During my senior year of high school, my school counselor introduced to me to Gonzaga University. When I stepped foot onto this campus for BRIGE, a pre-orientation program, I did not know a single person.
After four fulfilling years, I made some of my greatest friends, was challenged to my limits, and accomplished much more than I ever thought possible. The depth of my Gonzaga education was made clear after graduation and when I accepted my first job out of college. I worked from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, commuted 45 minutes, fell into a routine and my only fulfillment from this job was a paycheck. I knew this wasn’t right for me and I wanted more. After promising myself to stay with the job for a year, I actively applied to multiple jobs with descriptions that would make me enjoy my day in search for my vocation.
I credit Gonzaga’s education to what makes me a critical thinker and itch for more when things in life feel dull. Gonzaga’s mission strives to develop “students for lives of leadership and service for the common good.” One of the most impactful experiences I had at GU was studying abroad in Zambia, Africa, with the Comprehensive Leadership Program.
There, I learned that, despite many differences — cultural, gender, socioeconomic statues, religion — each one of us has a desire to belong and to do good. It is in CLP where I first heard the quote by Frederick Buechner, “Your vocation in life is where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need.” As stated in the mission, Gonzaga’s education has developed my desires to pursue a life of “reflective and critical thought, lifelong learning, spiritual growth, and ethical discernment.” As a Gonzaga alumni, I am confident that it is the education I received at Gonzaga that constantly challenges me to pursue the good for myself and my greater community. I continue to learn more about myself as I reflect on where I have been and where I want to go.
Hikaru Yamaguchi is an Admissions Counselor at Gonzaga University.