Spring pre-graduation reflections on a Grinnell journey.
I remember leaving Grinnell at the end of my admitted students’ weekend on a beautiful spring day and not wanting to go back home. The campus was gorgeous and more importantly I felt Grinnell attracted such a unique and interesting caliber of student that I could not resist. I felt that the school valued me as a person rather than a number.
During the car ride home, I had made my decision and I am grateful that I had to foresight to attend such a wonderful institution. My experiences have been broad, interesting and challenging causing me to develop as a student and a life-long learner.
Teams, concerts, and student groups have all been an integral part of my four years at Grinnell. I remember when the track team trained in Florida and we met athletes from all around the world; I remember the angelic voices of Ladysmith Black Mambazo in Herrick Chapel that revisit me today; I remember the profound self-importance I felt, when I served as President of a student group that manages and invests a portion of the school’s endowment; and I remember the adrenaline that one feels when performing a list of songs before a large group of students. These are all experiences that I have enjoyed throughout my four years here at Grinnell and they have been an invaluable part of my educational development.
Grinnell provides wonderful opportunities to students who make the most of their time here and I am grateful for the opportunities which the school has made available to me. Alumni are essential to what makes Grinnell such a terrific experience for students. Without alumni support, I would not have had such a fulfilling experience and most importantly, I would not be the person that I am today.
Jerome Simmons ’10
Economics
Chicago, IL
