Leaving a Legacy

With graduation looming (62 days as I write this…), I’ve been thinking about how to leave my legacy on campus.  William & Mary has shaped my life so immensely that I want to give something back.  My first way to give back was to participate in the Senior Class Gift.  Each year seniors are encouraged to give back to the school that has given them so much.  The students on the Senior Class Gift Committee set a goal for participation, this year the goal is 75% class participation.  Seniors have the opportunity to choose which department will receive their gift.  I chose to give my gift to the Office of Student Leadership Development because my involvement in Fraternity/Sorority Life and AMP has really shaped my college career and future prospects.  Participating in the Senior Class Gift allows seniors to come together and celebrate their last semester at W&M.  The Senior Class Gift Committee puts on events such as beer and wine tastings, restaurant nights, and t-shirt distributions.  I can’t wait to see the Class of 2013 stone on the college walk with 75% participation!

More figuratively, I hope to give back by being a mentor to underclassmen.  As an underclassman, I truly benefited from my interactions with older students in Fraternity/Sorority Life, leadership programs, and AMP.  I knew that I wanted to be the same positive influence for future underclassmen.  As the Panhellenic President, I worked closely with my Vice-President who took on the presidency this year.  Throughout my year-long term, I made sure to be an example to her and ensure that she would excel in the job.  I have continued to be there for her this semester and hope to stay connected after I graduate.  Mentoring younger students through friendships and leadership positions is a great way to give back to the campus and other students.  William & Mary is unique in that upperclassmen are always looking to make new connections, even as a second-semester senior I love to meet new people and be there for them in any way that I can.  I hope to continue to give back to W&M long after I have left campus.

-Jordan