Years have gone by, but I still remember the first time I set foot in Drury University. Expectations were high, nerves were all over the place and yet I had a feeling that something special was going to happen here.

Photo by Juan Franco.

From unforgettable nights in Smith Hall to climbing the infamous Burnham Hall steps and above average grilled cheese sandwiches in the Commons, my time at Drury was undeniably exceptional. The friends I met during international orientation and my time at Lambda Chi, I still carry with me; the faculty and staff I leaned on for support, I actually still lean on for support; and the Drury Alumni network I was told about has materialized across the world. I was reminded of all this recently.

My youngest brother, Gerardo, is a freshman at Drury this year – and building his own path to experience the Drury promise. My middle brother, Ricky, graduated a couple of years after me – and so we have lived through Drury in many different ways.

Coming back to visit Gerardo has shown me that Drury continues to be prepared to face the challenges of higher education and come out stronger than ever on the other end. It has also reminded me our university’s core mission is holding strong and yet adapting to the times, committed to the liberal arts ethos and also delivering on the intellectual experience that forms bold leaders.

Juan Franco and his brothers. Photo via Juan Franco.

We’ve all been witnesses to this – they’ve rolled out an innovative campus design plan that will take us into new directions, updated the academic structure with Drury Fusion and have fundamentally improved the financial development process in order to continue to deliver on this mission for decades to come. The value of the Drury experience transcends one’s four years at 900 N Benton Avenue. My brothers and I are proof of that.

For those starting your Drury journey, buckle up because it’s going to be an unforgettable ride. Make new friends, join random clubs, take that “impractical” class that you find fascinating and above all know that you’ve made the right choice coming here. The faculty at Drury made a bold pledge to educate the next generation of leaders, the staff has a steadfast focus on creating a campus experience and environment that will make you a well-rounded and inspired individual. Your peers are your greatest resource, learn from those that are different, engage in respectful and yet meaningful debate, acquire new insights, all while embracing the idea that this generation is uniquely qualified to face the issues that currently plague our social and political ecosystem. Drury is the perfect place for this to occur, take it from me, I’ve been around the block a few times.

Article contributed by Juan Franco, Drury alumnus and past Mirror Editor in Chief. Franco graduated in December of 2014 with degrees in International Political Studies and Multimedia Production & Journalism. He currently lives in Florida, where he is obtaining a Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies.