From my time at Gonzaga, I have learned that connections with teachers and other students are more important than someone may think. Having my freshman year cut short and being online all of sophomore year, connections weren’t as easy to make as in the past. I made friends freshman year, but when I came back to school it wasn’t the same. Everyone looked different, and people changed.
This year, I began to realize how important connections are. Having people who you can talk to and ask for advice or simply just spending time with is the biggest thing people underestimate. When I started going to Gonzaga, I only cared about my grades and lacrosse, but that quickly changed when I started to have other interests.
My freshman self at the time would have never thought that I would not be playing lacrosse or running track. I had high expectations for myself in these sports, but my love for both sports faded pretty quickly once COVID took place. Now as a senior, I am a different person. I go to the gym almost every day, and I rarely run or play lacrosse anymore.
That is why having connections is important. Freshman year, I was only focused on sports and school and not focused on making connections with people, but that was the wrong approach. When you come to Gonzaga, people tell you to be as involved as you can… they are not just saying that. Making connections with people who have similar and different interests is the most important thing you can do as a high school student, and I wish I had prioritized my connections more.
College is going to be a different animal, but with all Penn State has to offer, I know that I will get out of my comfort zone. Going to a state school, I will be able to meet new people and give myself a fresh start, especially since it is in a different state. I am going to try and join a fraternity and be able to quickly make connections early.