Thank you, Canisius. This is what I got…

By: Brandon Gaspar, Contributor

When I first stepped on campus as a freshman during orientation, I did not know what to expect. I came from a small, all-boys private high school where I was fairly involved, but mainly focused on sports and academics. During orientation, I was nervous because Canisius seemed so big compared to my high school. I made a small bucket list of goals for myself to complete before I graduated. These included various things such as being an orientation leader, a president of a club, giving back to my community every semester and meeting as many people as possible in these four years. I think it is safe to say I’ve achieved all of these goals except one… to write an article for the Griffin, and here we are!

My journey to Canisius was an interesting one. I took numerous tours in high school and had offers to play Division 2 and 3 tennis but took the chance to stay home, save money and go to Canisius. Right away on my first day of orientation, I knew this was the right place for me. The small, tight-knit community, being able to see my family everyday and the phenomenal academic programs were the main reasons I chose Canisius.

Throughout my first year, I was heavily involved and spent most of my days either in class, at a game or event or in the commuter lounge. I met many new people and went to every possible event I could. My second year however, my family life changed drastically. During my sophomore year my mother, my best friend and the person I talked to everyday, passed away. Losing my mom halfway through the fall semester, compounded with the ever-growing coursework, made sophomore year the most challenging time in my life. From that experience, I learned more than I could ever know about myself. Time proved to me that Canisius is my home and my family. I could lean on my friends, the very ones I met during orientation (one of whom was my soon-to-be-girlfriend), my professors, and my family for guiding me while I was lost in the haze of going from class to the cemetary. Honestly, everything about that time is still a blur to me. Without my friends’ compassion and love, I don’t think I would have made it through.

Looking back on my four years, I felt that I accomplished a great deal. I’ve had the privilege to be a part of a few executives boards, the President of C-Block for two years, attended countless Griffs games and trips, and met some of the most incredible people and lifelong friends along the way. I will cherish these memories long after I graduate, and I am grateful to call Canisius my home for these past four years.

Through my experience, if I could leave you with a few pieces of advice that I’ve learned that may help you in the future, here they are:

1. Find your niche. I know you probably hear this a lot but it’s true! If you find your niche and something you’re passionate about, it can do wonders for your college experience and growth as a person.

2. Be patient. There will be ups and downs in your college career but it’s important to remember it's a marathon, not a sprint.

3. Build a strong support system. It’s important to have people to lean on and know you are not alone. There is no weakness in asking for help.

4. Be yourself, no matter what. 

5. Never Give Up. Easier said than done, but a staple to live by; just ask John Cena.

I hope some of these can help you in your college career and beyond. If you see me, give me a hug or say hello. If there’s one thing I can leave you with, it is one of my favorite quotes about life: “Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”

Once a Griff, Always a Griff.