I’ve most likely walked down Lapsley Lane over one hundred times in the past three and a half years, but I’ve honestly never given much thought to one of the buildings, Regis Hall. That’s why when I walked through the doors to interview our President, Dr. Reed, I was astonished by the beautiful, echoing walls and large paintings that covered every corner. I waited patiently for my interview with Dr. Reed, not quite sure what to expect. I had prepared the relevant questions, but this was our University President, and I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.
My nervous feelings quickly subsided as soon as I was greeted by Dr. Reed. With a firm handshake, Dr. Reed led us into yet another regal room for our interview. Direct, yet soft in his responses, Dr. Reed answered each and every one of my questions with ease and eloquence. Our interview quickly turned into a discussion about the college experience and all that our undeniably amazing university has to offer. Dr. Reed offered advice to current SJU students, based off of years of success and experience. Here are five pieces of advice that I gathered from our current President to you:
It’s extremely important to have mentors. Dr. Reed spoke of three different mentors in his life that have had a lasting effect on him. His first was a seventh grade history teacher who instilled in him a love for history and learning. Other important mentors include two Jesuit priests, Fr. Aloysius Kelley and Fr. Jeffrey von Arx. Both of these Jesuits pushed Dr. Reed to take chances with his career. Dr. Reed stated that all three of these mentors “recognized potential in me that I did not see myself.” Dr. Reed believes that having mentors can allow for so many more opportunities throughout your college career and beyond.
Take advantage of leadership opportunities on campus. When Dr. Reed was an undergraduate at Fairfield University, he ran for Student Body President and won. He believes that this leadership opportunity helped to prepare him for the “real world” and led to his “sink or swim” mentality. Dr. Reed believes we are often given opportunities in life, whether we want them or not. When granted these opportunities, we must choose to sink or swim – to rise to the occasion or to let it pass you by. Dr. Reed is a firm believer in rising to the occasion, hence why he became a dean at Fairfield University at age 26.
Don’t focus too much on what job you’re going to have, but “be open to the discovery of what may happen.” Dr. Reed believes that it is important to have internships and field-related experience, but ultimately, he believes that students should keep an open mind when it comes to their career and the unknown. While in college, Dr. Reed did not aspire to become a university president, but he was open to many opportunities throughout his career that led him to this point.
“Find what you love and involve yourself with it deeply.” When it comes to your major, Dr. Reed feels that studying what you love, and doing it well, will ultimately lead to happiness and success. He stated that college is a huge investment, and therefore, students should be enjoying and loving what they’re focusing on academically. “Depth and breadth” are what matter most.
You can most certainly have it all. Of course college is a time to have fun, but there are so many other things to take advantage of while it’s solely your job to be a student. Dr. Reed believes that you actually can have it all here at SJU: a social life, academics, service/extra-curricular engagements, etc. Dr. Reed stressed that in college, you have freedom of choice to learn, live, and grow.
– image credit www.sju.edu