By Bianca Strzelczyk

For seniors, all the tests, all the papers, all the stress of college life will end in a quick flash. And Jason Russak knows it.

“I’m a little anxious to graduate,” said the senior biology major who plans on attending graduate school.

As he sat down on the black, round stool in front of the gray-brown backdrop, the photographer told him to look natural and relaxed. Scott Janusz, one of the hired yearbook photographers, said he knows the importance of having a calm atmosphere because many people are tense.

“They just need to come in relaxed,” he said.

As a result, Janusz and fellow photographers transformed the fluorescently-lit Curry Student Center classroom into a cool, dim photo studio. The tall windows were covered with black drapes and soft music filled the room.

Another senior, Lindsey Diaz, is getting her photo taken at her mother’s request. At first, the journalism major didn’t see the need; however, now she realizes it is important to capture her memories.

“These five years flew by,” Diaz said. “I can’t believe it’s over.”

Not all students are feeling the tension though. Patrice Brown, a senior physical therapy major, said she enjoys getting her picture taken and was always that “little girl in front of the mirror.”

As the first one out of her family to graduate from college, Brown said she is ready for graduation and feels the yearbook will be a good memory.

Out of the approximate 2,300 seniors, about half are getting their picture in the yearbook, said Cauldron co-editor Jordan Berry.

Some seniors, like Jessica Lamarre, don’t see the point of purchasing a yearbook to remember people she didn’t even know.

“I’m not going to buy a yearbook,” said the English major. “I think they’re overpriced and I don’t know a lot of people.”

Lamarre took pictures of her and her friends with her digital camera