It is impossible to predict just how much college will change a person. With all of the opportunities at Aquinas, however, that change is guaranteed to be good. Students discover new avenues to develop their talents and interests. Aquinas junior, Maddy Burns, can attest to the surprises and opportunities that she has encountered at Aquinas. Her experiences have shaped who she is and her aspirations for the future.

Burns chose Aquinas because its small size was comfortable, but at the same time, it pushed her out of her comfort zone. “I came to Aquinas from my small hometown and it broadened my perspective,” Burns said. Furthermore, she was aware of the opportunities that Aquinas could give her. If a student wants to pursue something, Burns said, “Aquinas doesn’t tell you no.”

As a freshman, Burns wanted to try something new. When she began to hear about Student Senate, she decided to take a chance and run as a senator at-large. She had never been involved in a student government so Burns was plunging into new waters. After her first year as a senator at-large, Burns served as the Budget Director for two years and was recently elected Chair of Student Senate. Looking back, even Burns is a little surprised at how things worked out. “I have this passion for it and I don’t even know where it came from,” she said. Her time with Student Senate has cultivated her leadership skills in a way she never expected. It even inspired her to change her major from biology to sustainable business so that she would be able to incorporate leadership into her career.

In the fall of 2013, Burns studied in Rome through Aquinas’ study abroad program. The experience changed her perception of the world and “knowing that around the world you connected with a city that you’ve never known about,” creates lasting ties. Burns explained the importance of seeing the world for yourself: “It’s something you have to experience. You can’t just learn about it in a book, or watch a video, or look at pictures; you have to see it all, feel, and experience riding a bus that’s packed full of people and there’s nowhere to move, and that kind of feeling that you can’t experience anywhere else.”

Burns is also a Campus Life Student Assistant and involved with Student Support Services. One of her recent accomplishments was helping to organize the Leadership Voyage, an event open to all students who wanted to develop their leadership skills. Burns emphasized that leaders are not confined by their titles, but are known for what they do.

Burns is looking forward to a 2014 Summer Scholars project with Dr. Deborah Steketee, Associate Professor of Sustainable Business, in which she will be researching carbon management by West Michigan businesses. “A lot of the times I’m just jumping into something,” Burns said of her experiences and opportunities. “I have no idea what’s going to happen. If I didn’t have people that could help me find my way, I’d be drowning.”

After she graduates in 2015, Burns plans to attend graduate school and study business with a focus on sustainable business. Burns would ultimately like to work for a large company. “Although it takes a long time for large businesses to change,” she said, “I think if I could use my knowledge of sustainability and what I’ve learned about being a leader here at Aquinas, I can use that to inspire a large amount of people and affect the world.”

Burns advises other students to use the resources at Aquinas. Take advantage of the Career and Counseling Services, visit professors in their office hours, connect with people and make sure they know your face. “Without those connections it’s really hard to achieve your goal by yourself. If you have the desire to do something at Aquinas it can happen if you just find the right avenue.”