Compiled by Ella Prieto, Editor-in-Chief
Alessia Buoso ’26
Alessia Buoso Headshot. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
From my very first day of pre-orientation, I knew saying goodbye to Gettysburg College would be difficult. The connections I experienced even before becoming deeply involved on campus made me confident that I had made the right decisions to spend my undergraduate years at Gettysburg. I was full of excitement about the opportunities that awaited me, but that excitement also stemmed from the idea of what would come after graduation—I felt like the opportunities were endless. With my different academic and extracurricular commitments, from interning at an immigration nonprofit and studying abroad in Nantes, France, to competing at the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) Zone 3 competition for the club equestrian team, every experience Gettysburg has given me has cultivated a confidence and character development that has empowered me for the next chapter of my life.
If you had told me three years ago that upon graduation, I would be joining the Peace Corps in Cambodia, I would have laughed and called you crazy. With both graduation day and my departure date looming on the horizon, I have been reflecting on the past four years with a deep sense of gratitude and love for the place that made me the person I am today. Gettysburg College, and the people who make it the institution we know and love, have inspired me to believe in myself and the promise of continuing our unfinished work.
Parker Cohen ’26
Parker Cohen Headshot. (Photo Sofia Gutierrez/The Gettysburgian)
I came to Gettysburg College with ambition, curiosity and a vague sense of where I hoped to go, but Gettysburg gave those hopes direction. Over the last four years, college has challenged me to think more carefully, live more intentionally and grow into a fuller version of myself. As a philosophy and public policy double major, I found an academic life rooted in questions about justice, power, responsibility and what it means to live well. Some of the most meaningful moments of my college experience came through opportunities that Gettysburg made possible: studying abroad in Aix-en-Provence, writing a chapter of a book for one of my professors and engaging in work that reminded me how deeply ideas can matter when they are taken seriously. Beyond the classroom, much of who I became was shaped by the communities that gave rhythm and meaning to my everyday life. Sigma Chi Fraternity brought me brotherhood and belonging, while serving as Vice President of the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Club gave me a sense of discipline and leadership that I will carry with me long after graduation. What I will leave Gettysburg with is more than a degree or a list of experiences. I will leave with a deeper sense of conviction and gratitude. As a rising 1L in law school, I know I will carry this place with me in all my endeavors.
Nicole Watson ’26
Nicole Watson Headshot. (Photo Sofia Gutierrez/The Gettysburgian)
Although my time at Gettysburg has flown by, it has been a transformative and foundational experience for me. I always knew I wanted to major in anthropology, and I cannot express how helpful this department and its faculty have been for my undergraduate and postgraduate plans. I was lucky enough to travel to Belize with Professor Farah to conduct archaeological fieldwork on an Ancient Maya courtyard, giving me hands-on experience with material culture and excavation methods. However, I did not expect to pursue an International and Global Studies (IGS) major, but it fits perfectly with my interests and experiences. After studying abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France, my love for international affairs grew even more, and I am now pursuing this interest in my IGS capstone on Muslim women’s integration in Marseille, France.
Additionally, I have been able to join Alpha Delta Pi and serve on its executive board, while also serving as the Vice President of Recruitment for the Panhellenic Council. These leadership roles challenged me to think creatively, work efficiently and inspire others to do the same. My leadership experience has also been enriched through the Eisenhower Institute, its Washington Summer Fellows program, and its Gender and Leadership program. Being able to live in Washington, D.C. while working an internship allowed me to be independent and connect with countless people in the area.
All of these opportunities have allowed me to enrich my interests and grow as a student and leader. After graduation, I will be attending the Geneva Graduate Institute for an MA in International and Development Studies with a specialization in Gender, Race, and Diversity. It is so bittersweet to be leaving Gettysburg soon, but I am eternally grateful for all the experiences, friendships, and guidance I’ve had along the way.
Will Lightcap ’26
Will Lightcap Headshot. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
After graduation, I will be working at Binswanger in Philadelphia, starting my career in industrial real estate. This opportunity didn’t come out of nowhere—it’s a direct result of the experiences I had at Gettysburg College.
Gettysburg pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways I didn’t expect. From writing a 40-page economics research paper to going on a 10-day leadership excursion in Patagonia, I was constantly challenged to adapt and figure things out. Those experiences forced me to become more disciplined and confident in my abilities.
A lot of my growth came through leadership. As President of my fraternity, I had to manage people, make tough decisions and be accountable for more than just myself. I learned how to communicate clearly and handle pressure, which I know will translate directly into my career.
More than anything, Gettysburg taught me to take initiative and go after opportunities, even if they seemed impossible from the outset. The lessons I learned and the experiences I had at Gettysburg College are something I will carry with me long after graduation, shaping both my career and the person I continue to become.
This article originally appeared on pages 8-9 of the April 2026 edition of The Gettysburgian magazine.
