Some would say that I am idiotic for attending a small liberal arts college for men. However, I’m glad I didn’t let my ego take control of this decision. I went with my gut on my choice of schools and thus has led me where I am today.

Coming into your first year at Wabash College, you don’t really have a clear definition or idea of what a Wabash man is. In two short years, I can finally say that I have developed into something that I would never have at a place such as IU. This is only an example of what Wabash has done for me and I can say indefinitely that Wabash has changed my life for the better.

If I had not chosen Wabash, for example, I would not have the opportunities I have today such as internships or business programs such as Fullbridge; I would not have friends that will last a lifetime; I would not have the support group that I have with my brothers. These are only a few examples, but trust me, there are so many great things I could say about Wabash.

Wabash has changed the way I look at the world and how many terrible things are out there and I just think to myself that if only the world had the culture that Wabash does then the world would be a drastically different place. Our one and only rule, the gentlemen’s rule, is the only rule we need. We as Wabash men respect that rule and follow it each and every day. “The student is expected to conduct himself at all times, both on and off campus, as a gentlemen and responsible citizen.” At most schools, you’ll have a rule book that is pages and pages long. At Wabash however, this one rule is enough for us. I turn towards this rule almost every single day and has really changed me. Coming into freshmen year and being rung in, you’re immediately trusted and respected as men of the society. At most schools, no one would trust an 18-year-old with anything, but at Wabash we do.

When you become a Wabash man, all the responsibility is on you now. It is now your responsibility to uphold the image that Wabash has and is known for. This responsibility has made me into a respectful man and I am truly proud of how I’ve developed. To be given the responsibility, trust, and freedom to make our own decisions is both a blessing and a privilege.

So to Wabash, I thank you for the opportunity you gave me to develop and grow as a man. I am grateful each and every day that I am able to attend such an amazing institution. I am a Wabash man.