“Wait, That’s Your Dad!?”

I love the moment when it finally clicks.

“Wait a minute . . . your last name is Brackney, and Dr. Brackney’s last name is Brackney! Is that actually your Dad!?”

This question is often followed by something along the lines of, “Is it weird to have your Dad on campus with you?” and every time this question is asked I cannot help but smile a little bit and happily reply saying, “It’s not weird at all. I truly love it.”

Seeing my Dad throughout the week is always the highlight of my days. It makes me wonder what in the world I was ever thinking when I had wanted to head out of state for college. I have no clue what I would have done without family near by! Call me a homebody but I consider myself immeasurably blessed by the closeness of my Dad on campus, not to mention the blessing of living with my big sister, Katelyn Brackney.

I think the ability to have close-knit families on campus is something that is incredibly unique to Rochester College. From myself, to the Huey’s, to the Turner’s, along with many more, the intimacy of family connections here makes a community unlike any other.

I know that not everyone has a sibling, parent, cousin, or uncle on campus but it always amazes me the way that the student body makes families out of those they are surrounded by. Generally, once the end of the year rolls around, not only have friendships been made but also extended families have been gained.

Being able to walk down the sidewalk and almost always see a familiar and friendly face is something unique and exceptional about RC that I think we often take for granted. Count your blessings! Whether it’s blood, spirit, or camaraderie that ties us together, family is a precious thing that we all need to take note of and continually to be thankful for.