I've been seeing metaphoric signs everywhere telling me it's time to go. The biggest one is the view of Cayuga Lake from my apartment being blocked by the construction of new apartments in the last few months. Other small honorable mentions: the closing of Subconnect in Towers and the graduation of eight semesters worth of friends before me. In a way, these things are a subtle nod to say "It’s time to keep growing." I didn't understand this until I was cleaning out my drawers and came across an assignment titled Legacy for my Writing for the Workplace class in the Fall of 2018. At that time, I was terrified of the future, reluctant to make plans for the fear of them changing or not occurring at all. As I re-read this assignment three years later, I realized everything had come full circle.
In Legacy, I described one's legacy as a juggling act; each time you hold the ball, you add on a new accomplishment or proud moment before throwing it back up in the air to catch another life obstacle. What I didn't account for was how many times I would hold that ball in the past four-and-a-half years at IC. I lost count long ago, but this piece helped me acknowledge all that I've learned along the way, about myself and others and everything in-between.
Having a legacy is about making and doing things you are passionate about, well. Through the Exploratory Program, and as a Peer Ambassador and Leader, I have learned many things, but if there's one thing I want to share with you, it’s the concept of the go-getter attitude. If there is a project you want to do, a thing you want to create, make the connections needed to help you do so. Ithaca College is filled with so many wonderful people who just want to be part of something they are passionate about. So take that leap--just 10 seconds of courage--to ask for input or guidance on things that matter to you. Just keep juggling, and your legacy will take its course.
A huge thank you to the PALs before me and the current cohort, for their magic is what makes this program special. To the students I've met in the six sections of Exploring the Options, thank you for allowing me to grow alongside you, and I hope all your inspirations come to fruition. I will never believe the number of students I've interacted with during my time as a PAL--I'm still shocked every time someone walks by me in the Pub and tells me about how I helped them and their thanks. And for those yet to come through our program, I encourage you to reach out to PALs and current students to truly experience the magic of the Exploratory Program.