The builders of this web site would like to thank the Mercer University Commons for its support in funding this project through the Lilly Endowment. The Lilly Grant promotes student development and learning, builds connections between fragmented disciplines and departments, and encourages a focus on education as an exploration of and preparation for vocation.

Parker J. Palmer explains vocation in this way, in his book Let Your Life Speak:

“Vocation does not mean a goal I pursue. It means a calling I hear. Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I must listen to my life telling me who I am. I must listen for the truths and values at the heart of my own identity, not the standards by which I must live but the standards by which I cannot help but live if I am living my own life” (4).

The First Year Seminar has supported these aims since its inception. The FYS web site strives to further the goals of student and faculty development, education, cooperation and an examination of vocation.