Aaron Sanders
Staff Writer

This may perhaps be the saddest piece of writing that I will ever have to submit to the general public, but it is needed.
For four and a half years, I gave Millersville University my heart, my energy and devotion. My start at Millersville University was an unconventional one; in the summer of 2008 I was required to complete a summer program before I was formally accepted to Millersville.
I was required to complete this program because my SAT scores were not on par with average incoming class scores. After receiving the news that I had to complete the program, I was very skeptical and confused. I thought I was stupid, maladjusted and just plain dumb. I did not realize at that time how imperative the program was for prospective students that hailed from disadvantaged backgrounds such as myself.
My program adviser Joseph Sciaretta told me that if I took the program seriously, I would be accepted to the university, and would eventually do well. I took his advice and completed the rigorous program. A lot of hard work, pain and uncertainty lingered during that summer. I did, however, complete the program.
It was from this experience that I learned that nothing is promised. You have to earn everything worth having. I had to work harder because I was dropped into the world of academia, but I was not equipped with some of the rudimentary skills that every student ought to have. As I write now, it scares me to think of how far I’ve progressed.
Millersville was my last viable option at having a good quality of life. I am not very athletic and my family are working class people. So I had two options: either I could take my education seriously, or I could watch the opportunity to learn slip away. I was motivated then to study hard and immerse myself in the class text.
If you coupled that with President Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, I had a new source of motivation to excel in school. I began to read more, I become more confident, and I slowly but surely met new friends.
My freshman year was hard, but the foundation was laid. In my sophomore year I declared my major, Government & Political Affairs. I distinctly remember meeting with the Department Chair, Dr. Richard Glenn. He embraced me and encouraged me to change my major. It was one of the best decisions of my life. He recommended that I take some of the most challenging and taxing courses in that major, which I did. Dr. Glenn played an integral role in my intellectual and personal development.
As I write this article of all my memories at Millersville, I get somewhat sad. I do want to thank The Snapper for allowing me to intern. The whole staff encouraged and supported me. I want to thank my editors Sam Dutton, Michael Blackson and Brandon Lesko for supporting me, and giving me valuable feedback. I would also like to thank Eugene Ellis for his support and granting me the opportunity to write for the paper. I will miss Millersville University!