By Joshua Schoenecker-Prilliman, Guest Writer
When looking back at life’s adventure, what does anyone hope that they remember? Was it the people or the place? Was it the feelings we have in the moment or eight months later? Would you rather look at the pictures taken or watch the videos recorded?
For me, it is always listening to the stories and hearing how people felt from all the things that they experience that make all of this worth it. I have spent a lot of time telling my own stories about what I remember and how I felt, but there was always something special when seeing someone else light up with excitement when they would reminisce about their own adventures.
The adventure I have been on with all of you here has truly been one of a lifetime and definitely not one to forget as you have not only given me some of the greatest memories but memories for my family and friends.
I have been incredibly proud as I experienced the multiple times CAB tried to hold a bonfire and failing then finally being able to pull it off with Campus Ministry in October to going to a multitude of athletic events and watching the amazing athletes we have doing all they can to excel on and off the court.
I got emotional as students would move on from Newman by either graduating or telling me they would not return, and then spent the summer planning on how to make Flight Night fun and exciting for our incoming class of students.
I had the pleasure of being part of amazing teams that created Pop Culture Trivia Night, the Color Run, revitalizing Breakfast and Bingo, and I got to watch as clubs like HALO presented Dia de los Muertos and MCLO presented the Cultural Extravaganza.
There has been no greater joy than to watch the Newman Community come together in ways that have not been seen for a handful of years that included faculty, staff, coaches, students and families of all. I am sure that the future will hold a lot more of all the good and joy that has filled this campus, but like they say, time is undefeated and it is time to say good-bye!
We are nearing the end of the semester, so I want to celebrate and say goodbye to the crazy year that was 2024 and welcome 2025 with the utmost hope and optimism that you all have shown can come from Newman University. I look forward to seeing what you will all accomplish in another semester, and for you graduating students, I look forward to seeing where the road leads for you after you walk across the stage in May.
I am proud of you always, enjoy your long break, then let us come back together and have another semester full of fun and surprises.
PHOTO: Courtesy, Newman Today
