Why It Matters

I have opportunity to visit with a lot of prospective students during the year. I always mention our mission and how it impacts us, mainly due to the size of the school.

We know each other.

It is hard to convey to people who are just looking for a good place to get an education what a difference it makes to be in an environment where people know you personally (not just your name) and care about you (not just your grades).

I was thinking about last year and the events in our students' lives that had such an impact on them and on us. The times that I walk up to students and ask how they are doing and hear stories about illnesses, injuries keeping them out of sports they love, break-ups with the the girl/boy of their dreams, divorces of parents, cancer attacking a mother or father, death of parents or grandparents, death of a brother or sister, parents losing their jobs and the possibility of not being able to finish college.

On the other hand are the stories about successes. A great internship over the summer, bringing a best friend to God, getting a promise for a job after graduation, meeting the girl/boy of their dreams, planning a wedding, getting ready to go on a mission trip or study abroad.

Then there are the cases where we fail to make an impact. One young man who we loved I think about both positively and negatively. As I talked with his coach about all we tried to do to make an impression, we were remorseful that it never appeared to make a difference. He never knew how much he was loved because he took everything in a negative light.

To me, what is significant is that we knew him and wanted the best for him, even though it appears we failed.

It is hard to express to others the difference of the experience on York's campus. I know we talk about it a lot, but it is still hard for people to understand the vast difference between attending college and getting a good education as opposed to joining a family where you get a great education and are able to transform your life because people are totally dedicated to you becoming a better person.

I love this place.

​Go Panthers!