Being new to anything is difficult because the unknown can often be nerve racking and scary. I walked onto Gonzaga’s campus as a freshman for the first time in 2019 and did not know what to expect. I was nervous,and unfamiliar with my surroundings after leaving my previous school of nine years Blessed Sacrament.
I had a brother who was a senior when I was just a freshman, which was helpful because he was able to show me the ropes of the school and introduce me to his friends. During my time here at Gonzaga, I have learned a lot, but some of the most significant lessons I have learned have been to treat others the way I would like to be treated through service, formed meaningful relationships and developed a work ethic through a difficult course load.
Over the four years I spent at Gonzaga, I have done a fair amount of service, partially because it is a requirement, but through this requirement I have found joy in serving others. Freshman year I started with simple service participating in the Greg Gannon Can and Food Drive and picking up trash all over the neighborhood multiple times for Mrs. Hudson’s religion class.
My sophomore year I participated in the food drive again and spent time doing meals on wheels with my mother on Wednesdays.
During my junior year, I served at Little Lights D.C., participated in the Greg Gannon Can and Food Drive and served at A Wider Circle. This year I served at S.O.M.E., down the street from Gonzaga. Service has given me the opportunity to use my privilege to help others. I have also been able to grow closer to my classmates through service.
At Gonzaga, the concept of service was always over my head due to the pressure from my peers to meet my service requirement. However, the pressure of getting good grades was always present, too. Starting my freshman year my parents set an expectation for me, and that was to get good grades, but most importantly do my best. Over these last four years, I have truly realized the value of having a good work ethic. I have been able to take the work ethic I have developed and filter it into different aspects of my life. During high school I got a job as a caddy and was able to use my new work ethic to thrive.
Looking back on my time on Eye-Street, I am glad I made the choice to come to Gonzaga. The lessons I have learned, but most importantly the people I have met will stay with my for the remainder of my life.