The phrase that is continuously repeated at Luther is "Soli Deo Gloria" which translates to, "To Him be the Glory". I think it is rather fitting that this phrase is used so often. When it comes down to it, I really have to thank God for Luther and the opportunities it has brought me.
In the Fall of 2010, my family and I took a road trip to several small schools across the Midwest. I was thoroughly unimpressed at these schools without understanding the impact that such a school could have on my life. It was truly on a whim that we found Luther, just on a brief idea that my Dad suggested we travel to Decorah. When we got there, the campus was deserted, students were home for Fall Break. Most of the buildings locked, we went in to the darkened hallways of the Library and Gym, the tour guide trying to make up for the lack of buildings to show us. She was genuine and sincere, and for the first time I realized that this girl, a Senior from Chicago, was doing everything she could to show us how big of an impact this school had upon her life.
Several months later, Dad and I journeyed down to Luther one more time during one of the coldest weekends of the year for Scholar Day where I participated in several classes and saw what life was like during an actual school week when students flocked campus. Despite the frigid temperatures, I loved Luther. I loved the community, campus, and people.
It is strange to think back on those first times at Luther and compare it to now, a college graduate who has gained so much from the experience.
Over my college career, many people have asked why the heck I chose to come to school in the middle-of-nowhere Iowa from Colorful Colorado. Depending on the person and the amount of time I have, I have given a variety of reasons. All of them true, just not the whole story.
One reason we also looked up Luther was because it had a strong biology/Pre-Med Program. At the time of college entrance, I had decided I was going to follow a career path of Pre-Med to become a Physician's Assistant. Luther had a great Bio program so that added to the reasons we looked at the school.
After I started attending Luther, there were also moments of affirmation that I had chosen the right school.
During the Scholar Day, I hung out with an girl from Decorah who was planning on attending Luther. We chatted all day as we were at the same classes throughout the day. She was kind and sweet. I also sat next to some pretty cool people during the Scholarship Recognition Ceremony.
Well, that girl who I hung out with that day happened to be my freshman year roommate, Addie.
And one of those guys sitting in that row on Scholar Day? That was Ryan. Who has also been a huge blessing on my life. Pretty dang thankful and so very proud of him. We've come a long way in four years, and I am so lucky to have him in my life.
And that career path of Pre-Med?? I decided not to pursue a path to be a Physician's Assistant when I realized biology was not for me. However, Luther just happened to have a very strong Elementary Education program, which was what I now feel was supposed to be my career path. Crazy how quickly and easily that change came when it was time to switch majors. I was even able to graduate on time after changing majors!
There is one final memory of that Scholar Day so long ago that resonates clearly...
That weekend in February I was working on my creative project for AP Literature. It was supposed to be a project around a poem and I had decided to make a video depicting my interpretation of the poem, "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" by William Wordsworth. It's a poem about wandering and finding something you love, unexpectedly.
As I made my video, I put it to the song, "White Shadows" by Coldplay. The chorus of the song says, "Maybe you'll get what you wanted, maybe you'll stumble upon it, everything you ever wanted, in a permanent state, maybe you'll know when you see it..."
This line has definitely rung true for me all four years. Luther was/has turned in to everything I ever could have wanted, all because we stumbled upon it when Dad decided we should just check it out. Boy am I glad we did!
In conclusion, I really do believe God had some pretty cool plans mapped out, just like he always does, for each and every one of us. Sometimes it just takes a little faith and going out on a limb. Something I was so not intrigued by at first, turned out to be the best decision I could have made.
In the end, I just have to say how thankful I am for these experiences these past four years, and the support that has come ceaselessly and endlessly. So many thanks to the friends and family who have given me thoughts, prayers, and conversations over the years. Knowing there were so many people behind me has made all the difference.
In reality, this diploma is from each and every one of you. It is a representation of the gift of love that I have received abundantly from many people. It is the gift that I have received from God for allowing me these opportunities.
"Soli Deo Gloria", To Him be the Glory.
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| June 2011 |
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| June 2011 |
And the biggest shout-out to Dani for graduating from high school!!! So proud of you!!
