For the Class of 2021, graduation year was different than expected: students took classes online or in hybrid format, searched for jobs and applied to graduate school remotely, and celebrated at last week’s physically distanced in-person graduation ceremony. But while the year was extraordinary, so were the students, who demonstrated exceptional perseverance in the face of this year’s challenges.

We spoke with six graduates to find out what's next.

Erin McCole, BS in health professions

"I am going to be in physician assistant school at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine. I am hoping to work as a PA with Spanish-speaking communities in Philadelphia, as I did a lot of volunteer work at clinics around the area."

Mark Rey, BS in public health

“I will be continuing my education at Temple for a master of public health in health policy and management.”

Samantha Smith, MPH in epidemiology

"I’m starting a PhD program in the fall at the University of Buffalo in epidemiology. I’m hoping to become a cancer epidemiologist.”

Hiba Atif, BS in public health

"After graduation, I am moving to Los Angeles, and I’m going to UCLA for my master’s in public health and epidemiology.”

Alexandra Ruth, MPH in epidemiology

 “I’m going to be working as a research project manager at the College of Public Health's Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. That will be for at least one year, depending on grant renewals, but I would eventually like to get my PhD in epidemiology."

Aaron Wasser, BS in nursing

"I worked last summer as a nurse extern at St. Luke's in Bucks County—they offered me a job after I graduate, which is exciting, so I will be going back there after I pass my registered nurse boards.”