October 14thStudent Bursary Essays
I’m not a huge fan of Canadian Mennonite University’s rebranding project. Maybe I don't understand the intent behind it, or the new catch phrase goes over my head, but something about the project doesn’t quite line up with what I know CMU to be. Canadian Mennonite University’s new tagline is “Expect More”; two words that convey academic excellence, up-to-date, newly renovated facilities, and a sense of agency in one's own journey - and the future. While all these things are true (especially the Poettcker renovations, those are awesome!), something was lost in the rebranding, something dear to my experience at this institution. CMU used to advertise itself with the phrase “Small University, Big Opportunities”, a less grandiose and inspiring tagline, but one that conveyed the feeling of something integral to CMU: the community. I never expected more from CMU, and it never expected more from me; I was perfect where I was at, and that’s what made it such a joy to grow in relation there. To know I was enough as I was, and to be brought into the beautiful and thriving community that CMU has is the very reason that I continue to return year after year, and why I will be (hopefully) graduating with a social sciences degree this year. I am by no means dissatisfied with my years here or being left ‘expecting more’ from the time I've spent at CMU - I love CMU, both as an academic institution, and as a place of deep and powerful connection. I have found so much value and growth on the beautiful campus of CMU, and no rebranding project (good or bad) can change the joy I’ve found there. I will continue to choose this small university for both the big opportunities and the incredible community that it lovingly fosters.