What can I do for SMU?

How have I really contributed to Saint Mary's University? What lasting impact have I made in my three years here? I've always thought I've accomplished a lot, even with one fewer year under my belt, but now I'm wondering if I could have done more.

There could have been another Cardinal editor in chief. There were plenty of other applicants to be Volunteer Mentors. Someone else could be a publicity chair for the Student Activities Committee. Molly could have chosen another co-chair for the Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance last year, and Beth could have asked Molly to head the 10th Anniversary Committee this year. There are plenty of others on the Senior Class Gift Committee, and Bob could have hired someone else for Phonathon. Anyone else could have run for student senate vice president for academic affairs and done just fine. The lacrosse team would survive without me. Someone else could have been asked to co-lead the TEC retreat too.

I have had to quit Habitat for Humanity, PR/Business Club, intramurals, and sports webcasting because of a lack of time, and FAC seems to have disappeared completely.

If I hadn't decided to do a fundraiser for Haiti and used Volunteer Mentors to get it going, I'm sure someone else would have. Others have done fundraisers already.

So what have I really done for the university? How have I left my mark? Why am I here? What can I do with my last four months?

I feel like it would have been easy to not be in so many activities and spend all my time doing homework, hanging out, working, and letting others take care of events and activities for me, but that's just not me. Not only that, I think I've gotten a lot more out of the Lasallian mission of the university out of my involvement and the service activities I've been able to take part in. I had never even heard the term Lasallian before coming to SMU, and now I feel like it is a very important thing in my life.

I know that I want to continue to volunteer for the rest of my life, and I know that I have a better awareness for those less fortunate than me who need my help. I have a very strong bond with my inner community at SMU, and I can hardly think of anyone here whom I despise. I also think my faith is stronger than it ever could have been had I not come here and participated in some of my activities.

I have gotten a lot out of Saint Mary's in my three years here. Now I have about four months to figure out how I can give some of that back. I don't want to leave any unfinished business here in May.