I was a little bit emotional thinking about graduation. As I reflected on the end of my time at Trevecca, I could not help but be overwhelmed with all of the adventures and joy that I’ve experienced in classrooms, dorm rooms, apartment living rooms, the gym and exercise science labs over this last year.
I tried to think of a word that summarized my gratitude to all of you and your hard work, but the only thing I could think that fully summarized it—and I know it is not enough—was a simple THANK YOU.
I will never forget freshman year sitting in biblical faith class and Dr. Michael Jackson was playing The Beatles and had a fun PowerPoint slide up for every class. I thought, if this is what college looks like, this is great. I was encouraged as a little freshman to be social and have fun with my friends, but most importantly learn what to do with my future.
I was excited for the road ahead and already thinking about what specialty I wanted to go into when I hadn’t even learned about all of the muscles in the body—which would’ve been a better thing to worry about when I was just 18 years old. Then I got my first biology test grade back from Dr. Russell and thought, what have I gotten myself into? I began to think I wasn’t quite smart enough to pass the class, but she quickly taught me how to study, and the study tools she taught me freshman year I still continue to use and recommend to other people. For that, I am eternally grateful, and I am carrying those study habits with me to physical therapy school.
Not only have my professors encouraged me in the classroom with my academic success, they have encouraged me to pursue the Lord through a personal walk with Him. That is more important and defines my worth far more than a test grade can. I have heard quite a few of Dr. Schaefer’s pre-lecture sermons and have enjoyed every single one of them. In many classes I reflected on the fact that there are not many universities you can go to where your professors pray for you and ask you about your weekend before class starts, which makes college feel more like a community than just a place to get a piece of paper representing a degree.
Dr. Selvidge has encouraged me to pursue the journey of faith more deeply through Christian life and in ministry, and I’ve enjoyed hearing his stories of faith. Dr. Hall has stretched me to be diligent in studying by giving us an exam every few weeks alongside all the practicals, quizzes, projects, presentations and labs. He has been a major role model, and through his connections I get to work at a PT clinic this summer, so thank you.
I got to experience a 36-hour trip to Africa with Erik Gernand through Trevecca Around the Globe (TAG), and during an eight-hour van ride we were thankful that we didn’t get stopped at any of the military checkpoints when none of us had our passports with us. Then on the way home we almost got stuck in Brussels when our flight was delayed 12 hours.
These are just a few of the experiences that stick out to me over the last few years, and each of them helped me grow into the person I am today. I am pleased to say that I am attending East Tennessee State University PT school in January, and the only reason I am doing that is because of each of you.
Through Dr. Patterson’s encouragement first semester, Dr. Hall’s kinesiology class that I still have 500 written flashcards from, and Dr. Sheppard’s Christian tradition scavenger hunt last spring, I feel well-prepared for the next season of life—and more importantly, prepared to face the world that is ahead as someone who loves the Lord and has learned how to love and serve people well.
I could not imagine spending the last few years anywhere else. Each of you have sought to know me and my story and why I want to do what I want to do to help me achieve my goals, and for that I am so grateful. Thank you!
