Compiled by The Gettysburgian’s Editorial Board
Laken Franchetti ’24 (Photo Eric Lippe/The Gettysburgian)
Laken Franchetti ’24, Editor-in-Chief
I began my time at Gettysburg in the Class of 2025, but I managed to set myself on the unconventional path of graduating a year early. Despite this accelerated graduation, I have been able to accomplish everything that I set out to complete and more. I was able to serve as Editor-in-Chief of The Gettysburgian, Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus, Nonfiction Genre Head of The Mercury and Lead Communications Intern for the College’s Communications and Marketing Office. I spent a semester abroad in England thanks to the Center for Global Education, and I have connected with the staff at Musselman Library through my role as a User Services Assistant. Academically, the English and History Departments have granted me the chance to explore fascinating fields of study. The community at Gettysburg College has allowed me to take part in opportunities I would have thought unimaginable three years ago, and I will forever be grateful for my Gettysburg experience. After graduation in May, I will be preparing to move to Washington, D.C. to pursue a job in communications. I cannot wait to begin this new chapter, and I know that Gettysburg College has prepared me for what lies ahead.
Eric Lippe ’24, Magazine Editor
Eric Lippe ’24 (Photo Sofia Gutierrez/The Gettysburgian)
I began my time at Gettysburg in the class of 2023. I started here in 2019, the semester that Gettysburg College’s President Iuliano did. I was here for the first edition of The Gettysburgian’s magazine— this very magazine where I am now the editor. I saw the time before the pandemic, and I’ve seen the subtle ways that we have yet to return to normal. It was during that very pandemic that I took time off from remote learning, pushing my graduation to 2024. As I am now approaching the end of my time at Gettysburg College, I am proud to have taken my own path. Although the road featured more twists than most, I believe that I am better for it. In addition to my degree, I will leave Gettysburg having learned flexibility, tenacity, and kindness. I was charged tuition for the lessons, but the wisdom was paid by all the late nights and early mornings, the sweat and tears, and the friendships made and lost. Although I struggle to put them on a resumé, they are the parts of my college career that mean the most to me.
David Goldman ’24 (Photo Sofia Gutierrez/The Gettysburgian)
David Goldman ’24, Sports Editor
I started my Gettybsurg career during a worldwide pandemic. Although not ideal to say the least, I still managed to mold myself into the person I am today. I tried to take advantage of as many opportunities as I could, like joining The Gettysburgian, Athletic Communications Department, Sigma Chi Fraternity, and getting involved in Intramural Sports just to name a few. In the spring of 2023, I even had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Athens, Greece. I was able to find my academic interests in Economics, as well as in the Data Science and Business departments. Gettysburg has not only given me the tools I need to succeed, but has taught me how to utilize those tools when I can no longer call myself an undergrad. After my graduation, I plan to move back home to New York to pursue a career in sports marketing. I want to hold on to my time at Gettysburg as long as I can, but when it is time to say goodbye, I hope I can look back on my time here with no regrets.
Laurel Bennett ’24, Features Editor
Laurel Bennett ’24 (Photo Provided)
Before beginning college, I remember so many people telling me just how quickly the four years go by. As the days until graduation dwindle, I have found this to be such a true statement. There have been so many moments where I wished to just graduate already, yet I now find myself wanting to hold onto every moment left at Gettysburg. When I began my first semester, I felt very unclear with regard to my academic route. However, I quickly found my home within the Political Science and English departments, as well as an array of organizations on campus. My involvement with The Gettysburgian, Pre-Law Club, Alpha Phi Omega, and horse-back riding has shaped me into the person I now am just as much as my academics have. In the fall, I will be attending University of Pittsburgh School of Law. While there is no doubt that I will miss Gettysburg, my friends, and the amazing professors, I am excited to begin the next stage of my life in a bigger city.
This article originally appeared on pages 8 to 9 of the No. 2 April 2024 edition of The Gettysburgian’s magazine.
