EMILY WYNNE
Copy Editor
If you don’t have a passion for something, you’re missing out. I’m not talking about people here; you should be able to lose yourself in something that interests and intrigues you, something that you could never get tired of doing. This isn’t a just a hobby; it’s more of an obsession that makes you lose track of time and forget to check your phone for hours. It doesn’t necessarily have to be related to your major or eventual career — although that would be ideal, and a great goal to have — but it isn’t always practical in the moment.
Find something that you love to do. Now go do it, often, and relish every moment. It might take a while to find your passion — or to realize that you’ve been doing it all along — but once you have that passion, no one can take it from you.
So find something, anything, right now and learn lots about it. You’ll have this — this stress reliever, outlet for frustration, pursuit that reminds you that you are talented and unique — for your whole life. Immerse yourself in the study of it. It’s natural for the passion to evolve and change over time; you’ll do the same, and eventually everything will click into place like the final, longed-for piece of a puzzle. My dream job has changed many times since highschool, and although I’ve narrowed it down a lot since then, the specifics are still negotiable.
Most people can agree that one of the reasons we’re put here on this earth is to help each other, teach each other and inspire each other. If everyone had a passion to pursue a goal to work toward the world would be a much friendlier place. One thing that a few professors, specifically Professor Aimee Nezhukumatathil and Dr. David Kaplin, have taught me is that someday I want to inspire someone; I would love to spark an interest or encourage a dream.
The passion for and knowledge of their field that they possess is truly overwhelming. I started out uncertain if English was the right major for me, with the idea, left over from high school English classes, that I didn’t really like poetry. Dr. Kaplin quickly assuaged my fears, through his own evident enthusiasm, and convinced me that I did indeed want to study and learn about literature for the next four years. He always encourages students to stop by his office; I recently had a conversation with him — although he isn’t my advisor — about what classes to take that put my mind completely at ease. Dr. Kaplin is so friendly, funny and easy to get along with that I thoroughly enjoyed taking an early-morning class — something that doesn’t happen often! Additionally, he makes a point to connect with students and remember their names long after he’s done grading their papers, which, to me, is just another example of how much he cares about his field and the students interested in it.
Professor Nezhukumatathil has not only completely changed my mind about poetry, which I’m now regularly awed by, but also showed me how much a single class taught by the right professor can positively impact a life. The passion she has for teaching is infectious, and it makes me want to become a professor just so I could someday attempt to emulate her. Not only does she love teaching these classes, but she also loves to see her students succeed. Rarely, if ever, does she grade harshly; she goes above and beyond to ensure that students are satisfied with their grades, thereby reducing the anxiety of wondering “will I lose points for misplacing a comma?” She’s so full of wonder for the natural and literary worlds; her excitement to share this joy and use her influence — which she done not only at Fredonia, but internationally as well — is evident in each beaming smile. I’ve taken five classes with Professor Nezhukumatathil, just because I feel as though I’d be missing out on a major part of my semester if I didn’t have at least one of her classes to look forward to.
Each time I have a conversation one of these insightful professors, I feel freshly invigorated and inspired to work hard, do well and imitate their expertise. It would be incredible to make an impression on someone else the way that these professors have made on me. In addition to these wonderfully influential professors, I also was lucky enough to meet phenomenal friends while at Fredonia.
I don’t really remember the actual process of getting to know Brianna, Lizzie and Jess, who are now my roommates and best friends; it seemed like we just clicked into the comfortable, crazy, loyal friendship that we have now. I can tell that this bond will last the rest of our lives, because even when we’re apart for weeks or months at a time, once we’re reunited it seems as though we were only separated for a day or two. Although there’s no way to tell what the future holds for each of us individually, I know that we will always be there for one another, no matter what curveballs life may throw at us. Without them, I’d be lost, and I’m grateful every day that I have people in my life who I can rely on for anything.
I have a much different perspective than I did before coming to Fredonia. Some of the most important things I’ve learned, with the help of my best friends and knowledgeable professors? Having a passion, a longing to inspire and supportive friends is crucial to finding happiness both now and the future. I don’t have it all figured out yet, and probably never will, but I know that the people in my life will help make the journey easier and a lot more fun.