“This is where it all began. Sixteen years ago, I nervously stood on the Innis Green for my first day of orientation week. Today, I proudly stand here as an alumnus and staff member. Despite this symmetry, my path has been anything but linear or clear.

Why am I not the orthopedic surgeon that I expected to be, when I first stood here? How did I become a “communications officer”—a job that the 16-years-ago version of me had never heard of? (I’m still trying to figure it out, BTW.) Those intervening years saw a lot of exploration and self-discovery, a couple of degrees, and one very inspirational Innisian of my own.

I had the privilege of studying for learning’s sake, feeling very little pressure to earn a degree for heightened status or pay. And so, I floundered (read: loved) my way through architecture, art history, environmental studies… I think there was a political science moment in there too. While I was stuffing my brain and challenging my assumptions, my discoveries outside of the classroom/inside the Innis community were most formative.

At Innis, I discovered more than a handful of people who subscribed to my specific brand of “nerd.” These same nerds didn’t flinch when I realized I was gay. They are my best friends to this day. Every wedding becomes an Innis reunion. I kid you not.

Within this web of community connections, I was wholly entangled by one Donald Boere, our registrar (and figurative daddy long-legs). I was a work-study student in the Registrar’s Office and was rehired upon my directionless return from grad school, six years later. Why Donald took a chance—nay, chances—on me is beyond comprehension. I’m sure grateful he did.

Fast forward another six years, and here I still stand on this Green, reflecting on the many, growing inspirations that draw me back to Innis. Included in this list is the man behind the camera, Chiao Sun, plus countless more students whose initiative, commitment and sense of fun make me grateful for my wobbly, yet full circle Innisian story.”