It's summer time and most college students are either working, taking classes, backpacking through Europe, or all of the above.
Me, I have been reflecting on the 37 weeks that were full of joy, tears, frustrations, achievements, and new beginnings.
I was fortunate enough to return to my university to spend two weeks as a freshman orientation guide for a program called "Summer Preview." I didn't have the stress of homework and exams, so this was the perfect time to experience my university in its deepest form. This is when I realized I owe a big thank you to the Jesuit university that has transformed me.
For any students that plan on attending Creighton, or already are, I really hope you get the best that you can plus more out of this amazing university.
1. Thank you for giving me the best professors.
I want to give a huge thank you to the professors that allowed me to drop by their office hours to have life chats about everything, including non-academic life. These professors have inspired me and have become true role models, and that is the best thing I can receive from my education.
2. Thank you for being the source of finding my closest friends.
I have already found some of my closest friends in 37 weeks. Some of these friends will be my bridesmaids and some will still be there in 10 years to hear my ridiculous rants. Some will leave the friendship behind and some I will only see at school reunions. Regardless, each and every single person I have met at Creighton has made a positive impact in my life some way or another.
3. Thank you for giving me the best opportunities I could have.
I was a student guide to incoming freshman in a program that took up the best two weeks of my summer so far. I was a member of the Cortina community, a service-learning community that gave me the opportunity to do service and learn more about social justice issues around the Omaha area and around the world. I became a proud sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma. I still have a list-full of activities and projects I want to be involved in, so this is an early thank you for giving me the chance to do all that I want to do.
4. Thank you for teaching me the Jesuit values, especially cura personalis.
Everything that I am doing at Creighton is affecting my personal growth in some way. From the classes that I take, to the people I hang out with, to the organizations that I am involved in, I am learning about myself, how I interact with others, and what my passions are. I am learning to be a better person by following those Jesuit values that are so united with the university.
5. Most importantly, thank you for leading me on the path to fall in love.
And no, I'm not talking about romantic love, per se. I'm talking about having the chance to find those passions that will motivate me for the rest of my life. I have, and will continue to, fall in love with different interests and passions that will lead me into the direction that I am meant to go.
Thank you, Creighton University, for everything.
"Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything." -Father Pedro Arrupe, S.J.
