Back into the Skies

Moving forward a few years, a student's college career has come to a close. They have taken in all there is to see here at Clemson and have become proud, successful Tigers. It is now time for them to enter the real world, and leave Clemson behind for now. This picture represents a graduating Clemson student in a few ways. First, the picture is taken in front of Perimeter road on the outskirts of campus. The airplane points towards Perimeter road, displaying the plane's flight from Clemson into the outside world. The plane is also at a higher point of the hill and is traveling downward towards flatter ground. This symbolizes the height at which the student has risen from freshman to senior, within the collegiate ranks. However, the student now must take off into the working world and begin once again at the bottom of the ladder. Although this will be a tough task, Clemson has prepared them for the journey.

Truly at Home

After leaving for winter break and returning back to the small town known as Clemson, freshman students begin to realize that this is their home. They have successfully completed a semester in college and have developed a strong attachment to the campus and community. In this picture, the nose of the plane is driven right into the ground symbolizing that the airplane (student) is here to stay. It is permanently in the ground and shows no sign of falling over, or moving in any way. Also, the sun shines its bright light on this metal airplane showing a turnaround from the previous dark, wintery picture. This represents the warmth and happiness brought upon by the spring semester and its wonderful South Carolina weather conditions. The school year has almost come to an end.

Dark Winter

Before you know it, the semester is in full swing and winter is approaching. Days get darker sooner, the temperature drops, and those students attending Clemson from a distance may begin to feel that first bit of homesickness. Students may start to feel alone, and in need of someone to talk to. The lack of color in this picture represents the cold, dark winter. A student's life may not be as bright as it was just a few months ago. Also, the seclusion of the airplane in this picture symbolizes the loneliness many students experience. The plane is pointed in the direction of the green grass and hopes to find that thick patch of grass it had landed on not long ago. The direction of the plane's nose also acts as a sign of hope, that the green grass and spring season is right around the corner.