As MSU graduates prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives, their stories reflect the growth, challenges and triumphs they experienced during their time on campus. Here’s a look at the journeys of five graduating Spartans, each stepping into a new beginning.
Robert Smith
Major: Marketing
Destination: Minneapolis — Work as sales development representative
When Robert Smith transferred to Michigan State University after two years at community college, he only knew one person on campus. But when he joined the university’s rugby team, everything changed.
"It's a pretty big university with a lot going on, it's kind of daunting," he said. "But instantly I knew 45 dudes, basically one big family."
Rugby didn’t just provide Smith a community — it also gave him the space to lead. Serving as treasurer and vice president for the team, it helped him grow professionally, boost his confidence and resume, he said.
Smith’s favorite memory was when his team flew to North Carolina to play the "battle for the castle tournament."
"It was probably one of the coolest sports experiences I’ve had throughout my life," he said.
Beyond the rugby field, the university’s marketing department helped Smith prepare for the professional world.
Through mock interviews, LinkedIn workshops and his classes, Smith said he took advantage of every opportunity he could to set himself up for success after college. And with graduation around the corner, Smith is gearing up to move to Minneapolis joining Thomson Reuters as a Sales Development Representative.
"I’m super stoked to move and start my life after school," he said. "I look forward to not being broke anymore."
Katie McKitrick
Major: Communications
Destination: Grand Rapids — Work in marketing and communications
For communications senior Katie McKitrick, her time at MSU has been transformative. As a freshman, she stepped onto campus filled with uncertainty — anxious about the changes ahead and unsure where her path would lead.
Throughout her time in college, she said, she’s been able to test her strengths and weaknesses. She discovered her love for writing and video editing, meeting lifelong friends along the way.
Although McKitrick worried about how she would do in college, she is graduating a year early — completing all her credits within three years.
"I’m proud of how hard I worked and what I was able to accomplish in three years," McKitrick said.
After her graduation in May, McKitrick will transition into her marketing and communications role in Grand Rapids with Haworth, a global furniture manufacturer where she’s already spent the past year interning.
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"I'll miss being here, and I'm sad that it was only three years," McKitrick said. "But I know that it was all worth it and I'm happy where I'm headed."
Travis Yang
Major: Biochemistry and molecular biology
Destination: University of Florida — PhD in plant biology
When Travis Yang first arrived at MSU, he found himself stepping into a world that would challenge him in ways he didn’t expect. Studying biochemistry and molecular biology while performing with the Spartan Marching Band, he learned early on how to balance a full schedule and still enjoy the experience.
"Being in the marching band while keeping up with my GPA and my classes is probably what I'm most proud of," Yang said.
It wasn’t just his academic schedule that impacted his growth. There were moments on campus that changed the way he sees the world.
In 2023, Yang experienced the loss of his friend and the campus shooting that killed three students and injured others. He said it was those experiences that taught him to appreciate the small, meaningful moments that often go unnoticed.
Working in a plant genetics lab became another major part of his college experience. For four years, Yang researched potato breeding and genetics, helping develop varieties that could better withstand drought and pests. It was work he loved, making it clear what he wanted to do next.
After graduation, Yang will head to the University of Florida to pursue a PhD in plant biology.
"I think the research facilities at MSU are pretty unparalleled, especially in plant science," Yang said. "It has allowed me to really pursue what I wanted to do in science, and feel confident enough to know that I could do a PhD."
Looking back on the past four years, Yang feels proud of what he’s learned — not just academically, but what he’s learned about life thus far.
"I’m proud of the legacy I've been able to leave here in my lab, in the marching band, and how resilient I've been to overcome harder things," he said.
Luci Karakas
Major: Biochemistry and molecular biology
Destination: Purdue University — Master's degree in botany and plant pathology
Luci Karakas was in the union on Feb. 13, 2023 when a shooter opened fire, ultimately killing three students and injuring others. After that day, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to return to campus and finish her degree.
However, Karakas decided to return because she had "created a home here" and is graduating this May.
Karakas pursued her studies in biochemistry and molecular biology with a focus in biotechnology at MSU. Moving to East Lansing from Georgia without knowing a single person, she formed lasting friendships with a close-knit group of 12 to 15 people who lived down the hall — connections she still cherishes today.
"I think the people I met here I'm going to know for a long time," Karakas said.
She’s not just proud of her academic success and the connections she’s built, but she’s also proud of her resilience making the decision to stay and finish her degree, she said.
Karakas will be continuing her education journey at Purdue University, where she will pursue a master's degree in botany and plant pathology.
"(College) was an experience that I don't think I'll ever forget," she said. "I'm looking forward to living in another city, another college town. I think it'll be interesting to see how it is similar or not."
Serena Westcott
Major: Public policy
Destination: Mexico — Work with Peace Corps
As she prepares to graduate from MSU with a degree in public policy, Serena Westcott is reflecting on how far she’s come — and how much farther her next chapter will take her.
This summer, Westcott is moving to Mexico to serve with the Peace Corps as a climate change awareness and action facilitator, helping local communities with environmental projects.
Her path to public policy wasn’t straightforward. In fact, Westcott began her college career studying environmental engineering, driven by a desire to combat climate change. Over time, however, her focus shifted.
"I knew I wanted to do something to help mitigate the effects of climate change," she said. "But I realized my specific passion is making sure we can actually implement solutions."
At MSU, Westcott started the Citizens' Climate Lobby club, where she led environmental activism on campus. It was this experience that taught her lessons in leadership and the power of small communities working toward bigger goals, she said.
Looking ahead, she’s excited for what's to come.
"I'm looking forward to the uncertainty," she said. "It’s interesting because I used to want to plan everything out, but now I'm excited about the unknown."
