Smile because 2013 happened

Theodor Seuss Geisel, fondly known as Dr. Seuss, has filled each of our lives with morals and insights that most of us have grown from. As I sit in Swem library and reminisce on my 2013 memories, I would like to introduce this blog with one of my favorite quotes from this creative genius, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Through thought and reflection, this past calendar year has provided my fellow students and me with remarkable experiences. I have been exposed to unimaginable opportunities, introduced to incredible individuals, and challenged myself along the way. In the effort to commemorate this past year, I would like to touch on some special memories that I experienced at W&M.

W&M has visibly grown through enhanced academics and the creation and development of student organizations. Academically, W&M has admitted a diverse and intelligent class of 2017, advanced the W&M DC Summer Institute, and improved various departments. From personal experience, the DC institute has provided me with the opportunity to fulfill GERs and other requirements, while being flexible with my internship and summer schedule. Summer courses offer not only the short-term benefit of knocking out credit hours, but also lightening the load for future semesters. Moving forward to the fall semester, I began my finance degree at the Mason School of Business. This department, among others, has transformed to focus on students’ needs and improve both independent and group work.

Additionally, on-campus student organizations have evolved throughout the 2013 calendar year. The Greek community welcomed an unprecedented number of both sorority and fraternity members, clubs of various interests were formed, and volunteer organizations dominated the campus scene. Two highly influential volunteer organizations I would like to touch on are Camp Kesem and the William & Mary Veterans Writing Project. According to their webpage, Camp Kesem is a “national nonprofit organization that provides free summer camp to children ages 6 to 16 with a parent who has or has had cancer.” The organization has captured the interest of many leaders on campus and looks forward to hosting their first summer camp in 2014. The William & Mary Veterans Writing Project was brought to campus by an ambitious and forward-thinking undergrad. The program provides no-cost writing seminars for veterans, service members, and military family members in the local area. Each of these organizations, among many others, have developed and flourished with the help of W&M’s driven students.

Looking back on the 2013 calendar year, both W&M and its students have grown. We have faced challenges, shared unforgettable experiences, and set expectations high for the 2014 year. Reiterating Dr. Seuss’ quote, there is plenty to smile about over this past year and there are more memories to come.

– Amanda Gunderson