Class of 2019
Being at Walsh is like a ripple effect. You are interested in one activity on campus and then it leads to another club, and another position, and as the ripples go out, doors open. If you ask one question, people are there with an answer. People will go above and beyond what you are looking for. I have encountered many ripple effects while at Walsh, but one of the biggest ones was becoming a Resident Assistant. As met people within Student Affairs through Residence Life, I applied for a summer job with Student Affairs and found a whole new world of education that I did not know existed.
Being an RA has really has had a huge impact on my Walsh experience. I ended up changing my major halfway through the second semester of my junior year. I was an AYA Education major, and I switched to a non-licensure education track. What I want to do is take what I have learned and work in the world of Student Affairs. I am confident that I made the right decision and I will be able to graduate on time through the support of different resources here at Walsh.
I was very afraid to change my major so late in my college career. It was something that I had contemplated for about a year as I was not as happy as I thought I would be in the classroom. I felt that if I changed my major very late in college, I wouldn’t be successful. After talking with hall directors, professors, and friends, I know that opportunities are endless. Now I am doing what I am passionate about which has been the biggest blessing.
I know that I have been supported by the faculty and staff at Walsh since day one. I take advantage of the resources in the Office of Accessibility Services and the people there are just so welcoming. I remember getting familiar with the office before I even attended Walsh. My parents and I came to visit and it was just such a pleasant experience that I halve felt comfortable with from the start. For some people, seeking help feels like admitting defeat or is embarrassing, but I think about it differently. People want to help. They are professionals who have helped others with the same problems before. Asking questions and seeking help is important. Even the strongest people fall sometimes. Part of college is standing up for yourself and doing things individually, but always knowing that you do have a support system at Walsh University.
I have been blessed with everything that Walsh has given me. Because of Walsh I was able to study abroad in Rome and travel all over Europe. I have secured an internship with Student Activities on campus for the fall. I have gone to Maine and served the Brothers who founded my university. I have been involved in the University Chorale and Chamber Singers, which has continued my love for singing through college. I attend bible study with my friends. I have gotten to attend the Agape Retreat with Campus Ministry and attend and help lead the Discover Freshman Retreat. I am a tutor in the Academic Support Center. Walsh has opened so many doors for me, allowing me to make the best of friends. People check in on you, they are present, they are caring, and they are intentional. It has not only been incredible for me to see where Walsh has taken me, but where it has taken all of my friends too. I know that I matter at Walsh because of the friends I have made here who have become family. Walsh is home.