The day my parents left me at EMU for freshman year, I was terrified. I was in a new place ten hours away from home and knew only a handful of people. I kept thinking, “Why did I choose a school so far away? Why am I putting myself through this?” The answers to these questions came quickly and have stayed consistent over my last four years here.

At EMU, I have grown into a leader on campus. This has included serving as a CA for two years, working in the box office and cafeteria, tutoring, and volunteering as a Royal Ambassador. I have experienced enriching relationships with faculty and fellow students. My professors and supervisors have not only shaped me academically, but have also encouraged and challenged me socially, emotionally, and spiritually. My peers have brought energy, laughter, and new perspectives into my life. They have shown me comfort in the face of defeat and affirmation in times of both personal and collaborative victory.

EMU gave me a chance to explore the world. The Middle East cross cultural immersed me in a variety of different cultures and allowed me to truly see the world outside of myself. After visiting seven countries with 30 other EMU students and two wise and exuberant leaders, I was left with a desire to continue traveling, serving, and building bridges with others around the globe. This desire has already led me to several service opportunities abroad and will stay with me for many years to come.

So, to summarize my time at EMU? Between all of the big events mentioned above, my experience at EMU was friendly nods on the sidewalk. It was Burger Fridays in the caf. It was color runs and doughnut runs. It was pancake nights and countless hours of studying in Common Grounds. It was freezing at sporting events in the student section and hiking in nearby neighborhoods. It was sunny afternoons on the front lawn and late nights on the hill.

It was learning and growing. It was changing. It was becoming who I am today.