New Baylor alumni share life goals post-graduation

Waco, TX (FOX 44) — 3,500 Baylor graduates are walking across the stage this weekend armed with necessary skills to take on the world.

Some of these students like Kyle Pizzichillo graduated high school during covid and is now entering life outside the classroom.

“I graduated in 2020 and I didn’t really get a ceremony. They just kind of sent out like a video and I watched it in my living room, so it’s just a really cool experience to actually be able to have a graduation ceremony in person and get to walk on the stage,” said Pizzichillo.

“Kyle Pizzichillo is graduating with a bachelors in film and digital media and plans to move to New York to find his spot in the big city,” said Pizzichillo.

Pizzichillo says the feelings are wide ranging.

“Scared, happy, angry, sad. I don’t really know. It’s just a rush of emotions, but at the end of the day, I just feel like I was ready to get out of here and now I’m just excited to see where this next phase of life is really taking me,” said Pizzichillo.

Karis Ardela is graduating with a bachelors in political science and has plans to be a wedding planner.

Despite uncertainty in the world, Ardela feels prepared.

“I think there’s natural nerves going into post-grad. You don’t really know what the world is going to be like, but I think it’s exciting. Baylor prepares you well for this, so I’m very excited,” said Ardela.

Adriana Baez now has a degree in philosophy and plans to work in law enforcement to help women and children.

Baez’ encouragement for any new grad is to take the leap.

“Those nerves are not going to go away. I’m still nervous. Just go through it and then in the end, you’re going to look back and be like ‘It wasn’t that bad,’ you’re fine,” said Baez.

We at FOX 44 want to say congratulations to the Baylor graduates.

We wish you all the best in your futures.