By Jeremy Boles, Guest Commentary -- boles11@up.edu
"Intelligence plus character –that is the goal of true education."
—Martin Luther King Jr.
After returning to University of Portland for my last year I read this quote and it encouraged me to figure out the real reason we come to college. College is so much more than four years of homework, exams, and a framed diploma… it's about making those connections with people that will be part of your life, now and in your future. Buying books and completing class registration is boring yet exciting due to our anxiety of starting the new school year but seeing your friends after a long summer is exhilarating and refreshing. Giving those first welcome back hugs brings about all the memories you have shared with your friends and sparks the beginning of a great new year.
Welcoming all the new freshmen and returners, it is easy to see now that the meaning of college is to create and build upon our character; learn it, shape it, or even find it. Reading books and taking tests is such a small part of life whereas interaction with others and adventuring out is so rewarding and more fulfilling than just reading about it in university classrooms.
University of Portland is a great community and is full of excellent leaders and opportunities to help build personal character. College is really a life changing experience that develops your knowledge and capabilities while providing the means to branch out to find your friends and more importantly, yourself. Welcome back Pilots, have a great year and make the most of it.
