There are so many expectations I had coming into my senior year. I thought I would have limited obligations, less classes and overall less stress relative to my three years prior. I assumed that my last year at Wofford would be an exclamation point on my time here.
I’ve faced an incredibly difficult year with one challenge after another: I got COVID for the first time, dealt with severe financial stress, survived Hurricane Helene and almost missed my only interim trip opportunity. My health deteriorated while working an unexpected job, and I struggled with sleep and focus issues.
I felt like I was constantly failing and had lost myself and my purpose. Just when I thought spring would bring improvement, illness struck my family, creating more anxiety. Then, a close family member died just a month before my graduation. This loss, combined with the impending end of my time here, has been debilitating at times.
In times of hardship and struggle, it’s easy to focus on the bad. I found myself frequently caught in a doom loop. As my Wofford career comes to a close, I have been pondering– what have I appreciated about Wofford? How do you describe the experience of a Wofford education to those who haven’t experienced it? And, the question that has consumed my last few weeks– how do I want to be remembered?
Wofford is President Samhat learning your name after connecting with him on his twin grandsons. Wofford is taking a pre-professional interim class– for me the pre-law interim– as a first-year student. Nowhere but Wofford would a first-year student be provided enough structure and encouragement as to take a practice LSAT.
The Wofford experience is seen in the AVI and custodial staff, who greet students with a smile, asking about each other’s days. It is saying, “have a good day” when you checkout at Zach’s and genuinely meaning it.
When I think about the Wofford experience, I remember the Hipp Lecture series, where renowned speakers come to our little town of Spartanburg to share intellectual ideas and begin conversations. Just last week, the college began the “Candid Conversations” series where people with differing opinions show how to have respectful discussions.
Wofford is a place where students are encouraged to listen to experienced professionals and learn from their wisdom. I have appreciated taking Constitutional Law with a federal prosecutor and learning from health care professionals from this last semester.
Wofford is defined by the professors that occupy offices across campus and genuinely enjoy getting to have discussions with students one-on-one. I cannot count the number of times a professor has assisted me during my time here. They truly desire each student to succeed and learn.
Wofford is the opportunity to not only learn, but to learn what interests you. It is participating in summer research for a subject you have never formally studied.
When I ponder my Wofford experience, I think about the Chaplain’s office, who sent me flowers when my family member passed and checked in constantly. I am reminded of the counseling staff, who gave me their personal numbers so I could schedule an appointment more easily.
The spirit of Wofford is seen in the Campus Life office, where residence life and student activities staff work around the clock, most of the time after hours, to create an enjoyable Wofford and to fortify the college as an inclusive and exciting community. There is truly no other staff on this campus that serves with a can-do attitude the way these wonderful humans do.
Perhaps most relevant, however, is the impact that my classmates have had on my Wofford experience. The Wofford experience is defined by the junior, who, from your first week of class, has made an effort to get to know you, and schedules to see you weekly. Wofford is defined by the senior of the same major, who goes through multiple variations of course schedules for your academic career.
The spirit of Wofford is seen in the students who create a Mock Trial club when our campus didn’t have one. It is bringing students on board to dedicate time to prepare for a competition, one in which the student organized to be on our campus.
The impact of Wofford is seen in a freshman, who has a desire to put on a fundraiser they care about. Consequently, Wofford is about friends and staff showing up to help make their dream a reality, through planning and attending. Wofford is about educating one another on philanthropic causes and planning ways to collect donations for those causes.
Wofford is the work of the student body government, who worked to establish a senior legacy ceremony. Executive leaders guide and direct the trustees to benefit current and future students. The spirit of Wofford is defined by students, who, by trial and error, failures and triumphs, work to make this campus a better place.
Most importantly, the spirit of Wofford is seen in Madison Tolomea ‘26 and Emory Robinson ‘27. These women are highly skilled and competent. They are talented and poised. In my Wofford story, they aided me through the valley and invited me to rely on them in hard times.
Madison is an example of a servant leader, and the best example of a friend and peer. I stepped down as Editor in Chief before my time was technically up. In this uncertain time, Madison was ready and willing to take charge and she has shown me incredible grace.
I can’t wait to follow this newspaper from afar as an alumna. This staff has accomplished so much this year and I know they will be able to continue on the path of greatness.
Through running through the sprinklers, dancing at the Row, late night trips to Cookout, and Sully’s, study sessions in Milliken, walks around campus, volunteering in the community, my character has been made better by spending time with my peers and classmates.
In conducting research, writing papers, asking questions in class, participating in discussions, and listening to guest speakers, my mind has been challenged and my brain has been stimulated.
Wofford, it has often been said that to whom much is given, much is required. I know much is required of me once I leave this place to go forth and represent you well. I hope I keep you shining with untarnished honor. Here’s to a life between the tolls.
