Lisa Havens
As I strolled along the beautiful walking path, I wondered how I long it would take to reach Gonzaga University’s campus. After about ten minutes, I noticed a flag on a pole with the word Gonzaga. Every few minutes I passed another flag and soon I found myself on the main campus. The campus sidewalks were dotted with the themed flags. I wondered how many different statements were on the flags. Over the days of walking I noted: “this is where promise begins,” “this is where purpose unfolds,” “this is where potential expands,” and “this is where faith grows.” Some flags only had the Gonzaga logo on them and others had the tagline Gonzaga Will.
The last banner I discovered on campus was “This is where promise begins.” As I read the flag, I stood fixed to the pavement. Years ago, I made a promise to myself that I would continue my education by earning a master’s degree. Being on Gonzaga’s campus helped me feel the reality of my educational undertaking; the flag represented Gonzaga’s role in fulling my promise. At that moment I felt the reality of fulfilling my dreams.
The other three statements on the banners are at the core of my educational beliefs. Purpose, potential, and faith are interconnected in the learning process. From a young age, my parents taught me the importance of improving my mind. They emphasized that knowledge could empower me with skills and abilities to become self-sufficient, and contribute to my community.
Lake Arthur on Gonzaga's campus as seen from the walking trail
Upon returning home from Spokane, I decided to research the meaning of the banners. The flags are part of a larger campaign referred to as “Gonzaga’s promise”. On Gonzaga University’s website I read, “At Gonzaga, minds open. Bonds strengthen. Legacies flourish. Purpose unfolds.” Understanding the university’s message helped me to see a different meaning; Gonzaga promises my education will open my mind and help me find my purpose. Throughout the years of my education and my children’s, I have not experienced a promise from an education institution before. I am deeply touched that the board and faculty at Gonzaga University want me to grow as a person throughout my studies.
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I hope to experience my purpose unfolding as I continue my education in Gonzaga University’s Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies program. Meeting with professors on campus helped me to have faith in myself, purpose to continue my studies, and come to a better understanding of my potential. Gonzaga University offers an exceptional education which provides opportunities for students to grow spiritually, emotionally, morally, and socially. I feel blessed to be a Zag.
