Hello from Indiana, SVC community! My name is Megan, and I am a 2013 graduate of Saint Vincent College. Although I am three years into the “real world” and seemingly a little removed from my initial collegiate experience, it is so nice to know that I am still connected to a place I call home. So first things first, why am I writing to you? Because it is not only important to increase your knowledge while you are in a higher education setting, but to also expand your perspectives, stretch yourself, grow your network and refine what living a life of impact means to you. Never in a million years did I think I would be approached by my alma mater to give my perspective on life after school; more specifically, how my experience at Saint Vincent College prepared me for my goals, dreams and accomplishments (and how your experience will too)! Overall, I am greatly looking forward to helping students try and navigate the waters of post-college life. Even though I tend to lean toward the perfectionist side, I’m sure this blog will not be perfect and it might not always be pretty, but I can guarantee it will be authentic, candid and genuine.
So, let’s jump in. Why Indiana, you ask? Sometimes I ask myself the same thing! I actively choose to live in the Midwest (please don’t remind me mid-winter) to work at one of the world’s predominant Catholic institutions: the University of Notre Dame (specifically, in Development’s Office of Special Events & Stewardship). How did that come about, you may ask? Well, that is a great question, and honestly, one I truly cannot articulate (think: we plan, God laughs type of deal). Despite this crazy journey (and soooo many feelings about growing into adulthood), at a minimum I do hope to express to you how much gratitude I feel. Gratitude for my past (the good, the bad and the ugly), gratitude for the people who have impacted my life in surprising ways, gratitude for the gifts I have been given and gratitude for what I have been led to accomplish.
But to try and provide a response to your inquiry, I must confess that the journey began with my time at Saint Vincent College (cliché, but true)! It encompassed four years of trying to plan my future, when in reality, things worked out because of decisions made in the moment … and most importantly, the people I met along my journey. As a communication major and English minor, I must say I had some amazing professors – their guidance both inside and outside of the classroom never faltered. Furthermore, professors outside of my major were also a big help to me – whether it was providing professional development advice or making me burst out laughing – I so appreciate everything they gave to me. If it hadn’t been for them challenging my thoughts and pushing me to go outside of my comfort zone, I wouldn’t have completed seven internships in college or have thought of the idea to conduct informational interviews with professionals to help me figure out my post-graduation options and plans.
What does all of this mean? Well, I guess when people told me Saint Vincent prepares you for the “real world” or that Saint Vincent’s influence is great, I just nodded and agreed, not sure how to tangibly measure these statements. However, now that I am three years a college graduate (just FYI, it pains me to say that), I can strongly tell you that, without a doubt, Saint Vincent was the right decision for me (and if my parents are reading this, I’m sure they will celebrate at this admission from me, a true epitome of an “I told you so” moment). Moreover, as a proud alumna, I want to reiterate my gratitude, especially in this month of thanksgiving. I was chosen to work for one of the best universities, and I would not have been prepared if it had not been for my experiences and memories in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.