William Peace University’s annual showcase was held on April 10 to celebrate and show off students’ hard work throughout the year. This is a time to show classmates, teachers, faculty, and staff as well as one’s parents how hard they have worked.
The campus was full of students showcasing what they have been learning about. Students had the option of presenting by themselves or in groups about anything they choose that is scholarly and well thought out. Each presentation had to be approved and had an educational purpose.
Students also presented their poetry, articles from newspapers, and a play that was done throughout the semester.
“I would have gone to showcase if I didn’t have to work. I think it’s interesting and important to show your work to those who are interested,” said WPU freshman, Josie Rygelski.
“I believe showcase is important to Peace, and it is a tradition that should always continue to happen,” says Rygelski
Global Studies is an important topic to Rygelski and she says if offered in that specific topic she would definitely attend and present.
“Having the opportunity to present to friends, family, and my teachers is an awesome thing because most schools do not offer anything like this. It’s kind of a day to show off what you’ve accomplished,” states Rygelski.
“I think showcase definitely should continue, it’s a great way for students’ to show what they’ve dedicated their time to,” said WPU junior, Jordan DeSimone.
DeSimone participated in the Honors 300 session on “Cultural Memory in Washington, D.C.,” where she presented on the idea of looking at things and life in a different perspective.
“Personally, I loved being able to work with my classmates on our presentation. Erik, Payton, and Bryanna were all professional and fun to work with.”
Showcase brings together groups of people to discuss important and relevant topics in today’s society.
“Showcase allows students’ to show off their hard work to not only their fellow peers, but also to family and potential career connections,” says DeSimone.
While students were scattered across campus presenting on what they have been learning and working on, the library was used for students involved in the school’s internship program to share their experiences.
“It was nice to showcase my hard work, because it was hard work, and I appreciate everyone taking the time to come and actually hear about it,” said WPU senior, Malik Smith.
WPU requires all students to complete a series of classes titled Professional Development Seminar (PDS), where they learn about what it takes to apply for jobs, write resumes and maintain internships or professional jobs.
While some students may think that the classes are not that important to overall success, it is a proven process and part of the reason that Peace can boast about having 97 percent job or graduate school placement within one year after graduating.
“The experience of my internship has helped guide me in choosing what type of jobs I want and even what type of companies I do and do not want to work for,” says WPU junior, Breanna Cary.
Students are required to spend 120 hours of work at their internship. While some students take their internships in the summer, many complete their hours along with full course loads, working within clubs, maintaining good grades, and even playing sports, if they choose to do so.
The interns are allowed to choose any site for where they want to complete their internship, as long as it either offers an internship position in the career field they want to go into or if it pertains to their major.
On the day of the Student Showcase, presentations were given on internships ranging from tennis coaching to fighting for women’s rights.
Hundreds of students gathered around computers and desks on both floors of the Finch Library to ask students for advice about what they can do to get ahead in the search for internships.
“I had no idea where I wanted to intern before the showcase but now, after seeing all of theirs, I think I have a good idea on what I would like to do,” said WPU junior, Andrew Anderson.
The WPU Showcase event has been a trademark of Peace for many years and after graduation many students have never forgotten their times presenting.
The internship showcase is one of the most memorable parts of graduating from Peace because of the fact that not only are the interns presenting to their peers, but sometimes to those that they interned for as well.
WPU’s showcase is always a great experience and with new prospective interns and new internships on the horizon, it is easy to look forward to the showcases that are set to take place in 2019.