Sept. 4, 2014- Although it was a balmy 87 degrees outside this didn’t stop Siena Heights University (SHU) from holding their annual Fall Convocation at St. Dominic Chapel. The entire freshman class got dolled up in pretty dresses, kakis and button down shirts and headed inside to find out what this ceremony was all about.

We were seated but then quickly rose to sing “Great God of All Wisdom”.  After that Sister Sharon Weber spoke along with SHU President Peg Albert about how wonderful it is to be starting a new academic year at Siena.  Shortly after Matthew Robinet, the student government president, also spoke to our class about getting involved. Matt’s speech really stuck out to me because I felt as if I was listening to someone who really knew what it is like to be in my shoes. Just four short years ago Matt sat right where we all did, and now he is one of the most successful students and also one of the most respected by faculty. Matt’s main points were absorbed loud and clear; to get involved not only in the classroom but outside of it. Join clubs, organizations, play a sport, volunteer. Whatever you were afraid to do in high school- NOW is the time. Matt’s speech was followed by Art Professor Robert Conlon who was also optimistic and encouraged student involvement, but most of all encouraged students to have fun and enjoy college with every aspect that comes along with it.

After that Communications Professor Dr. Christy Mesaros-Winckles took the stage to bring things to a more serious note. She focused mainly on the mission statement of Siena Heights University, and how this institution moved influenced her.  She talked to us about doing more than just reciting this mission once or twice a year, but by truly living each day on, and off campus with the mission in your heart and in mind. She noted that “Ethical living entails not allowing those around us to practice racist, sexist or any other attitude that dehumanizes others. It requires us to care for the poor, to put less emphasize on having the latest iPhone and instead focusing on frugal living. It requires us be good stewards of the earth- recycle! It requires us to think of others above ourselves.”

With those thoughts in mind we moved on to several songs performed by the SHU Mixed Choir. Once the singing was over we all stood to our feet and did something amazing. Alongside our peers, professors, and many of the sisters; we took the pledge of loyalty towards SHU, for now, and for the rest of our lives. I have never felt as if I was ever a part of something so special and personal in my entire life. I not only had a school that was committed to me for the next four years, but I also gained a community and a family for the rest of my life. We then took candles and held them above our heads as Reverend John Grace spoke. The candle symbolized each of us lighting a path not only for ourselves but for others, to stay true to who we are, but continue to grow. And most importantly to stay true to Siena Heights and all of the incredible things that it can offer.  We then sang one final song, and with that we left the chapel with high spirits and aspirations for the future and all it will bring.