Reflecting back on my undergraduate years, I remember believing that my time there –those four special years– would be the most important of my life and, indeed they were… but not for the reasons you might think.

I spent my first three years looking ever-forward, strategically positioning myself in places I knew would grant me opportunities to distinguish myself from my peers. I was about winning; I truly believed amassing as much recognition as possible was how I would leave a solid legacy during my time in college. Win that gold. Get that commendation.

Now don’t get me wrong, recognition is wonderful. It’s just that, simply put, things gather dust, and at the end of the day that’s all they really are: things. The applause fades, and all the trophies, certificates, awards and plaques are relegated to those forgotten spaces on a shelf or in a drawer. I’ve come to realize a legacy is not measured by your accolades, but rather, live through the work you’ve realized and those whose lives you’ve touched.

Those distinctions dim to unrecognizable names on a page, placeholders from a bygone time. You will always be remembered, however, for caring enough, for working to make something better for someone else, and just being the kind of person others enjoy spending time with. Make sure you take moments to smell those metaphorical roses and enjoy your experiences in the moment. It’s those that will survive, not the things. Those moments are fragile, and I’ve never known one to be frozen, so make sure you always carve out space to honor them.

How will you leave your legacy at Texas Wesleyan?

About Student Life Spotlight

Over the new few weeks, a different staff member in Student Life will share a piece of themselves with you. They’ll reflect on what’s important to them, and what they believe will help you to make the most of your time at Texas Wesleyan.

No, they won’t be simply pitching their programs and services at you under the guise of a cleverly crafted article, but rather, digging deep to identify what has been most transformative about their experiences in life thus far, and passing that wisdom as best they can on to you.