Lenny Niedosik '06

Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Major: Criminal Justice
Concentration: German

"There is a time for fun, but the work must get done. It's all about keeping disciplined and doing what I need to do in order to succeed."

I have always been interested in law, so I knew that would be my major. My mother was born and raised in Kleve, Germany, and her side of the family currently lives in Germany, so I have been raised with German influence. This aided my decision to study German as well.

After Guilford, I look forward to becoming an officer in the United States Marine Corps. I have recently signed my contract at the Officer Selection Office in Raleigh, N.C., and I am waiting to hear of acceptance to the Platoon Leader Class (PLC). Upon acceptance, I will attend the first six-week session of PLC at the Marine Base in Quantico, Va. Upon completion of the first six-week session, I will then go through another six-week session the following summer. After completing both PLC sessions successfully, I will then become a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps after  graduation. I am not sure what my plans are after the Marine Corps, but what I do know is that becoming a Marine Corps Officer will be a major accomplishment for me, and will provide incredible experiences and values which not everyone has the opportunity to attain.

I have only been at Guilford for one year, but I can sense the changes in my way of thought since my senior year of high school. The classes here at Guilford have opened my eyes to issues and problems in society, which I would never have thought of. I have also met extraordinary people here on campus, which I would have never gotten the chance had I not come to Guilford. The faculty and staff who work so hard to provide such a great environment on Guilford campus make it what it is.

So far at Guilford, the most valuable thing that I have learned is to not get stressed with the workload. At the beginning of my first year I was overwhelmed with the workload, all the papers and reading associated with class, and all the training and time that playing soccer involved. I soon realized that it was possible to get all my work finished on time; I just needed to organize myself. I learned that organization and setting priorities are vital to my success at Guilford.

I most value the people I have met, from the incredible professors such as Will Pizio and Dave Limburg, to the staff on the Grounds Department at my work-study and cadre job such as David Petree, Jonathan, Sharon, and Doug. Being a member of the soccer team here at Guilford provides almost a second family because they are a group of guys that will help me out because they have been through the same problems. Coach Behrens helps to keep us disciplined and provides an incredible soccer program, which gets better every year.