It is hard to express in words what my time here at Newman has meant to me. Thinking back on all of the experiences that I have been fortunate enough to have, I am so grateful for everything that I have learned both inside and outside of the classroom.

Being at Newman has meant learning what true friends are. They are the ones who change your flat tire on your car for you while you are at work, who help you scrape the ice off your windshield for you when you are running late for an appointment, who wake up in the middle of the night and listen to you just because you need someone to talk to. I am so thankful for all of my wonderful friends that I have had the opportunity of getting to know from all parts of the country, and even the world.

Being at Newman has taught me the humility that comes with scoring the game winning goal in a soccer game one weekend AND then turning around the next weekend to miss a penalty kick with two minutes left to play to lose the game. Playing college athletics has taught me that I am stronger both inside and outside than I ever thought I could be and I am so thankful for that.

Being at Newman has meant learning what it feels like to hold and play with a young child at an orphanage in Mexico. The emphasis on service her at Newman has given me a new perspective on the world. Participating in several service trips to various places has given me a chance to see what true compassion is all about…as well as fly in an airplane and see the ocean for the first time.

Being at Newman has meant having professors that will go the extra mile for me to help me succeed. This has ranged from a chemistry teacher telling me in the nicest way possible that maybe I would benefit from moving to the front row of the classroom instead of sitting in the back row to help improve my struggling grade to another teacher sending an email to me to see if she could do anything to help me because I had seemed especially tired in class lately and she was becoming concerned. I am so thankful for the small community feel at Newman where professors are able to give students the attention that they need.

Being at Newman has made me realize what it feels like to have a second family. After working so many on campus jobs such as in Student Support Services and in the Athletic Training room, or as an Ambassador in the Admissions Office I have formed relationships with staff members that are absolutely priceless to me. I have cried to them, laughed with them, complained to them, and they have been supportive through it all.

Being at Newman has given me the confidence necessary to desire to go out and transform society. I came in without any idea of what I wanted to do with my life but thanks to my experience here I am ready to move on into the career of occupational therapy and make a difference in the world by helping improve the life of one person at a time. I am very blessed and thankful for having discovered who I am and who I want to be.

Thank you to Newman University and all of its fine faculty, staff, and students.