As abruptly as it began, my “adventure in English literature” has unfortunately come to an end. It has been an incredible 6 months – and I must first and foremost thank the Roger M. Jones Foundation, Peter Heydon and the College of Engineering for giving me this opportunity. I’ll repeat that I am truly honored to have been a part of this organization and Professor Jones’ memory.
Not only is this the end of this study abroad experience, but this also marks the end of my college career – so I have been reflecting a bit on all of the experiences I have had over the past 6 years. During this time, I have studied at 5 different universities, twice outside of the US. I’ve earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Industrial & Operations Engineering. I’ve also earned a minor in Spanish language, taken a handful of courses at the Ross School of Business, and now dedicated a semester to English literature. I’ve been a residence hall advisor and a graduate student instructor (then went back to being a “fresher”). I have worked in finance in New York City and computers in California. I’ve taken sailing lessons and played water polo in Spain, gone caving and whitewater kayaking in Britain, and taken carillon lessons and placed in ice carving competitions in Michigan. I’ve acted in an MBA production, a student-run English theatre, and played accordion in an Engineering talent show. I have seen a US President speak and been to the Pope’s funeral. I’ve taken more exams than I care to remember, and even written enough to know that it’s the harder job. And I have been to four graduations – even speaking at one of them.
I do not intend for this laundry list to sound like some kind of boast. Rather, I often reflect on things I wish I could have done during my college career, opportunities I didn’t take – or didn’t seek out. Some of this energy is good, it makes me strive to learn more and take on new experiences. I remember my first day at Michigan, driving up to Mosher Jordan Hall with my parents. A part of me really wanted to stay home that day, where it is comfortable and predictable and I wouldn’t have to change or grow to keep up with my surroundings. I felt the exact same way when the taxi pulled up to Hugh Stewart Hall. And I’m starting to get that feeling again as I start this next phase of my post-college life.
But I also need to look back and be grateful for all of the accomplishments I have made. It’s a tricky balance, and something I know I haven’t mastered and will likely never perfect. All I can do is use what I’ve learned to keep going. To paraphrase philosopher Heraclitus, or football coach Lou Holtz, or management guru Tony Robbins, or countless others – you’re either growing or declining, there is no standing still.
