The Most Important Life Lesson
During this past academic year there has been much discussion on campus about making certain that resources are in place to support students struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues at Wabash.
We talk about the fact that there will be times when students don’t achieve the level of success they have been used to in high school. Wabash challenges her students. The key to success at Wabash, and, in my experience, life, is how you rally from the challenges and failures.
I am reminded of the sage advice President Hess has given to each of the four freshmen classes he has rung in on Freshman Saturday. He talks about the “Four Gets.” His fourth “Get,” in my experience as a student and parent of a recent Wabash graduate, is the most important life lesson to learn: “Get help.”
Asking for help is hard; it makes me feel vulnerable. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of self-awareness that I need help getting through a tough spot. I believe those who ask for help and those who are able to give help both become better for it.
I’ve felt helpless at times when family members have struggled at Wabash. Eventually they sought the help they needed and rallied to move forward. Be it a safe talk over a cup of coffee with an advisor about a struggle with a class or advice on how to discuss a difficult topic with friends or family. Even the support of classmates offering encouragement during a tough time can make a difference in coping with the stress of Wabash.
What I believe sets Wabash apart from other colleges is the level of engagement among faculty, administration, students, and alumni. This familiarity of the Wabash community with one another allows us to trust that when help is offered or sought, it comes with the best interests of the person in mind.
I have seen professors reach out to make certain that a student injured in intramural sports is getting appropriate medical follow-up. I know of situations
in which administrators have reached out to make certain that a student who was struggling was aware of the resources available to provide help. I have seen classmates helping classmates as they struggled with classes or life issues. As an alumni leader, I have also seen numerous instances of alumni mentoring students.
The call to look out for one another is right there at the end of the College mission statement: “live humanely.” That’s the Wabash way.
Yours in Wabash,
Rick Cavanaugh ’76
President, National Association of Wabash Men
P.S. This is my last column for WM as NAWM president. Thanks to all the members of the Wabash community for your support during my two years leading this group; it has been an honor and a privilege to serve my alma mater.