<p>As a long time member of this board, I see threads cycle through with concern about what Vanderbilt's campus culture is really like each year. I thought this was worth sharing as a reflection of the Vanderbilt student experience.</p>
<p>Leslie</a> Reece Schichtel: God, Family, Country, Vanderbilt</p>
<p>Worth quoting:</p>
<p>“Vanderbilt’s Class of 2012, the first to graduate from the Ingram Commons, care about and respect each other unlike any other group of students I’ve seen. We understand the meaning of community and most importantly the characteristics that create great leaders. A leader may not necessarily be the one who has the best ideas, but is the one who understands and accepts others, is the one who unites and is the one who ensures that the talents around them are celebrated, utilized and heard. A great leader is the one who selflessly serves.”</p>
<p>"In placing some of this nation’s brightest in the presence of brilliant professors and in an environment where service and relationships are valued, humility and cooperation replaces the arrogance and cutting competition that characterize many other top universities. Because of this, I consider my classmates to be exceptions to the stereotype of lazy, instant-gratification chasers that my generation has unfortunately been identified as. "</p>
<p>“Just as the love of God, family and country has shaped my life, so too, have you, Vanderbilt. Because of the way you have influenced me, I add you to the list. Thus, my loyalties lie with God, family, country and Vanderbilt. Go 'Dores!”</p>