Luke Parsons \u201926 has spent much of his life around Furman University, but as graduation approaches, his perspective has shifted from familiarity to deep appreciation.<\/p>\n
A senior economics major from Easley, South Carolina, Parsons grew up attending events on campus, where his father, Derek Parsons, has taught for nearly four decades. Still, choosing Furman was about more than legacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew that I wanted a smaller school,\u201d Parsons said. \u201cI knew that Furman was that for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Like many students, Parsons arrived unsure of his path. He found direction in economics after a high school class intrigued him and showed him a glimpse at his potential and the possibilities of a liberal arts education.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe liberal arts teach you how to learn,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019re not teaching you how to perform a specific task.\u201d<\/p>\n
That mindset allowed him to explore broadly before narrowing his focus through internships and hands-on experiences. Equally impactful were the relationships he built along the way. Faculty mentorship played a defining role in his journey. Frederick W. Symmes Professor of Economics, Nathan Cook, was a guiding force for Parsons, encouraging him through internship applications and seeking out research opportunities. John Quinn, his Pathways advisor, was instrumental in finding ways for Parsons to expand his interests outside of the economics landscape.<\/p>\n
\u201cProfessor (Nathan) Cook and John Quinn were there for me every step of the way,\u201d Parsons said. \u201cThat\u2019s just not something that you have anywhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n
Outside the classroom, Parsons embraced opportunities like the Clemens Angel Analyst Fellowship and the Piedmont Economics Club, building networks that extended beyond campus. That persistence paid off. After completing an internship in the real estate sector the summer before his senior year, he began working on job applications for after graduation. By October, Parsons secured a role with Wells Fargo in the Corporate and Investment Banking division months before graduation.<\/p>\n
Now, as he prepares to leave a place that has shaped him for years, Parsons reflects with both gratitude and readiness. \u201cIt is surreal that I\u2019m leaving Furman,\u201d he says. \u201cBut it feels like it\u2019s time.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Parsons, Furman has been more than a university. It\u2019s been a community that challenged him, supported him and ultimately prepared him for what comes next.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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