Leave of Absence

This time last year, I found myself in a peculiar situation. I had built a comfortable life during my time at Illinois Wesleyan and I wasn’t quite ready to let go. I was set to graduate in December 2012 – after my double major forced me to overflow into a 9th semester. Even though I had ‘more time’ to figure things out, I still felt the pressure of answering the questions that plague all senior college students: “What are you going to do after graduation?”

With a double major in Creative Writing and Asian Studies, my career path wasn’t as clear cut as, say, a nursing student. And despite multiple trips to the Heart Career Center, I was still at a loss. This was no fault of the Heart Career Center staff. After all, how could they help me find my way when I didn’t have anywhere to go?

Every day I would wake up and ‘try on’ a new future. “I’m going to be a professional writer,” I would say one day. Then, after a week of pondering the future prospects of a professional writer I would change my mind. A lawyer. A teacher. A diplomat. The list went on and on but I was no closer to figuring things out.

Meanwhile, I watched all my friends graduate in May and face life head on. Some had jobs already lined up and others were plunging into the unknown. Before I knew it, I was next in line. The prospect terrified me.

I decided to take a leave of absence for the fall of 2012 semester. My decision was largely based on family issues that came up which would have distracted me while I was away at school. However, in doing so I gave myself time to evaluate my goals. I asked myself: “What do I want out of life?” “Where do I want to be in ten years?” and “How do I get there?” The time I spent away from campus gave me a better perspective on life and the world outside academia. I was able to research and apply for graduate programs without the pressure of homework due dates distracting me.

I have since returned to campus with a renewed sense of direction. Upon graduation in May, I will be attending graduate school for a Master’s in International Studies. From there, who knows? But I’m more comfortable and confident in the adventures life is bound to offer me.

I understand that not all students can afford to take time off from school. I’m also aware that what was best for me may not apply to everyone. But for those students, like me, who lack direction, taking a step back and reassessing life might be a viable option. Those students considering a leave of absence must first communicate their concerns to Dean of Students Darcy Greeder or any of the other on campus resources that offer counseling services. 

Diversity: Not so Black and White

Recently, there have been complaints that IWU, as a campus community, lacks diversity. But what does it mean for a campus to possess diversity? It is very easy to view the role of diversity as simply the inclusion and recognition of minorities. While it is important to acknowledge a person’s racial background, it should not be the defining characteristic of that person nor should it be the defining characteristic of diversity.  

Diversity is defined as the state or fact of being diverse, possessing variety and multiformity. At IWU, however, diversity has become a loaded term. There have been times when diversity programming on campus targets race more than any other aspect of a person. In doing so, many other unique characteristics – all of which deserve to be celebrated – are left out. I believe that, when addressing issues of diversity, our campus community should acknowledge more aspects of life than a person’s racial background.

In addition to race, diversity could refer to a person’s religion, sexuality, gender, socioeconomic status, region of origin, personal interests and life experiences; among other things. When considering all of these additional factors, it is fair to say that IWU possesses an eclectic community. The diversity on campus is shaped by both the contributions of the students and the guidance of the university mentors such as professors and professional staff members.

Wesleyan has a history of successful diversity programming. IWU Pride introduced the No H8 campaign to campus and celebrates the LGBT community at the annual drag ball. The office of the Chaplain takes great care to create events to represent the needs of various religious denominations. Socioeconomic status is addressed at the annual Hunger Banquet. These programs have been traditionally successful because they combine quality education and entertainment. These events create a dialog among participants that transcends the program, itself.

It is important that we, as an academic community, continue to explore the aspects of diversity among us. With this in mind, campus programming should be designed to integrate diversity into the lives of IWU students. At the same time, students at IWU should be open to experiencing and embracing both their own and each other’s differences.