Think about the legacy you wish to leave, be that big or small, and try to achieve it.
This past week I attended one of the School of Information Leadership Series lunches and one piece of advice imparted on the group was “think about the legacy you wish to leave on campus, be that big or small, and try to achieve it by the time you graduate.” I want to keep this in mind and I wish I had earlier, but with one semester left in my college career, I’d hate to leave with regrets.
I have one semester of college left and I am incredibly overwhelmed with sadness trying to understand where the time has gone. But also, I am moved by how much I have grown over the past 3.5 years and am excited by my last semester as an opportunity to see it all culminate into one grand experience.
Eight years ago I was told I could never graduate high school in 3 years. Furthermore, I was told I was going to regret it, I would sink not swim, and I would struggle to find my place in a large place. I mean, I don’t think I have to tell anyone how untrue that has all came to be. I’m incredibly happy at the University of Michigan, snow or shine. I have found friends that I love from every part of campus. I have found the BEST major in the world, that brings together all my interests in an impactful way, with incredible people who all equally ambitious to make change in this world.
Four years ago I was told that finding a job in NYC would be incredibly difficult to do, especially at a top tech company. This is something I have dreamed of since 8th grade. EIGHTH GRADE. When I received my internship offer last year to intern @MongoDB I was floored. An actual dream of mine had come into fruition. And you bet I loved every moment of last summer and signed to return full-time next fall.
Three years ago I was told there was absolutely no way that the School of Information would even consider offering a +1 degree for undergraduates to move through their masters program at an accelerated rate. However, this semester I made it my goal to make some noise about it, rally the troops, and really emphasize the value of such program. The mentality has certainly changed. In a lunch with the Dean this past Monday they actually said they are toying with the idea and it could be something that exists for the cohort after mine. Sure I didn’t succeed in getting the opportunity to partake myself, but I’m elated to give way to future students to be offered this.
Two years ago I wrote a story on here about how when someone asks me what I want to when I grow up, it’s incredibly hard for me to answer because my ambitions go far past any time, skill, and ability I have at this exact point in time. This seemed absurd to anyone I spoke to on the topic. My opinion on that hasn’t changed and my confidence in my dreams have only strengthened.
One year ago I explored the entrepreneurial culture that exists on campus. I helped out on a friends start-up. I attended MHacks for the first time. I learned how to take risks. I also learned that leading is learned and being wrong is ok.
Today, I’m thinking about my legacy. On this campus and beyond. I hope to continue being involved in Central Student Government. Helping the communications committee spread word about work being done. Helping with a Public Service Pitch Competition next semester. Helping School of Information Student Government continue the BSI Mentorship Program. Helping nudge faculty and administration to finally introduce a +1 program. But more importantly, I hope to cement life-long friendships the people I have met in college and strengthen relationships with those who helped me grow.
One semester left.
