May 23, 2022
Commitment to excellence: Matthew Lussier ’22
Matthew Lussier ’22, from Ludlow, Mass., was one of five top students in the class of 2022. A double major in political science and Spanish and president of Student Congress, he has applied to law schools and may study for a graduate degree in history at Providence College. He wrote this reflection on his PC experience:
Although I did not fully understand what it meant when I first arrived on campus in August of 2018 as a member of the Class of 2022, my experience at PC is defined by two words – divine providence. Whether it was exchanging ideas with peers in an honors DWC seminar, taking in a game at the Dunk’, or bonding with friends, my time here has been nothing short of life changing.
It would be impossible to discuss the Providence College experience without first examining the robust liberal arts education that I received here. PC challenged each student to think critically, become a more effective communicator, and analyze the pressing issues of our increasingly global society. I was lucky to take part in many spirited discussions and debates throughout the past four years, and they will serve both me and my fellow students well for years to come.
I felt divine providence most strongly in the relationships I was able to build, and my classmates feel the same way. If Providence College was a house, academics would serve as the foundation while the people make it special, filling it with love, laughter, and countless memories. Through my time at PC, I have met individuals who will be at my wedding one day, created lifelong connections, and experienced a number of unforgettable moments — each member of our class has done the same. Divine Providence is the only way to explain how this all fell into place, and I feel blessed to have shared my time here with such fantastic individuals.
For the Class of 2022, the past four years have been far from ordinary and often fraught with difficulties, but we have tackled each challenge head-on and with enthusiasm. Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi once said, “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” The Class of 2022 has taken a number of different paths and will continue to do so in the years to come, yet our unwavering dedication has allowed us to achieve great successes already. In truth, the best advice I could give, regardless of age, would be very similar to that of Coach Lombardi: open your heart to Divine Providence and commit yourself to excellence – you will feel the very same love and success far beyond PC’s walls.
Congratulations to the Class of 2022. I look forward to seeing all of your wonderful achievements in the coming years!
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