By Taylor Cotie

It feels like just yesterday I stepped foot onto Greensboro College campus as a freshman, full of uncertainty and unsure of what the future held for me. Four years ago, I had no idea how much this place would shape me into the person I am today. As I get closer to walking that long pathway toward the graduation stage, I find myself looking back on my last four years with a deep sense of gratitude for every experience I have encountered.

When I was in high school and was being recruited to play volleyball, I originally told myself that I would not stay close to home. I wanted to branch out and experience something completely new. I remember as a child always driving by that small campus called Greensboro College and always being drawn to its beauty. I never imagined that it would one day be my second home. I was recruited by GC’s former head volleyball coach, Kevin Troup, and when coming for a campus visit, the moment I stepped foot on Greensboro College’s campus, I fell in love with everything about it. I knew this was the place for me.

Coming into college, I wanted to be more than a student-athlete. I wanted to leave my mark and be an inspiration to those around me. During my time at Greensboro College, I was able to do just that through my involvement around campus. I have had the privilege of being a student in the George Center for Honors Studies program. My involvement has also included a variety of leadership roles across campus, which include president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), secretary of the Student Government Association (SGA), vice president of the Kinesiology Club and writer/managing editor of The Collegian. I also served as a student ambassador, where I had the opportunity to share my experience and highlight the impact Greensboro College has made on my education. Each of these roles pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped shape me in ways I never expected.

Throughout middle and high school, I was always a very involved individual, constantly taking on new opportunities and staying active in my community. I thought I already knew who I was at the time. That was until I came to Greensboro College and began to truly discover who I was outside of everything I had always known. Through my journey of involvement on campus, I discovered strengths in myself that allowed me to grow both as a leader and as a person. I learned that leadership is not about the title it gives you, but about the impact you make on others. Whether it was through athletics, student government or writing for the student newspaper, each opportunity taught me how to lead with purpose and serve those around me.

Through everything this school has given me, I will forever be grateful for the experiences and opportunities that have shaped me into who I am today. Although my time here is coming to an end, I am blessed to be continuing my education at Elon University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program next year. As I move forward into this next chapter of my life, I will carry everything Greensboro College has taught me and continue to grow from the foundation it planted.

I want to thank my parents, professors, coaches, teammates and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey at Greensboro College. I especially want to thank Dr. Johns for allowing me the opportunity to write for The Collegian over the past four years. Without everyone’s support and encouragement, I would not be where I am today. No matter where life takes me, Greensboro College will always be a part of who I am.