By ETHAN SACKET, Guest Columnist
Whatttt??? That was fast! Well done, Northwestern! I don’t know if you all had a blast, but I sure did. First off, shout out to my grandmother for starting this “Ranger train” and getting Sackets to attend college in Alva, and for asking me where I was going to study even before I knew what grade school I was going to. I’m incredibly grateful for how God has used my time in Alva to draw me closer to Him. Thank you to every single person that brought me closer to Christ.
Most of you will never know what you specifically did, but I am incredibly grateful for each of you. I had one of the best opportunities to serve some of the coolest and most caring people I have ever interacted with these past four years.
Back up four years. On the morning of the first day of school as a freshman, I got locked out of my room as I was getting ready. I ended up having the opportunity to wear my suitemate’s clothes to my first ever college class. I soon realized that I should never pretend to be someone else, and when you walk in another man’s shoes, you realize just how comfortable your own truly are (literally and metaphorically). Lesson 1: God didn’t create you with your unique characteristics just for you to try to be someone else. Be your most authentic self. You’ll reap the benefits.
My sophomore year, I was approached about completing a marketing internship that involved creating a logo, trademarking a slogan and designing an expo booth. I had minimal experience with anything like this. Later that year, I was representing the company in Las Vegas at the International Pizza Expo. Lesson 2: Don’t underestimate where you are and what God can do through you. Pursue the opportunities God puts on your heart, even if it absolutely terrifies you. Learn as you go and seek guidance from mentors that have accomplished what you aim to do.
Earlier this semester, this kid in khakis somehow (out of over 3,000 applicants) progressed to the final stage of being a brand specialist for Oscar Mayer and driving the Wienermobile across the US for a year. Lesson 3: As you pursue the things on your heart, it’s not always about reaching the destination, but enjoying the journey. We have to be present and relish this current moment. We can’t be so focused on what’s next that we don’t appreciate what’s right in front of us. God uses the journeys through hardships to build our character.
I realize wearing sweaters from the ‘80s and khakis like they’re gym shorts isn’t the “norm,” but you all took me in with open arms.
Thank you to every student that brought an idea, suggestion or concern to me throughout the years. You were truly taking a stance to make the campus better for others. Continue to use your voice for positive change.
Also, here are some fun facts I’ve learned: It’s incredibly easy to go a year without many knowing you’re rocking a mustache (exaggeration on “rocking”).
It’s quite simple to get a camel on campus when you have the students’ best interests in mind.
The best time to take calculated risks is when you are young, and you will never be younger than what you are today.
It’s far better to be denied than wondering what could have become if you went for it.
God woke you up today because He still has a plan for you. Don’t let fear keep you from being all you can be.
I owe this place, the people, and community so much (not student loans, though!). So, if there’s ever a way I can serve you all, I am sure you can find someone that has my number.
Also, I’m still determined to get that 27 foot hotdog on wheels to Alva. We’ll just all have to practice patience together.
— Ethan Sacket is the former president of the Northwestern Student Government Association.