University of San Francisco Poem

*University of San Francisco*

Change begins at USF. A road map that has encompassed
Giants of San Francisco like Bill Russell,
Rolling Stones like Charles Fracchia who have taken the same bridge as the tourists, photographers, and beatniks, each coming back changed…and some, like the students of USF,
Thanking the world for carrying such beauty.

When America takes the Golden Gate Bridge, have you ever wondered where they are going?
I mean beyond the town festivals and Painted Ladies that dress these districts.
For many who make this town their getaway,
that answer may remain shrouded.
But for these students who have found their stay,
They are going
To make change.

A trip that begins with the Jesuit values that carry social justice,
Majors of a nursing program who believe in the healing powers of
Saint Ignatius Church.
Young men and women who amnesty a global orientation
Beyond our cutting-edge art to an even newer start.

It starts here.

The belief that the destination to change is paved in Green and Gold. That the 6,000-plus students who every year begin from the Hilltop and leave to lend service to this community have left and returned to their dorms and apartments, but continue the exploration of what they have changed.
How they have changed.
Everyone has personal journeys, whether or not they stop to study the pictures. And USF is committed to remove as many detours and roadblocks from the outside world, so that each person can find themselves;
And so that America can find itself at a better place.
For years, USF students have altered this country’s landscape,
Students who left having changed the world’s photograph,
Then hands the camera over to the next class,
Where the world’s new capturers will
Take it from here.

From Alma Mater Vol. 3: The West
You can read the full four-volume Alma Mater collection here.
©2016. Original Clyde Aidoo. All rights reserved