Considering Iowa Western? Smart Kid…
Now my message here is very clear… I chose the right college. If you are considering it, quit over analyzing every campus, quit being a sucker for the advertising in flashy newsletters and online promising you the greatest college experience. Say yes. Come to Iowa Western.
Why you ask?
I put off writing my blog this week because I assumed naturally that as the week went on I would have something interestingly enough to write. I had no idea how much of an impact this week would have on my personal life.
Any other campus I could of selected, I would wake up go to class- meet a few friends- and eventually get a degree in hopes that my dream career would be attainable.
2 Things Happened to Me this week that are personal and I run the risk of a reader insulting it. But when it happens to them, they will understand that Iowa Western isn’t just a college to them anymore- it is a place that truly can impact their lives.
1. I started off the week very sick. I have a little something called Cystic Fibrosis. Www.cff.org. I was not feeling well at all, in fact, I was considering going into the hospital to get what they call a “tune up”. It basically means being plugged up to machines for a few weeks in attempt to cough out the phlegm that kills most patients. Monday came along, and I was not feeling well at all. In fact, walking from my car to class was enough of a strenous task that I went to the side of the building and coughed for about 4 minutes- making me late to class. By my last class, I confided in a teacher that I would have to leave early and go home. No big deal.
True…It’s college. Teachers can’t always hold your hand and tell you to attend. But this one teacher, has a strict policy on homework. It can not be turned in unless I myself am present. I got full credit. Come to Iowa Western because you will never be a number in a lecture hall of 300- but a STUDENT who WILL be cared for.
2. Now, I would not have mentioned Cystic if this 2nd incident did not occur. I had a class this week, that honestly moved me. Enough to change my major. To find out that deep inside I really could be whatever I wanted to be and to seize that opportunity.
The lesson for the day was not about motivation or about classes or about anything you would expect that could change your outlook on your entire life. It was about Maslow. That psych guy and his hierarchy of needs. The teacher showed a clip on what it means to be at the top of his famous pyramid. The part of “Self Actualization.” At the end of this 10 minute clip, I had tears in my eyes.
Something changed that day. I went home to my fiance. I looked at the life I am preparing for- a great career, a lovely house, an impressive investment portfolio and to be surrounded by loved ones- then I realized…If Cystic kills me before that, what happens? What happens to that dream?
I made a dedication to myself and to my fiance and to my life…that I would not be a statistic. No more. I would not let the symptoms of Cystic choke me to death the way it has for hundreds and thousands of other people before their 20th birthday.
I just signed up to run a half marathon. I have never run a day in my life. But, that video changed me. That CLASS changed me. It made me excited to push myself and LIVE. It made me EXCITED for the daily humdrum of college life.
Now…if you are considering Iowa Western…Let me ask you…
WHAT OTHER COLLEGE WOULD GIVE YOU THE SAME IMPACT???
Don’t look at a pretty advertising campaign…look at the real story. You won’t regret your decision.
Thank you.