My dear colleague, would it surprise you to know how much our young adult experiences were alike? For like so many new students, setting first foot upon the Lafayette College Quad, I arrived in America full of ideals, zeal & bravado, yet still seeking life purpose. But through immersive learning environments (Valley Forge for me), the ability to connect with innovative mentors (sincerest of shout outs to George and Ben), meaningful real-world experiences (unpaid internship abroad with the Continental Army!), we transformed from the inside out.
Forgive my self-paraphrasing, but we studied. We examined. We listened. We reflected. And out of all that, we formed a pragmatic idea of what we had to offer the world and fashioned our own path (think of me as a military strategy and international relations double major). Then, when our chance arrived, we stepped forward and led. We boldly impacted our world. And we gave back.
Please know that while it is you who bear my name on your diplomas and fine garments, it is I who am honored and humbled by all that you have accomplished and continue to seek to accomplish in my name.
And now I’d be happy to share more of my story (including the naming of your college!) Or are you ready to #BetheMarquis?