By: Jenna-Kim L
Who could have ever guessed that two years could fly past me so quickly? It seems like just yesterday it was September 2nd, 2014- my first day at Manor College. I had never been so nervous in my life, switching from my lifetime of homeschooling, to the new and mysterious world of college life. Since then, I’ve experienced two years of wonderful education, I made some lifelong friends, and I learned so much about myself and the world around me.
In the beginning, I was incredibly nervous, but I adjusted so quickly thanks to the help of many wonderful people at Manor College. One person in particular who helped me right off the bat was my WONDERFUL adviser and professor, Professor Diane Pevar.
Professor Pevar was my saving grace during my time at school, guiding me and giving me the best advice possible. She is the one who made me feel comfortable at school from the very beginning. I owe much of my academic success to her during my time at Manor, and I appreciate every little thing she has done for me over the past two years. I will definitely not lose contact with her, as she has definitely become a very important mentor and guidance in my life!
I learned so much academically at Manor, but I also learned a lot about myself and I had so many chances to better my communication and leadership skills, especially through the clubs I was involved in, such as Student Senate and Campus Activity Board.
Anna Lobely, Nicole Suwala, and me (CAB members), and Professor Smalarz, a happy dunk tank volunteer!
Our wonderful Student Senate!
These groups have definitely helped me form lifelong bonds with some fantastic people who I am happy to call some of my best friends. Senate has done so much to help improve things across campus, and CAB has had the opportunity to develop some of the greatest events of Manor College history (including our first annual Blue Jay Ball, of course)! Joining clubs was one of the best things I managed to do during my time at Manor. I learned how to become a better leader, how to communicate my ideas better, and how to best work with others in a collaborative group. Plus, as I said before, I have made some of my best friends through the help of these clubs.
With many of the clubs I was part of, we had the best club adviser anyone could hope for, Allison Mootz, the shining light of the Manor College student activities. She has been the one to keep us on track during all of our meetings and events with CAB and Senate. I have mentioned her before and I will continue to praise the work of Ali, as she does SO much for all Manor students. She has been such a wonderful person in my life and she is always willing to help anyone who ever needs her, and that’s why I love her so much! She has a heart of pure gold! With Ali’s help, I learned how to be patient and how to always keep a cool head in every situation. I have also learned how to be the best I can be, and always contribute and give back to those who gave to me.
Ali, Julianne Kostic, and me!
All the student leaders and the awards we won!
As I mentioned, I also made a lot of friends through my time at Manor. You might have noticed a certain Julianne Kostic in a lot of my photos, much thanks to the fact that she was one of the first people I met at Manor. She is the one who first told me to join so many clubs with her, and I am ever grateful for her and her pushing me to be more social. I made so many wonderful friends through clubs and classes at Manor. I know all the friends I have made will always have my back. We have shared a lot of laughs and so many good times together. All of the people I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with have made some kind of impact on my life. I’ve learned what a good friend is and how to be one myself. I’ve come out of my shell a lot thanks to these guys at Manor, and I cherish each and every one of them. I will remember them forever and always and hold them all in my heart as we part ways- even though I know we’ll all have one big Manor reunion one day!
Phi Theta Kappa Induction!
CAB squad at the Blue Jay Ball!
The wondrous Valentine’s Day Photo Booth
Sometimes, Manor even helps you find love!
The biggest thing I’ve learned? There’s still more to learn! The world has so much to offer us, and this was the first, big step into our futures. The whole world is there ahead of us, with so many opportunities all thanks to Manor. We are a student body who has been educated and prepared for whatever we want to go and pursue. We have made connections, friends, and impacts which will continue on wherever we go one day. Thanks to Manor, we will always know where we came from. Manor is an unforgettable school that has given us the boost we need to move forward. Manor College has been one giant support system for me. I’ve learned lifelong skills that will help me through whatever I want to do next. I will always remember everyone I knew at Manor and all that they have done for me. I will never lose contact with all the people here who have done so much for me. I may be moving on and graduating in life, but I guarantee that Manor will be part of me for as long as I live. I am a Blue Jay for life!
We Made It!
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