Rockhurst Sentinel

As a graduating senior of Rockhurst University Class of 2009, it’s difficult to comprehend how quickly four years can pass. When I think of my first days at the Rock, I remember sitting on the Quad during Orientation, wondering where I would be in four years. I looked around at the new students, and understood these were the people who would fulfill each other’s college experience. 

For a moment, I felt alone because, but I would try to find value in every experience. I wanted to explore the road less traveled, and this attitude – as Robert Frost’s notes – “has made all the difference.” 

Quite honestly, freshman year is weird. Everyone on campus seems like he/she knows each other, and here we come (the new students) trying to figure things out. Finding your niche was difficult, but hanging out in Corcoran (which was all-male) was a blast; we had the freedom to make our own choices and to stay up till 3:00 am every night.

Intramurals, the Rock Room, partying with your RA, playing in the fountains, 8 a.m. classes (boo), going to houses in packs of 20 (known as a “hawk herd” to upper classman), sneaking in the dorms at night, calling the Rockos…these contributed to a good start at the Rock.  

Sophomore year is an eye-opening experience. You witness things you hadn’t noticed as a freshman, form great friendships that will last a lifetime, and give advice to the new freshman, things like:  your student I.D. should not be worn like a medal or lunch trays are for high school visitors only. 

Junior year is difficult. The work load is heavy and you find yourself trying to balance several tasks. The house party fayed away, but the 21^st birthday means the beginning of Rockhurst nights at Mikes, Harpo’s, Hoopers and Tom’s. You think about what’s to come after senior year, but you’re not ready for the real world, which is just around the corner. Everything is fun and games.

Senior year goes by the quickest. Although it seemed like we didn’t go to class a lot, the work load was as much – if not more – than previous years. Suddenly, we realize how quickly the year was flying and we made the effort to attend every event and have as much fun as possible.  We’ve turned the corner, and the real world is only days away. 

One thing I will always take with me is the experiences I shared with my friends. I do not know what I would have done without my best friends Kayla Smith and Kevin Becvar or my brothers in Alpha Delta Gamma; we’ve been there for each other many times over, and I hope everyone is able to find the friendships that will impact their lives as well. 

The most important piece of advice I offer is for everyone to take risks and to not be afraid to experience the unexpected. Rockhurst has much to offer, but if you’re looking for a rewarding experience, take the time to make goals and stick with them. Take risks on ideas you have; talk to people you do not know; join an organization you never expected to join.

In four years, I took many risks, but they’ve all contributed to who I am today. My sophomore year, I started Pro-Life T-Shirt day with Kayla Smith. We were unsure of how successful the event would be, but this year, 175 students and staff participated!  Junior year, I organized the 9/11 Memorial Flag Display with the College Republicans. These events were challenging, but they were something new for Rockhurst, and they affected many in the process. Challenge yourself to explore your passions and find a way to share them with those around you. You will not regret it.

As I look into the future, I will miss Rockhurst many times over. Being hypnotized during Homecoming, intramural softball (go Dingers – two-time champions!!),cafeteria visits from President Curran, walking through Loyola Park, reading the Bell Tower quote, laughing at streakers on Lower Bourke, taking cover from the swarms of crows in the fall – these events only touch the surface of great memories. I cannot wait to repeat the stories we created years down the road. 

Although we may be counting down the days to graduation, we all wish they hadn’t gone by so fast.

Make more opportunities than the ones presented to you. Reach outside your comfort zone, and you might find yourself holding onto something you never want to let go.

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