Jonathan Meyer.

It goes without saying that our lives change. I recall the way my life changed six years ago when a little virus upended our sense of normalcy. I recall the change in my life as I graduated high school and went to work for the first time. Or when I decided to go to college. Regardless of specifics, these big events in our lives shape us into who we are today.

In February, I was elected by my peers as the Student Body President of Wartburg College. To say I’m honored is an absolute understatement. Starting as someone who didn’t want to attend college, to someone who planned on leaving and pursuing another path, and eventually falling in love with the community around me. My journey to this point was a rocky one, but after all my struggles, I couldn’t help but notice that the institution never gave up on me. When I was able to open my eyes to the great things around me in Waverly, I knew I was in the right place.

So often I find myself juggling the different places that I call home. When I’m in Tama-Toledo, I feel so called to tell our stories and be an active young person around town. That feeling has changed in the last year or so, maybe not in the way you’d expect. Those blanket feelings of serving started expanding into my life here in Waverly.

Ask my parents, I really just wanted to go be a number at an institution and watch from the background. Turns out that was not meant to be, for whatever that’s worth!

Ever since the election on February 10, things have been a whirlwind. At this point I’m working with the other elected officers to select the rest of our executive team, having more meetings with people that I could’ve ever imagined, and plenty of learning along the way.

A few times in these columns I’ve mentioned how curious I am about history and this innate ability of falling in love with a place. Safe to say, the rabbit hole was opened for my new position, I want to know anything and everything. I’ve become immersed in a whole new world of understanding and the broader processes of higher education (what a niche topic…).

It’s safe to say that I would not be able to handle these different opportunities without the education and support I have received from Tama-Toledo. I hold the lessons learned at home close to me as I navigate this ‘Transformative Time’. I can’t help but think that in a few short years, I’ll look back on these new experiences through the same reflective lens.

Wherever life is taking me, I’m Just Jonathan.