Reflecting on my time at Illinois College, I came to see the four essential components shaping our lives as IC graduates.

First, nucleic acids are our DNA. The main function of DNA in life is to provide a map that can be traced back providing rich history about who we are. At Illinois College, the nucleic acids are the deep history IC carries as one of the first colleges in Illinois. I came to truly appreciate the history in my first-year seminar. We were assigned to research a building or location in Jacksonville, and I decided to focus on Sturtevant Hall. One of the things I learned about Sturtevant was that a devastating fire once completely destroyed the interior of the historic building. But it was eventually rebuilt, saving the outside and symbolic architecture. The history of IC has an impact on graduates, helping us feel pride in the stories and events that led to the formation of the College.

The next important building block in life are lipids, acting as protective insulators and storing energy for when we desperately need it. At Illinois College, the lipids are our friends. During those times when we felt like we couldn’t go on, our friends would step in, protecting and helping us to keep going. Whether they’re from a small rural town 15 minutes away, Chicago, or across the world, Illinois College brings cultures together allowing us to share our own special experiences with each other. Like me, some of us entered IC coming from a small town, while some of us came from big cities or even different countries. We have influenced each other and grown from our
experiences together.

Proteins are the next important component needed in life. At Illinois College, the proteins are the curriculum in the liberal arts education. During our time at IC, we have been required to take classes that may not directly apply to our field. What we may not have realized was the structural foundation that these classes created, helping us become well rounded graduates. When I started at Illinois College, all I thought I needed were the classes that were going to make me a better scientist. One of the classes I took was economics. I didn’t understand how economics would make me a better scientist. I ended up being fascinated by this class and how societies, businesses and households come together to shape science in the world. While I might not use this directly as a scientist, part of the liberal arts education that Illinois College provides is giving us the tools important for things outside of our direct career interests.

The final vital component in life is carbohydrates which provide the sustenance and formation to cells. The professors are the carbohydrates of Illinois College. They
have fueled and structured the students of IC. We came in carrying little or no knowledge about our areas of study.

And when my brain would be on overload, I retreated to my piano lessons where another professor pushed me to grow in other areas.

As we graduate from Illinois College today, with its rich history, diverse student body, liberal arts education and fantastic professors, we have been provided the essential
components to bring forth life and prepare us for birth into the world.

Amelia Bystry '19 is a research technician at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. This is an excerpt from a speech she delivered during the Commencement ceremony of the Class of 2019.