The first time I stole something was an accident. I had slipped a Now and Later in my pocket, forgot about it, and didn’t find it until after my mom and I were leaving the gas station. When I told her, she made me go back inside to pay for it. I was 4 years old.
Since then, there has been a slew of minor thefts. There’s the table number from a fancy-schmancy, $100-per-plate political dinner that Sam dared me to take. And there’s the Homecoming yard sign that looked oh-so-tempting after a delightful evening at Jimmy’s.
But, as I prepare to graduate next week, I must confess my greatest act of thievery: my theft of time.
Looking back, it’s nearly impossible to believe that these seven short semesters could encompass so many experiences, so many people and so many stories.
The Harper 5 crew included all my first friends at Bradley. From playing hide and seek in a nearly deserted Harper to scoping out the scene that time a truck drove into Avanti’s, these guys were the ones who helped me transition to college and avoid the homesickness I was so sure would consume me.
When my best friend from freshman year became my roommate for the next two years, we didn’t realize what experiences awaited. We made it through a spur-of-the-moment Tuesday night road trip to Chicago, 21st birthday shenanigans and late-night life chats.
Bradley Serve introduced me to a group of generous, selfless leaders on a mission to help others, and SONOR showed me how to have fun, even with serious topics. From the first month of college to the very last, these organizations have made a difference to me each and every week.
On a day when my thievery of time was failing and I was in tears from stress, I interviewed at The Scout. Vickie and Gretchen’s job offer doubled as an invitation to the family, the most dysfunctional yet loving family I could have at Bradley.
I fell into leadership roles, met other student leaders and got to know a world where passion overcomes passiveness, helping others and hard work go hand-in-hand and integrity is instilled in all that occurs.
I met a Nick to joke with, a Mitch to have good conversations with, a Lisa to learn with and a Dan to be a best friend.
I met a girl so opposite from me yet so much aligned with my values, my goals, my approaches and my methods. Sam frustrated me beyond belief, constantly challenged me to be better, taught me life lessons nearly every day and made the perfect Clyde to my Bonnie.
I met a boy that annoyed the hell out of me, fueled my ambitions, earned my greatest respect and taught me the meaning of being a good person. Jason may still be wearing those over-the-ankle thick white socks, but I’m happy he’s wearing them by my side every day.
I met mentors that provided the guidance to discover who I am and who I want to be. Tom embodied the definition of “sassy,” Kaergard always had wisdom to share (whether it was wise advice or a wisecrack), Jessica taught me to listen and laugh and lead and Nathan empowered me to pursue both my career and personal goals.
It may have been my hardest crime of all. Regardless of grades earned or awards won, the theft of time to create experiences uncontainable by just 40 months is the best accomplishment of my college career.
But alas, this act of thievery would have been impossible without those I met along the way.
So, to all those that have made this journey with me:
Thank you for being my cohorts in crime.
