Reviving That Walker Hall Spirit

As the new year of promise approaches, it's worth reflecting on the past.

My four college years spent living in Illinois State University's Walker Hall two decades ago may have been the most successful. Dissatisfied with underachievement, and buoyed by almost naive idealism, I doggedly chased and realized my first serious goal, the Bone Scholarship:

Bone Scholars are students who combine broad and excellent academic achievement with campus and community engagement. They are expected to have shown outstanding qualities of character and leadership. A twelve-member Bone Selection Committee carefully reviews the submitted applications and makes awards based on the following considerations:

• The breadth, diversity, and quality of candidates’ academic work;
• The type and extent of activities in which candidates have been involved, both in the university and the community;
• Candidates' personal qualities of dependability, cooperation, and initiative as well as other criteria which may be determined by the committee.

Guided by God's grace and the simplicity of that goal, I graduated with a trove of friends, memories, and self-confidence.

By many measures life has continued to be successful and blessed since moving out of Walker. Yet some of the colors have faded. How can 2015 restore the vibrance? Maybe the Bone Scholarship criteria can point the way once again.

"Broad and excellent academic achievement." Back then, this meant striving for A grades. How does this translate to life after school? What measurable "perfection" is there? My annual goals have served this purpose reasonably well. Are there "subjects" that are missing from the schedule?

"Campus and community engagement." How broadly involved am I in community volunteerism?

"Outstanding qualities of character and leadership." Where should I be providing leadership? What character trait deserves the most focus?

"Dependability, cooperation, initiative." How can I be more dependable?

I'm fortunate enough to have plenty of time likely ahead of me, and the means and faith in God to excel once again. Over the next few days, I'll consider what goals could inspire 2015 with the same magic of those Walker Hall years.