St. Bonaventure University prides itself on the connections that students, faculty, professors, and alumni all share.
From the alums that come back for events to those who connect students for jobs and internships. The professors and faculty go above and beyond for the students to make them succeed in the best way possible.
One of my mentors said to me today, “Life isn’t about what you have but rather the connections you make.” This didn’t come word for word, but that was what he meant by it.
But he is right. Life is what you make of it, and if all you have are material things, what is left when it all comes crashing down? But the connections, love, and people in your life will still be standing.
Take me, for example. I love to bake; in fact, it’s my main way of showing love, care, and gratitude for the people in my life. I would have never thought that I would ever open a bakery, but I have people in my life who have shown me that I can, and are supportive of that fact.
I work in the admissions office here, and my favorite part of the job is forming connections with the prospective students. I want them to feel like they have a connection at the school and a helping hand. Sometimes they don’t come here, but I am grateful to be someone who was helpful and gave guidance in their personal college story.
The main reason I am at SBU is my admissions counselor. We sat and talked for probably three hours, a day before coming back again for Scholars Day. That simple connection made me realize I could make something of myself here, and I would love it.
That connection doesn’t come from the number of majors, jobs, or money the school has, but rather the people behind it.
I come to a school that preaches about making connections. I have formed relationships here, and I know these connections are what we believe in because I have lived it.
Everyone has plans, goals, and ideas about how their life will go. Internships, jobs, graduate school. Constantly looking at the future for what they can make of everything, but along the way, the connections you make could be the turning point in getting that job and internship.
So, I inspire you to stop, slow down, and enjoy the now and the connections you have made. There will always be time to worry, to plan, and to dream, but the people standing beside you are the ones who help you get there.
If the world burned down tomorrow, and you lost all your material things, would you still be happy with the life you have and will live?