Dear IWU

Dear IWU,

   Graduation is upon me and I am so excited. While I am coming to the close of my college career I have been reflecting on the beginning and middle of it. The time that I have spent here has been both good and bad, fun and tough, really quick and extremely long, and challenging and encouraging. As you can see, with everything else, there are good factors and bad factors with going to college, even IWU. I have been frustrated with risk management, child-like rules for students who could fight for our country, class attendance policies when I am the one paying for every class, and how across the street from our multi-million dollar buildings the town of Marion looks so rough. But my frustrations do not outweigh the blessings of this sacred space. Dave Ward (Academic Dean for the School of Theology and Ministry) asked me, "What would Marion look like everywhere if the school was not on the South side of town?" This question is one of optimism and hope. Meeting people like Dave Ward is one of the highlights of coming to college. My education is crucial and the reason I am here, but the relationships are what keep me sane on this journey of education.
To all the Freshman:
   I write to you with excitement. You have just begun your college career, friends are being made, and the initial anxiety is probably wearing off. This is a great time of your life and an incredible growing point, so soak it up. The older I get, the quicker I get older. This is something I have just begun to realize as a senior, but I want you to know it now so that you do not miss any opportunity.
To all the Sophomores:
   Congratulations for making it through your Freshman year. That is one of the hardest humps to make it over, and yet you did it. Right now you are in the thick of college. You understand the system, you have your set friends, and you look at Freshman students like they have no idea what they are doing. Continue to press on towards your goal of graduation so that you may complete what you have set out to do.
To all the Juniors:
   Stay strong! Junior year is typically the hardest in high school and college (I know it was for me). During those moments when you feel as though you are drowning and want to give up, remember why you came here. What is the purpose for why you are here? In order to make it through the toughest part, you have to remember why you are there. So again, stay strong!
To al the Seniors:
   For most of you there is only one semester standing between you and the world ahead; for some two more semesters. This last semester will be stressful when you are trying to look for jobs, and sometimes feel pointless when you have a job yet you are still in class. My word to you is discipline. In these last few months of your college career stay disciplined to finish strong what you have set out to do. Be sure to also stay disciplined in your relationships because that is truly what life is all about.

Thank you IWU and those who made my time here special,
Shay