When I came to Bay Path, just like anyone who goes to college, I had certain expectations.
I expected to meet new friends. I expected that classes would be different. I expected that I would focus on what I wanted to do with my education. The one thing I didn’t expect was the incredible opportunities I’ve had at Bay Path. For example, each spring the College sponsors the Annual Women’s Professional Development Conference. Over a thousand professional women and men attend. Bay Path students have the opportunity to not only participate, but to be part of the event. In the past, speakers have included former U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright, television commentator Lisa Ling, and teacher Erin Gruwell from the Freedom Writer’s Diaries. This year, I was selected to be the escort and assistant for our main speaker—Maya Angelou. It was beyond what I expected. Just to spend one day in this phenomenal woman’s presence was inspiring. Here is this famous author and artist who is also gracious, independent, and successful—what a great role model! Being with Maya Angelou opened my eyes to possibilities, but, more important, what I experienced that day will be with me for a lifetime.
Nayda is a legal studies major and a member of Bay Path’s Presidential Ambassadors
