Nangula Shejavali

An Ashanti proverb reads: “With the aid of the tree, a tree-climber makes contact with the sky.”

I equate my Lafayette Experience with a tree--a means of making contact with the sky; the branches symbolizing the wonderful people with whom I have come into contact here. They have defined the true meaning of my Lafayette experience. The classes I have taken, my interim trip to Kenya and Tanzania, the many leadership roles that I have held, my work on campus, and my social interactions would all be meaningless without certain special students, faculty, administrators and staff.

In my classes, I have been fortunate to have professors and advisers who have made the educational process a personal experience. They have challenged me to think critically about the way I see myself, my race, my continent, and the world at large. Their teachings and personal interactions have allowed me to gain a greater knowledge and perspective of the various social, economic, political, and historical forces at play in our daily lives. I have been able to explore my own history, culture, and interests, and have gained a stronger sense of self in the process. My future endeavors have become more realizable with their constant support and encouragement.

In my leadership roles as a head resident adviser, a gym facility supervisor, head of two organizations and founder of one, and member of various boards and committees, I have been blessed with outstanding colleagues. The life lessons in leadership, organization, planning, and management that I have learned from each person with whom I have worked are truly priceless and will undoubtedly continue to play a role in my future positions.

In each of my work experiences, whether with Special Collections, as an EXCEL Scholar, or as an Africana Studies assistant, the new and exciting pieces of information have never ceased to amaze me. I have been able to define some of my own projects and have learned a great deal from my supervisors and the multitude of books and articles that grace my daily work experiences.

And finally, in my social interactions with friends, I have found a home at Lafayette. My parents have always stressed the importance of surrounding myself with friends who display a strong sense of identity and an unbreakable spirit. I have made many friends of this character, and have formed friendships that will certainly extend beyond my four years here. These many friends, professors, administrators, and staff form the branches of this beautifully multi-faceted and growing tree, allowing me to reach out and make contact with the sky.