“And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it.”
Auburn, Alabama and Auburn University were not even on my radar until the end of my junior year of high school. I was looking at schools outside of Texas, but not in Alabama. My parents graciously took me on a college road trip after picking me up from summer camp before senior year. It was evening when we reached Auburn, and the sun had almost set. I vividly remember the moments I saw the Welcome to Auburn sign and then the library off of College Street. Something inside me stirred.
The next morning, we woke up and headed to campus for a tour. The tour confirmed what I had already started to feel the night before. Auburn was where I was meant to be. I felt it. I knew it in my heart. I was 100% certain. I didn’t say anything to my parents until after the tour, but once it was over I let them know that this was the school for me. I think they were shocked that I was so certain. We had visited over 10 schools during my high school years. My search was finally over.
I met my best friends at Auburn. I grew up. I learned what it was like to be far away from home and not feel homesick, but at the same time develop a greater appreciation for my family. The sense of community at Auburn is so strong and the bond created was so deep that I truly feel like a part of myself remains in Auburn. Auburn is a special place and what they say is true: “You never really leave Auburn, because Auburn never leaves you”.
Over the past seven months, some of our admissions advisors have shared the first seven stanzas of the Auburn Creed with you and what they mean to us. Let’s recap:
- I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.
- I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully.
- I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men.
- I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body, and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities.
- I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all.
- I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.
- I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by “doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God.”
George Petrie not only wrote the Auburn Creed but was also Auburn’s first football coach and a faculty member for almost 55 years. This creed, written in 1943, is timeless and truly embodies the Auburn spirit. Mr. Petrie believed in Auburn then and I believe in it today. I am proud to be a member of the Auburn family and will forever strive to carry the values of the creed with me wherever I go.