By: Gio Basanese
Looking back to my first day of classes at St. Norbert College (SNC), I remember being filled with excitement. I already knew many of my classmates and some of my professors because of my involvement in the Honors Program, so I felt that there was nothing to be nervous about. Before starting college, I was told that the Honors Program was a living-learning community. However, being told something is very different from experiencing it. Living in Bergstrom Hall for my first year of college allowed me to experience this community firsthand. I had the chance to collaborate and grow with many great students and develop many friendships. I wanted to be involved on campus, so I joined the Honors Student Advisory Board (HSAB). Even though I am currently the Chair of the HSAB, when I first joined, I was intimidated by the other students and faculty. However, as we planned events that helped transition freshmen to SNC and inform honor students of the future of the program, I felt that both the faculty and my peers listened to me and appreciated my input. More than that, I felt as if I was making a difference on campus. This feeling compelled me to join other extracurricular activities and clubs. Throughout my first two years, I had amazing resident assistants (RAs) who were patient, supportive, and welcoming. They went above and beyond to make me feel at home. Their actions inspired me to become an RA so that I could do the same. Reflecting on my last couple of years as an RA, and now as a Community Assistant (CA), this was the best decision I have ever made. This allowed me to continue to be involved and be there for students as my previous RAs were for me. I experienced how taking the time to have a simple conversation with a student could have a positive impact on their day. Another highlight of my SNC experience was my time in the Student Government Association (SGA), where I am now the Vice President of College Relations. This organization allowed me to develop connections and created unique opportunities to collaborate with others and observe the inner workings of the college. Through SGA, I worked with the St. Norbert administration, faculty, and staff in which I developed friendships and witnessed how much they support and care about the students. I have seen firsthand how the administration and staff consider students’ input and how they implement changes from their suggestions to better the SNC experience. I am grateful to St. Norbert College and the Honors Program for challenging me to get out of my comfort zone, creating and developing lifelong friendships, and providing opportunities to get involved in so many ways. St. Norbert College and the Honors Program have more than effectively prepared me for life after college, and I am excited about the journey that awaits me after graduation. I strongly believe that my time here has truly allowed me to make a difference on campus. There have been so many people who have inspired me to get involved and make an impact on campus, so I hope I have inspired others to do the same.
