Powerful Remembrances

Today's Blog: What makes a Gonzaga Education Unique? 

Gonzaga University has a culture; it is a feeling. I feel it within the online environment. It is refreshing, interactive, supportive and inspiring.

During one of my first graduate classes, I worked on a group project with teammates living in Montana, Washington and Spain. Their life experiences, so vastly different than mine, brought a refreshing perspective and I was struck by how much we appreciated each other’s differences. The time differences also created unique challenges for our team. These challenges reinforced the value of our supportive, flexible and adaptive relationship.

I have to live with myself, and so

I want to be fit for myself to know

I want to be able, as days go by,

Always to look myself straight in the eye,

I don’t want to stand with the setting sun

And hate the things that I have done.

 

I can also feel this positive culture each time I step on campus. The campus feel is invigorating, welcoming and accepting.  

During my recent immersion experience, I met my online classmates in person. It was exciting. I could immediately sense the intimacy that we had already developed on line with each other. I could also sense the mutual respect and acceptance we had for one another. These are characteristics that I have always labeled core values and yet I sensed that may although they were innate in each one of us, it was the university culture that cultivated, nurtured and strengthened those qualities for each of us.  

I don't want to keep on a closet shelf

a lot of secrets about myself,

and fool myself, as I come and go,

Into thinking that nobody else will know

The kind of a person that I really am,

I don’t want to dress up myself as a sham.

 Gonzaga helps me continue to grow with a sense of and focus on balance. The sum of its influence reminds me to focus on mind, body and spirit. Those subtle reminders continually surround me.

My ability to balance mind, body and spirit was tested this semester. It was also tested last semester; I blamed it on the holidays. I juggle my husband’s and my health issues, my professional responsibilities, my personal relationships, my charitable work, my personal interests, my family and my graduate studies.

I want to go out with my head erect,

I want to deserve all peoples’ respect,

But there in the struggle for fame and pelf,

I want to able to like myself.

I don't want to look at myself and know

That I’m bluster and bluff and an empty show.

As an integral component of a Jesuit education, service-learning is a main focus for both undergraduate and graduate students. Service-learning includes a focus on caring for yourself and caring for others in all that you do. It also includes a focus on giving back. This is apparent through the university’s flexible, adaptable and encouraging atmosphere. Gonzaga University creates a supportive relationship with each student. This sets Gonzaga apart. 

As a professional for nearly two decades in the funeral and cemetery industry, I understand the value of choosing a purposeful and meaningful career choice. My COML coursework has helped me understand the theory behind many aspects of this choice.

Gonzaga University places a high value on education that is interactive and experiential. Though the COML graduate program, emphasis is placed on both immersion studies and studies abroad. Opportunities that stretch you. Opportunities that pull you away from your comfort zone. Weaving classroom knowledge and theory along with practical application together creates a unique perspective and a greater sense of balance for me.

I look forward to expanding my vision within the industry that I have dedicated most of my professional life to. How can I apply the communication theory to strengthen my impact? How can I translate my immersion experiences into the practice of helping those who are grieving heal?

The broad spectrum of students also makes an education at Gonzaga University unique. A Jesuit education includes an emphasis on networking and effectively communicating. Networking with a diverse group of students better prepares all students to be better able to engage society.

During my immersion I realized how diverse our class was; from age to experience, from ethnicity to ideals. It was good for me. It was good for everyone.

I am a better person, I am a better celebrant, and I am a better leader because I am a Zag!

I can never hide myself from me;

I see what others may never see;

I know what others may never know,

I can never fool myself, and so,

Whatever happens I want to be

Self-respecting and conscious free.

 “Myself” poem ~ Author is unknown.