Maranda Partin, a senior education major, shared this with Heather Schilling, associate professor and chair of the Education Department. It is worth sharing verbatim:

Good morning! I have been thinking a lot about the question you asked us Thursday night during class: "Why are you here?" I have been reminiscing on my time at Manchester and my decision to go into education. At 101 Days to Commencement [a dinner for seniors], we all received letters that we wrote to ourselves as first-years. Mine consisted of reminding myself that all I wanted for a career was to make a difference and positively impact people's lives. As a first-year, that meant going into the medical field. However, we both know that I chose a different route. 

Your question and that letter to myself has been on my mind all weekend and yesterday at church, the theme of the service was, "The White Hot Why?" The pastor continued the service quoting Scripture and discussing the big question, "Why are we here?" Sitting though this service I couldn't believe how much that related to everything that I had been thinking about for the past few days. It was overwhelming the way I felt God was speaking to me during this service. My "white hot why" and my purpose in life, I believe, is to positively impact the lives of students through education and it all goes back to what I came to Manchester for: to make a difference. 

Anyway, the point of this email is not only to answer your question but to also thank you. You and all the other education professors at Manchester are inspiring and if it weren't for your motivation and support I would not have discovered my passion and my “white hot why.” I see my peers being overwhelmed and nervous for the next chapter in their lives, but I believe because of your classes and the Education Department as a whole, I am ready and so excited to continue this chapter of my life and fulfill my purpose. So, thank you for all that you do for your students and all that you have done for me.