Saying Goodbye
Last night was Toast to the Lord, the last Newman meeting. Wow. For the past three years I was always on the other side of the picnic bench, if you will. Saying goodbye to the seniors, knowing they would be missed, but knowing that Newman would continue on, and the for the most part my life would remain the same.
But this year, it was totally different. Sitting there, with my classmates, those of us who have spent four turbulent, yet wonderful years together, I can't help but think about what my life is going to be like without Newman next year. Last night brought tears to my eyes and the words to describe what I was feeling and how grateful I am for my time at Newman were just caught in my throat. I still can't believe that it is over.
I always wonder how different my college experience would have been if I had not been a part of Newman. When I came to OU, I didn't even know about Newman... I hadn't heard about it at PreCollege, I didn't receive a summer freshman letter, and I don't remember learning about it at the student organization fair at the beginning of the year. I attended the first meeting at the suggestion of Kelly who was going because her grandpa had told her about it. And I will be forever grateful to her that I went.
Newman isn't like any other student organization. It's different from the organizations based on major or interest. Newman is about faith and because of that Newman is unique. Newmaners show each other respect and I have always felt welcome and at home. It is a totally safe and happy environment.
Newman changed me. I came to Newman shy, quiet and the kind of person who rather sit in a corner unnoticed. But during my freshman year, the older Newmaners made me feel welcome and special. I never thought that I could hold a leadership position. I thought that I would be the one to help out on committees, but never be in charge. But three years and three servant leadership positions later, I have surprised even myself. I really was capable of running a pancake breakfast or planning a cook-out. And while I may still be shy or quiet, I have proved to myself that I can be a leader.
I have met many of my friends through Newman and am so grateful that I have met each and every one of you. You have all touched me in your own way and I will take a little piece of each of you with me when I leave. I hope that we keep in touch and that in five or ten years we can come back for a reunion and pick up like we'd never been gone.
Goodbye Newman and Thank You
"Some people come into our lives
and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never ever the same."
But this year, it was totally different. Sitting there, with my classmates, those of us who have spent four turbulent, yet wonderful years together, I can't help but think about what my life is going to be like without Newman next year. Last night brought tears to my eyes and the words to describe what I was feeling and how grateful I am for my time at Newman were just caught in my throat. I still can't believe that it is over.
I always wonder how different my college experience would have been if I had not been a part of Newman. When I came to OU, I didn't even know about Newman... I hadn't heard about it at PreCollege, I didn't receive a summer freshman letter, and I don't remember learning about it at the student organization fair at the beginning of the year. I attended the first meeting at the suggestion of Kelly who was going because her grandpa had told her about it. And I will be forever grateful to her that I went.
Newman isn't like any other student organization. It's different from the organizations based on major or interest. Newman is about faith and because of that Newman is unique. Newmaners show each other respect and I have always felt welcome and at home. It is a totally safe and happy environment.
Newman changed me. I came to Newman shy, quiet and the kind of person who rather sit in a corner unnoticed. But during my freshman year, the older Newmaners made me feel welcome and special. I never thought that I could hold a leadership position. I thought that I would be the one to help out on committees, but never be in charge. But three years and three servant leadership positions later, I have surprised even myself. I really was capable of running a pancake breakfast or planning a cook-out. And while I may still be shy or quiet, I have proved to myself that I can be a leader.
I have met many of my friends through Newman and am so grateful that I have met each and every one of you. You have all touched me in your own way and I will take a little piece of each of you with me when I leave. I hope that we keep in touch and that in five or ten years we can come back for a reunion and pick up like we'd never been gone.
Goodbye Newman and Thank You
"Some people come into our lives
and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never ever the same."