Thank you, Georgia Southern University.

by Jamar A. Boyd, II

June 21, 2012 I began my journey at Georgia Southern University. The school in which I knew very little about, the one which was far from my first choice and honestly wasn’t too excited about attending. Nevertheless, I had no choice, but to go and make the best of what I had been dealt. EIP definitely was the necessary head-start and experience that I needed to succeed at GSU. It gave me and others an edge unlike those coming in August.

What I didn’t know then, that I do know now, is the vital role this university, classmates, friends, Statesboro and this community would have in developing me into such the man I am today. I arrived on campus a true introvert. I, Jamar A. Boyd, II, was self-absorbed, timid, constantly nervous, a little fearful, overly secretive and even uncertain of myself. However, when my name is called on May 7, 2016 I will walk across that stage as a true representation of me. A strong African American man, minister, activist, leader, mentor, game changer and world changer — removed of the unnecessary which consumed me upon my arrival.

When I reflect over the last four years a wide array of emotions consume my body. Regret, sorrow, relief, joy, pain, loneliness, happiness, content and satisfaction. I think that describes it all. What this is not, is not an article, piece or note reflecting upon the decisions made over the course of my undergraduate tenure, but an anecdote of reflection on a place I underestimated. A place I underestimated on my initial research. An institution I underestimated on my initial tour. A university I underestimated my first two years as an enrolled student.

Why did I underestimate Georgia Southern? A question that has far too many answers for this piece and may even stretch my intentions for writing this into another direction. What I can and will say is, Georgia Southern University and Statesboro have shown me how to face all things with optimism. “Going forward in faith, humility and optimism” is the motto I took for my life in 2015. It’s derived from the numerous experiences throughout my childhood, desired and dreaded conversations with my mother, the constant love delivered by my grandparents, the importance and vitality of my Christian faith in my life, the role of the church, community and service to the full functioning of my being, the impactful presence of my spiritual fathers and the ambitions and desires I have set for myself. I had no choice and have no choice, but to embrace faith, humility and optimism.

Georgia Southern University, thank you. Thank you for the many defeats and victories along the way, which have proven necessary to who I am and am becoming. Thank you, for blessing me with a community of family and friends who I cherish now and will for a lifetime. Thank you, for professors and staff who became mentors and even friends along the way. Thank you, for giving me the ability to embrace my gift of being a follower and too a leader and voice. Thank you, for allowing me to share my opinion through interviews and writing. Georgia Southern University, thank you for embracing a boy in 2012 and aiding in the development of a man who will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and a minor in Business on May 7, 2016. Thank you, because I can’t sincerely form the words to compliment and solidify the necessity of Georgia Southern, Statesboro and these last four years in my life.

Yes, tears may flow from my eyes, as they do now, as the moments of reflection continue. Tears may flow from my eyes as I converse with friends and recollect on the moments that inspired us to embrace the gifts within us. Tears may flow as I rejoice over the moments of victory and even defeat. Tears may flow as I speak with my family and surrogate family on the importance they played and play in my success. Tears may flow as I prepare for the long awaited day of May 7, 2016. And tears sho-nuff will flow when I finally get a chance alone, after it’s all done, with the Good Lord above and tell him, “Thank you.”

“When one is able to come into the discovery and acceptance of their purpose, one can truly begin to live on purpose. And that is what I’ve done. I’ve chosen to embrace the visions seen and desire gifted. I, not anyone else, have chosen to fulfill MY God ordained purposed and live a life that will be deemed worthy by He alone. So, my friends, live not for me or another, but for your father and creator.” — Jamar A. Boyd, II

- J.B.II