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I often reflect on how deeply indebted I am to @VillanovaU for helping to shape me into the person I am today. During my time at VU, I was always seen as a person first and a student second. Faculty and staff were always kind, compassionate, and supportive. 1/
In particular, during the time my mom was ill & after she died, the university (and every professor I had) went the extra mile to make sure I was accommodated. When she passed, flowers and cards were sent. When I took medical leave, the uni made the process quick and simple. 2/
The care shown to me at VU has helped shape my priorities and goals as a friend, educator, and person. I& #39;ve written about radical compassion as a core value, and this is largely because I saw firsthand how this person-first approach can transform the lives of others. 3/
Further, VU shaped my commitment to service. Whether it is volunteering in the community, getting together with friends on the Days of Service, or acting as a representative of the university, all students are actively encouraged to get involved in a meaningful way. 4/
I am particularly grateful for the diversity requirements embedded into Villanova& #39;s educational curriculum. These exposed me to Psych of Gender (currently the area of my PhD) and Women, Sexuality, and the Veil (which challenged my assumptions about privilege and oppression). 5/
VU is an Augustinian university, and religion is a central part of the Villanova experience. Even as someone who is not at all religious, I found the university allowed me to explore spirituality in a way that opened my mind to others& #39; views and opened heart to possibilities. 6/
I do not agree with every position the university has taken, but I have been consistently impressed by the university& #39;s commitment to tolerance and openness, particularly toward the LGBTQ+ community, over the past several years. I am hopeful the uni continues on this path. 7/
All in all, I am deeply grateful for the four years I spent at @VillanovaU. I cannot imagine having a more positive or inspirational educational experience that I did. I would go back in a heartbeat. 8/8
