Leah Dark
Hanging up her cleats after 13 years of softball, sophomore Leah Dark didn’t know what to expect out of college. "A year ago, I came to Centenary as the typical incoming first year student, nervous about the whole college experience and meeting new people," she remembers.
But what about now? "I got involved and met so many cool people!" Leah exclaims. "In one year, I believe that I have had so many more awesome experiences that I would have had at a big state school." When asked why that is, she readily explains that “Centenary's size really helps out. It is such an amazing feeling to walk around the campus and know most everyone. It makes me a lot more comfortable on this campus."
And it shows. Through her involvement in an extremely diverse collection of organizations—the Christian Leadership Center, Chi Omega sorority, the all-women’s choir Cantare, and Springboard staff, Leah has really branched out and become a part of the Centenary community. A community that, she says, she loves. "I absolutely fell in love with the campus. I feel like a person and not just a number," she attests. "There is an organization for everyone, and there are always so many cool things going on around campus. There is never really a dull moment!"
To Leah, the Centenary Experience is one that shapes each student as an individual. In her words, "It’s a chance to really get to know people…a chance to really be someone and believe in yourself. It is more than just going to class, it is about figuring out who you are by getting involved and having those amazing experiences that this school provides."
Experiences like missions reaching both into the surrounding neighborhood and communities farther away. "I was able to participate in two mission projects - one local (The BIG Event) and one in Arizona on a Navaho reservation. Through these two events that Centenary sponsored, I gained a greater appreciation of how to live my life and not take anything for granted," Leah says. "To see the beaming faces of the individuals that I helped was the most amazing feeling. It is something that I will always remember. I look forward to participating in more mission experiences throughout my time at Centenary."
But more than anything, Leah looks forward to the rest of her days at Centenary, and helping to welcome those incoming students that make the same decision that she did a year ago. "Though it is a Methodist affiliated institution," she says warmly, "all students are welcome with open arms!"
Quick Facts
Organizations Involved in: Greek Life, Christian Leadership Center, Stepping Stones Leadership, Chi Omega, Cantare (all female choir), 2009 Springboard staff
Cool Things Done at Centenary
- Toured with Cantare, Centenary’s all-women’s choir
- Went on mission trip to Navajo Nations in Arizona