The Passion of Accomplishment

Life here at William & Mary is slow and fast at the same time. Every day you wake up knowing you have another day to share class with some of the most book-smart people in the country. But it is not all about class — my experiences have proven that interacting with the people here is where the Tribe really leaves it’s mark on you.

On a daily basis I generally have a meeting or task scheduled for one of the organizations I am a member of — the Counseling Center’s advisory committee, The African American Male Coalition, my Task Force and the admission office. This, after my years as a student athlete and work in DC, is more fun than work to me, since I know the rigors of an eight-hour work day. But the length of time is not the difference. As a student here, you will be more invested and engaged than ever before in your life. Because no one is making you do it, or over your shoulder checking on you — everything you do at William & Mary, and everything about William & Mary, is yours. Yours to handle and change and fail or succeed and find joy in.

However, you are never alone in approaching your new endeavors. There are always people around you – students, staff, and faculty – who support you in the activities you engage in and who share your interest in whatever passion you find. Whether a member of a club, in a classroom, or on a team, people show up and bust their butts for a variety of reasons. That spirit of passionate accomplishment is hard to find in this world, and at William & Mary you find it in spades.

-Dominic Burkett ’16