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-Lessons Learned on My Journey Through College
By Chukwuderah Egbuna
The Chinese philosopher, Laozi, once said; “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” and this is often quoted to encourage people who are about to begin a new and possibly difficult phase in their lives; a new job, moving to a new place, starting a family, even beginning the college journey.
I have wondered how adequate these words are to people who have finished this journey. Well done? Congratulations? You finally made it? I told you it won't be hard? The list can go on for quite a while but they offer only temporary reassurance because when one journey ends another one begins.
Being at Luther College is the longest I have ever stayed at a school. At the United World College (UWC) in Costa Rica, I spent two wonderful years in the International Baccalaureate program. My journey at Luther started when my journey at UWC ended. The challenge with spending a short amount of time in a place is that you never fully settle down because you know that at some point, you will move on to the next adventure. Consequently, you soak up as much information and experience as you can while impacting the lives around you. When you leave, you know that you are taking a huge gift with you that no one else has. You also hope that you have left an equal gift with your schoolmates.
Although being at Luther seemed like forever, now that it has come to an end, I reflect on the people and experiences that impacted me the most. My professors come to mind as one group of people who have greatly changed my life. No matter how much it seemed that they were intent on making life a living hell with all the papers and the assignments, the truth is that all these demands taught me resilience, courage, strength, and creativity (especially with all those mid-night, last minute papers). They brought students closer together in countless complaining and group study sessions. One class I will never forget is the human anatomy class. A big thank you to Dr. Stephanie Fretham and my wonderful classmates! Without us being able to come together, teach and learn from each other, I doubt we would have made it through. While most of us do not talk as much anymore, (as is the Luther way after a class is done) I know I will definitely be taking those countless midnight study jokes with me.
Advisors - sometimes we tend to overlook the importance of advisors and how much they really help and guide us throughout the journey. My advisor was Prof. Olga Michels and from our first meeting I knew that I was set for the next four years. We did not only talk about the first semester, we pretty much planned out all four years. Her working through this with me made my final year easier than it would have been otherwise.
Work study employers and co-workers - I have had the privilege of working with the amazing staff of the Diversity Center. The first time I met someone from the Diversity Center was on my first day at Luther College. Part of their job description is to orient, advice and support first year international students. They become our first college buddies and we are allowed to ask them any question and share our concerns. The first impressions I had of the students and staff of the Center, made me decide to try my best to work with them. I have acquired so much knowledge by working with these amazing individuals who are always there to talk in time of need. I developed as a writer and an individual by being in charge of the monthly newsletter where I had responsibilities to uphold. I have become more culturally competent by being around individuals with various beliefs, cultures and philosophies. Lastly, I have been granted many opportunities to capitalize on my main strengths by being assigned meaningful work that ensures I use them.
Friends and family - Without them there would be no us. Family and friends provide a tight network of support that is a steady and always present hand at our back. The friends I made at Luther and the lessons they have taught me will go with me in the next phase of my journey through life. I cherish each and every one of them, including those who got on my nerves from time to time.
To those who have yet to complete their Luther journey, remember that the purpose of the journey is not to get to the end but to keep count of all the steps it took to complete. It does not matter if you have just started or if you have a year left to complete, it is never too late to take notice of all the people you have come in contact and to think about those you have yet to meet. Cherish these moments because they will slowly shape you into the person you are at the end of the journey.
To my fellow graduates, we made it! Congratulations! Well done! You have reached the end of your Luther journey. It is important that we reflect on what and who made us into the strong-minded and unique individuals that we are today. Ensure that you express your gratitude to those who impacted you. And know that even though this chapter is coming to a close, it is just the beginning of the next. So, I say to everyone, “the journey of a thousand mile begins with one step”. Never stop walking!
Sail Norse! #Classof2016
· The author, Chukwuderah Egbuna, earned a B.A. in Chemistry with a minor in Biology and was named to the 2016 spring semester Dean's List. She plans to start medical school in the fall of 2016 at the University of Medical and Health Sciences, St Kitts. Luther is a selective four-year college located in Northeast Iowa. The college has an enrollment of 2,400 students and offers a liberal arts education leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in 60 majors and pre-professional programs.