Once a year Elon University students beam with pride as they sip on their free "college coffee" and sport their new Elon attire. Elon Day, March 8th, is a time where school spirit is at an all time high; however, to me, it is everyday that I think about how lucky I am to attend a university that has made such an impact on my life. But in leu of honoring the day, it is time to reflect on everything Elon has given the student body and I as our time here progresses.
1. Experience
Prior to coming to Elon, I couldn't tell you what I wanted to major in, how to work PhotoShop, what Media Writing even was, or how to write a resume. Aside from educational classes, I honestly did not even know how to conduct myself living on my own. Laundry? Why can't I just throw my white tank top in with my neon pink socks? To be honest, I was not even sure how to put myself out there in terms of meeting new friends. Elon has taught me facts as specific as when to italicize versus use quotation marks, to general necessities such as how to live with people I've never met. However, no matter the category, Elon has supplied me with significantly more experience in almost every aspect of life that I did not know before coming to college, and I truly thank Elon University.
2. Friendships
And not the type of friendships that come and go, but truly the group of people I know I can count on when I am 71 years old to meet me for weekly bingo which turns into laughing at the same thing that was hysterical 50 years ago. Elon has introduced me to the people that I can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner with and still never have a dull moment. The people I know will have my back for not only the next few years but many more to come. Lastly, the people I see parts of myself in who have taught me the true meaning of life long friendship.
3. Advisors
On the first day of school, we are given an academic advisor to help us lay out the next four years to the best of our freshman ability. However, as the years go along we meet professors that leave a lasting impressions on us and end up being our ultimate support systems to provide guidance along the way. The real life experience and helpful tools they have taught us are irreplaceable, and make them the best educational and supporting advisors we could have ever asked for. Compared to many large schools where the professors do not even know the names of their students, I can honestly say I have learned more from interactive conversations with my professors than the text book could ever teach. For this, I am so thankful.
Take an extra moment on your late night walk from the library to your dorm to look around and say thank you to the school that has given us so much, it has truly exceeded expectations in every way possible.
