Senior Spotlight: Leslie Denton – “Here…and Gone”
Photo Credit: Joy Lowe
Leslie Denton, Community News Editor
April 30, 2010
Filed under Pioneer Staff, Spotlights
I never dreamed that four years could fly by so quickly. It truly seems like yesterday that I was experiencing Dr. Eastis’ First Year Seminar class on popular culture. This was of course followed by the next semester’s globalization course, during which all of us were seeing the word “consilience” in our dreams (which is significantly less pleasant than it sounds).
However, I can honestly say I truly learned the meaning of the word through my years here at Catawba. Being in a sociology course, a religion course, and a Spanish language course where clear connections can be seen among principles in all three…now that’s a neat learning experience. Academically, Catawba has been to me everything that it promised. I have never taken a class that I did not enjoy in one way or the other…well, except for maybe one. (Sorry Bioscience!) And the professors…you all have been amazing! One of the best things about Catawba is the fact that the professors know their students personally. Thanks so much to those of you who have been such a great influence in my life! (Dr. Peevy, Dr. Sang, Prof. Henderson, Ms. Wittum, Dr. Clapp…just to name a few 
)
My favorite courses have definitely been those in the religion and Spanish departments. And while we are on the subject of my major, I have to give a couple shout-outs to Susan Fisher…Three words: Purple crinkly shirt! Need I say more? Thanks for being a great Spanish buddy, mi pegasusto…Huracán!
I will never forget these four years during which I have formed relationships with fellow students and with the faculty and staff. As a commuter, there was the risk of completing my degree without feeling a significant connection to the Catawba community. I am thankful that that was not the case. I have made memories that I know will be with me forever.
Some of my favorite memories outside the classroom include ones with the Christian friends I have made on campus. I am so glad I was able to be involved with the Lilly Center, campus chapel services, Campus Crusade for Christ, and especially the Life Journey Retreat this semester (if you have never been on one of these, GO before you graduate!). It’s a great thing to be able to get together with people who share your faith and worship together or just have fun. Thanks so much for that opportunity and for all you do, Pastor Ken!
Speaking of fun times, I definitely cannot leave out workstudy. Yes, I said “fun” and “workstudy” in the same sentence. I was able to work in Admissions all eight semesters at Catawba, and while I wanted to destroy a few machines from time to time, I love it. I will never forget the crazy memories (and the amazing FOOD!) in the office with my sister and the rest of the admissions staff (alumnus Sarah Reeves Rashad Smith, Dorthell Little, Thomas Giles, Jane Young…I will miss you all!). I think we had a party for every holiday or occasion we could think of. Admissions workstudies are the best…we’re fierce. Right, Lucy?
Well, I guess it’s time to wrap this up. I felt like this day would never come, yet now it is here and I have mixed feelings. Change is always both scary and exciting. Job-searching is daunting, but it is only another challenge that makes up this thing called life. And life is change.
So, in approximately 15 days, I will walk across the stage as a graduate of Catawba College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish. Sounds pretty nice, huh? Well, I owe it to a lot of wonderful people. Thank you all so very much…you will be remembered forever.
I’m outta here!
Loading ...
Leslie –
You are totally fierce.
I want nothing but the best for you. The memories of the Admissions office are something that made my freshman and sophomore year and it was totally worth all the data entry. Congratulations! I’ll miss you!
[Reply]