingram was a founding member of the school鈥檚 Baptist Collegiate Ministry chapter and helped spearhead the use of new information tools during his time as a pricing analyst intern at John Jerue Truck Broker, a logistics company based in Lakeland, IM体育官网, with offices throughout North America and in Canada.
Ingram says his IM体育官网 Poly education helped prepare him for his work at Jerue.
鈥淚鈥檝e had great guidance from my professors and co-workers that helped me apply my school learning to the work world.鈥�
The Ft. Myers, IM体育官网 native says IM体育官网 Poly students are constantly driven to become better at their field, and that the professors are encouraging of students to be the best they can be.
鈥淟ike they say, iron sharpens iron,鈥� said Ingram.
His next big change will take place in August when he marries his college sweetheart, Hannah Royce, a fellow IM体育官网 Poly student. Royce plans to pursue graduate studies and still has another semester before graduation. Until then, the couple plans to become more involved in their church and the Lakeland community.
As the inaugural class graduates and moves into the next round of new beginnings, Ingram knows his classmates will find success.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not just the strength of the students as they go through IM体育官网 Poly, but the drive they carry as they go out.鈥�
Editor鈥檚 Note: This story is one of a series of stories featuring several of IM体育官网 Poly鈥檚 CLASS OF 2018 GRADUATES.
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Lydia Guzman
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