Unsure—that’s where my Jaguar story starts. I remember very little of my first impression of IUPUI. Yes, it would be great to say my first visit on campus was a profound experience that I will never forget, but that’s not the case. I remember the feeling I experienced over and over again: being unsure.
This feeling applied to my major, what the next steps were, how I was going to be involved on campus, what moving to Indy meant for me, and so-on. My high school afforded me opportunities that prepared me well for college, but I still lacked confidence in the process. There was something exciting about the spirit of IUPUI and what it promised me: a fresh start.
IUPUI taught me that being unsure isn’t always a bad thing, because many times it takes a leap of faith (with a few prayers) to create positive change.
Erin Detweiler, Division of Student Affairs Staff, Class of 2015
In every IUPUI role I engaged in—as a student, orientation leader, first year seminar mentor, orientation student coordinator, psychology teacher’s assistant, service learning assistant, summer graduate intern, and in my professional position as the Coordinator for Parent and Family Programs—I’ve heard the same thing from students and family members, too. IUPUI offers a promise of self-renewal, learning, relationship evolution, and a fresh start. Change is a constant at IUPUI: which is something I’ve come to love about this campus. People come and go, buildings appear from the ground up, traditions are increasingly established and continued, even IUPUI imagery in the community shifts. IUPUI taught me that being unsure isn’t always a bad thing, because many times it takes a leap of faith (with a few prayers) to create positive change.
Even as a professional in the Division of Student Affairs, I’m unsure of some of the changes that come. I’m challenged to create, innovate, and change small bits of IUPUI for the better. People on campus always encouraged me in this, and still do. Change is good, feeling unsure is often followed by growth, and transitions are natural. I believe these IUPUI experiences strengthen me within my professional role, to empower family members in supporting their student’s transition and journey at IUPUI.
My time as a person on campus will come and go. I am unsure of when that moment of departure will be. One thing I am sure of: I’m proud to be an IUPUI Jaguar and am proud to be a member in this campus of constant change.
Erin Detweiler
Division of Student Affairs Staff, Class of 2015
