So, you’re going to be a Zag.
Well, arguably you already ARE a Zag. Whether it was that tour around campus when you saw people opening doors for each other, running around campus during GEL with the crazy students in fanny packs, opening your acceptance packet, or just that indescribable moment when you knew it was true, all Zags have and can remember “that moment” when it all becomes real.”
I’m going to Gonzaga University. I’m a Zag.
Say what?
Alright, let’s back up a step. Let me introduce myself.
I’m a boastful intramural volleyball champion and proud official 6th (wo)man.
I’m a Seton sister, a CCASL employee, a fast-talking, backwards-walking campus tour guide.
I’m a CLPer, a Searcher, a CoffeeHouse enthusiast.
I’m a Schweitzer season pass holder and Bloomsday finisher.
I’m a Zambezi chindele, a local Froyo and J&D’s regular.
I’m a GOOBer and well-practiced pizza conssisuer at the Flying Goat.
I’m a certified TESOL instructor, an x-biking newbie, and a life-long student of rhetoric.
I’m a Midwest native with a Northwest heart who landed in New York City after graduating from the finest institution of higher education in this country.
I’m you, five years ago.
I’m a Zag.
My name is Brady Essmann, and along with the 2013 GUide Core and Academic council, I helped bring this blog series to life for students just like you.
I’m a big fan of, well, like most alumni, everything Gonzaga. But I’m also big on legacy — the idea of leaving something in a better place than you found it: relationships, projects, positions, places. Gonzaga taught me how to do that. And now it’s your turn.
So, to honor the place that has transformed me more than any other, I’ve got a few pieces of prep for you to consider as you embark on the journey to Ignite Your Spirit at Gonzaga University.
So what does it mean to be a Zag?
Well, I’m confident you will figure that out for yourself over the next four years. Gonzaga will challenge, support, and inspire you to answer this question.
So for right now, let’s focus on preparing you.
That’s where this blog comes in. Continue following along every week as the GUide Core gives the info you need the most before you get to campus in the fall.
Step one what you need to know now? We’ll start with the basics.
You at GU: Zags Take Care.
1. Zags Take Care of Each Other
You’ve just arguably made the most important decision of your life in attending Gonzaga University. I’m obviously sliiiightly biased here, but thousands of Gonzaga alumni can’t all be wrong.
As a GU student, it goes beyond school spirit. It’s an ignited one.
You are about to enter a unique community (get ready, you’re going to hear that word a lot — in the best way — over the next four years) that is practically indescribable to anyone but those who have experienced it. Zags love Zags. And Zags love Gonzaga. And it’s a love-love relationship that doesn’t quit after your four years on campus. When you are a Zag, you are a Zag for life.
2. Zags Take Care of Business
I firmly attest that Gonzaga draws a certain genre of applicant. And those students are values-oriented, ambitious game-changers who acknowledge the value of the caliber of education they are receiving.
At Gonzaga, students are intentional about how they spend their time. You’ve chosen GU, so you WILL be graduating with a significant network of supportive alumni, professors, and mentors that will all boost the value of your respected degree. Be conscious to show up every single day during the next four years: to class discussions, to club meetings, to lectures and guest speakers, to on-campus work sites, to the community in service. Trust me, reflecting on the last four years, you will be so glad you did. Gonzaga students passionately work hard and give back. The school, programs, faculty and staff are going to do so much more for you than you may even realize over the course of your studies; make them (and us all) proud. At GU, you are not just a cog in a manufactured machine spitting out carbon-copy students to join the work force. You are recognized and cared for as an individual. You are being developed as men and women aware of their talent, confident in their ability, and committed to leave their mark on this world for the better.
And 3. Zags Take Care-ful Consideration of the Experience
Yeah, it’s college. So get ready for the ride of your life. But make sure you take the time to experience the different scenery that journey has to offer.
More than just respecting the people you meet and the passion you pursue, though, you will be called to step up and step out of your zone of comfort to find new opportunities to make the most of this experience.
Today more so than ever, employers and graduate, law, and medical schools are looking for that something extra.
The one thing that really makes a candidate stand out from the thousands of other collegiate graduates offering the same curriculum-based skill set. Gonzaga will provide you with that.
The world needs the scientist with the communication skills of a debater, the writer with understanding of the opportunity costs in business operation, the engineer with presentation skills of a media analyst, the doctor with the unique perspective of a philosopher, the entrepreneur with global morality and sustainability practices of an environmentalist.
Gonzaga will provide you with that as well, so be open to it.
So take care, Zags.
Best of luck on your new adventure AND CONGRATULATIONS. Welcome to the family of Zags for life.
Cheers,
Brady Essmann
Class of 2014