Gonzaga is a unique gem that has been a hidden from the world due to the nature of its location. It is nestled right in the middle of Spokane on the border of eastern Washington and western Idaho. People from all over the world are attracted to Gonzaga University for many reasons because it is a place where people can go to find them when they are lost, it is a place where people can create lifelong friendships, and it is a place that fosters an environment of acceptance. These are only a few attributes that Gonzaga University possesses and it up to each of you to find out why Gonzaga.

 

The first attribute that Gonzaga University possesses is it is a place where people go to find themselves. People can come from all facets of life and leave their old life in hopes of a new one. They can leave their high school, friends, and family and create a new identity if they want too. It offers students many majors so they have the opportunity to get involved with student activities around campus. Gonzaga creates a safe environment for a student to grow and blossom in whatever avenue they want to go down. The greatest thing about being losing yourself, is finding you.

 

The second attribute that Gonzaga University possesses is it is a place where people can create lifelong friendships. Freshman and sophomore are encouraged to live in the dormitories on campus during their first years at Gonzaga. Many students may not understand this practice because this is the first time many of them have been out on their own and they are excited about the freedom. The mandatory dormitory regulation is not to hinder the progression of the student, but it is to help build a support system for those times when life hits you in the face. This support system is to be a harbor from the world so when the weight of school and other parts of life are weighing on your shoulders; you have a safe place. By creating these safe harbors, students create those lifelong friendships teaching them how to relying upon, confiding, and trusting others.  It is imperative to establish this relationship to the student’s development because it could be the difference between a nervous breakdown and a mild cry.  

 

The third attribute that Gonzaga University possesses is that it fosters an environment of acceptance. This means that students from all types of cultures from around the world come together to create this quiet oasis. One week in April, newly accepted freshman are invited to an event on campus that is called GEL weekend. They take part in various activities that strength their commitment into why they chose Gonzaga. These activities range from campus tour to attending classes. They get to see what it is like to be a student for one day and decided if Gonzaga is for them. This GEL weekend gives the prospective students an opportunity to forge their paths and not follow in the footsteps of others.

 

Whether you come to Gonzaga to find yourself, build a lifelong relationship, or find an environment of acceptance, all that matters is that you COME. Many people come to Gonzaga for many reasons, but the most important reason is that we all find our reason what make Gonzaga University special.