I’ve attended the ACU Homecoming Parade, donning a purple and white cheerleading uniform since before it was illegal to throw candy from parade floats. Basically, I was raised dreaming of the day that I, like the rest of all my relatives, got to move to the holy city of Abilene. Yes, I come from one of those families.

But once I finally became a student at our dear Christian college, the things I discovered I value the most are, not surprisingly, the things I’ve learned outside of the classroom.

I’ve learned that with great polos, come great responsibility. Seriously, give a student worker an embroidered polo and they might as well run the world. I am now cautious of young polo-wearers. Cross them the wrong way and they will run over you with their golf cart.

I’ve learned that it ain’t over till it’s over. Dedication is one thing that ACU students are not lacking, especially when a Sing Song trophy or intramural points are at stake. If you want something bad enough, you will go the extra mile by dipping your hands in white paint, because wearing white gloves will not sound good enough for three Sing Song shows.

Finally, I’ve learned to not take myself too seriously. Being a part of a university, it’s easy to get caught up in having a degree or discussing this or that theory. But at the end of the day, all anyone really wants is to laugh and say, “Did you hear that guy yell ‘Wagon wheel!’ in Chapel today?”