Annual Fund :: 2016

#GiveAQ

Mary Webster ‘17 // Academic Building // September 2016

Follow me on my Aquinas Journey

Hi. I’m Mary.

When you’re a college senior involved with nearly a dozen clubs, work four jobs, have an internship and attend school full time, life can be downright crazy.

For me, staying active and involved is just who I am – but I’m getting ahead of myself. To really understand how I ended up at AQ, let’s start closer to the beginning...

I am the youngest of four, with two adopted older sisters and a biological brother. I was adopted from Bangladesh myself, when I was two.

My mom is an RN and my father, a quadriplegic, is a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the State of Michigan.

By the time I was in high school, I had been diagnosed with the

Sophomore Homecoming chronic diseases Polio and Moyamoya, the second being a blood flow disorder that results in constricted circulation in my brain.

Between my diverse family and my own health diagnoses, life could sometimes be a challenge – but it’s always been a blessing. Through it all, I learned early on the value of respect and the importance of advocacy for not only myself, but others.

Faith We, as individuals, promote, or at least respect, the distinctive Catholic identity of Aquinas College. // We value diversity and respect the freedom of conscience and faith journey of each person. // We are committed to the search for Truth. // We model and promote ethical behavior.

My Journey Begins.

When I walked onto campus for the first time, it immediately felt like a community where I would be welcomed and could be actively involved.

It was a new environment, but one in which I immediately felt both comfortable and accepted.

I started college in awe of AQ’s array of course offerings as I sought

Student Senate Election Party to make the most of the generous financial aid package I received.

By fall break, I secured a job at the Regina Hall front desk, which meant long hours, but gave me the chance to build connections and friends that I still cherish today.

The sense of community I began to feel on campus was incredible.

Learning We are open to change and strive for continuous improvement and innovation. // We believe study should lead to action and individual transformation. // We promote holistic student development. // We believe the study of the liberal arts enriches the human spirit.

You Bloom Where you Grow.

During my upperclassmen years, I became very active with campus clubs such as Special Saints, which advocates for students with disabilities. I also pitched in with campus ministry and worked with Alumni Relations to host special events.

I reached out to professors and advisors across disciplines and was continuously surprised by how willing and helpful they were as I worked through the decision process.

The Admissions Office recruited me to become a student ambassador, where I led campus tours for prospective students and other guests.

I began to work at the Writing Center, a resource to students, faculty, staff and alumni on campus – and for me, the special place where I honed my love of helping others express themselves through the written word.

Though all of the extracurricular activities were exciting, I never lost sight of my career goals.

Code Blue for Autism Awareness Week By my junior year, I decided to complete a dual major in business administration/communication and English with an emphasis in writing.

Service We lead by example. // We treat each other with dignity and respect. // We strive to exceed the expectations of those we serve both internally and externally in our community.

Endless Possibilities.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my college career is that Aquinas has provided me the opportunity to discover my skills and explore my passions.

I really enjoy helping people reach their goals – and can talk anyone’s ear off on all things advocacy and equality – but I wasn’t really sure how that translated to a career. So I embarked on a quest for an internship.

After a long search, I landed a sales and operations internship with an insurance provider committed to improving the health and lives of the community.

During my time there, I utilized many of the skills I gathered in my various classes and organizations as I seek to make a distinctive difference.

Fourth of July Celebration

By combining my learned business skills with a desire to serve as an advocate for others, I feel like the sky’s the limit.

Community We value a sense of belonging. //

We nurture a collaborative environment. // We are welcoming and hospitable to all. // We strive for a just and sustainable world.

The Journey Continues.

As I enter my senior year, I’m excited for what lies ahead. I’ve already begun to think about what’s next, and how my journey will continue.

While many things remain in flux, the one thing I remain certain of is that I’ll always value my AQ education and the emphasis it’s placed on Faith, Learning, Service and Community.

Working as A Resident Assistant

As I begin to enter the professional world, I continuously find Aquinas alums working hard to leave our community just a little better than when we started.

The compassionate environment fostered by each student, professor, staff member and alum truly exemplifies what we call the AQ difference.

Student senate leadership conference

Will you keep the journey going?

That’s my Aquinas journey so far. I’m just one of hundreds of students forging a path into the future. And while we are all unique, we’re woven together by four shared values. In fact, these values run deep in every Saint throughout the world.

The Annual Fund fuels AQ students, like myself, as we become future leaders.

Will you keep the journey going?

Your gift to the Annual Fund not only ensures my Aquinas journey will continue, but that all our students can make an AQ difference in the world.

Stay tuned for updates on my Aquinas journey!

- Mary

We are honored to have Mary, and many students like her, at Aquinas College. To learn how you can support all our students, visit aquinas.edu/annualfund.

1607 Robinson Road SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506