Furman Engaged 2026 Deep Reflect

It’s strange how something as simple as attending a campus event can make you realize you’re almost at the end of your time here. Walking into Furman Engaged 2026 this year, I didn’t expect it to feel like a reflection of my entire Furman experience, but it did. I originally went to support a close friend, even though I didn’t really understand the mathematical topics he was presenting. But as I listened to the different presentations, I started to appreciate the work in a way I hadn’t before. Even topics that felt unfamiliar at first became interesting once I saw the effort behind them. Watching someone I know present something so complex with confidence made me realize how much we’ve all grown during our time here.

One group presented on a game called Garden Solitaire, where they analyzed different strategies to maximize points. They tested combinations and ways of discarding cards to see what worked best, and over time they improved what they thought was possible from a maximum score of 38 to eventually reaching 40. It showed me that research isn’t about getting the right answer right away, but about being willing to keep trying, adjusting, and figuring things out as you go.

Then it was my best friend’s turn to present. His topic was definitely more abstract, and it was a little confusing at first. But he explained it in a way that made it easier to follow, which I really appreciated. His research focused on proving the existence of Garside Shadows within Coxeter groups and introduced a new way to identify them. Even though it’s not something I would normally be drawn to, I found myself actually interested, mostly because of how clearly he explained it and how much work had gone into it. Afterwards, I was ready to go back to my dorm and catch up on homework, but he convinced me to stay and attend more presentations, and I’m really glad he did. That moment felt very specific to Furman, the way the people here push you to stay present, to lean into experiences you might not choose on your own, and to step outside of your comfort zone.

We went to support other friends working at the Shi Institute. They explained how to recycle properly, what things should not be recycled, and which places on campus recycle the most. They also mentioned that one reason many people don’t recycle is because they aren’t well informed enough. For this reason, they have organized several events to educate Furman students and help solve this problem.

Looking back, Furman Engaged was more than just a showcase of projects, it was a reflection of the curiosity, growth, and dedication that define this community. It gave me a chance to step back and recognize that my own path at Furman has been shaped not just by my interests, but by being surrounded by people who are constantly exploring, questioning, and creating. As I graduate from Furman, I’m really glad I had the chance to slow down, reflect, and appreciate everything this experience has meant to me.