Jonathan Meyer.

Every year I like to look back and reflect, this year is no different. Starting college was definitely the biggest addition to my life. I have met so many new friends and teammates. Being involved in the band and track and cross country teams changed my perspectives in both activities.

The distance runners of Wartburg are a really special group. Never have a met a more dedicated but fun loving group. We joke and push the limits yet work harder than I’ve ever imagined you can in a sport. I have the privilege of being teammates with All-Americans and even national champions, yet I’m nowhere near that level of competition.

The biggest honor of my Wartburg running career is without a doubt being training partners with multiple time All-American and someone I call a good friend, Shaelyn Hostager. With none of the other women able to keep up with of womens 10k superstar I was honored to help her out in whatever way I could.

Being involved in a collegiate band brings some new perspective. You’re constantly surrounded with people who are different than you, this comes in all forms. This has been one of my favorite aspects of college, diversity in all forms is welcome on campus and other cultures and lifestyles are allowed to fully showcase their beliefs.

Musically I’ve never had to practice so much, I learned a lot about hard work by spending hours a week in the practice room. Staying on top of your work is something college will teach you really really fast.

The other aspect of my life that changed is relationships. People come and people go, and it’s okay. That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned over the last year. Not everyone around you will be a constant part of your life, hard to accept but absolutely necessary. Seek out who you love but never expect a deeper relationship than what the world allows.

With plenty of lessons learned and a whole new style of life I’m excited with what 19 had to offer me. Here’s to more lessons learned and experiences had. Bring it on 20!