My Knightlife

As SGA President, I was selected to give a speech to the Class of 2012 during their Freshman Convocation. As most people know, it takes me a while to write a speech. It is something that I take pride in and want to ensure every word is truly how I want to express myself. With limited time, I still believe I was able to pass a memorable message onto the Class of 2012. And when I say my heart and soul is in this campus, I truly mean it:

Good afternoon. It is an honor to have the opportunity to speak to you today, not only as SGA President, but also as someone who was once sitting in the seats you are sitting in. Today is only the beginning of your journey. You will embark upon an adventure full of opportunities, challenges, friendships, happiness, and sorrows. You will make life-changing decisions that will ultimately affect your future and your college experience will mold you into the individual you will become.

I still remember when I first moved in freshmen year.  I didn’t know what to expect. I was living in a triple and wasn’t sure if I was going to get along with both students. Was I going to have to share a closet? I didn’t know if I should join a fraternity or get involved with an organization. I was one of those students who said “I am going to transfer after freshmen year.” However, four years later my heart and soul is on this campus. I truly feel a part of this community and I hope that you will too.
These next four years is crucial time that you should truly take advantage of. These will be some of the best moments in your life.  Treasure each second as if it was your last. Be mindful of your obligations to academics and do not fall behind. When you need to study, study.  Everyone is here to help you succeed. Even your peers sitting next to you contribute to your learning environment. Learning does not only occur from listening to your professor. You all learn from each other.  You will learn from each other’s mistakes, experiences, and opportunities. Each of you is a teacher for your peer. You are all a cohesive group and together you will achieve success.
Your college experience is more than achievement. Take the opportunity to get involved on campus. Join the Greek community, an SGA committee, Knights’ Activities Team, Sports Management Club, intramurals, or Athletics. Be more than you can be. College is what YOU put into it. By getting involved you will be more prepared for your career. Employers will be impressed because getting involved you experienced dealing with people, leading individuals, sitting on committees, attending conferences, planning events, and making presentations. These are the skills you learn from campus involvement. Residence Hall Association was my stepping stone to involvement on campus, what will yours be?
Be more than just a student that goes to class and comes home. Be part of the community around you. Build your character and who you want to be. Each of you has a character that is unique and distinguished. Your character and integrity are two things in life that no one can take away from you. Your choices are your own. Steven Covey once said “…until a person can say deeply and honestly, I am what I am today because of the choices I made yesterday, that person cannot say, I choose otherwise.” With the diversity and uniqueness of our campus, I challenge you to reach out to people, make new friendships, become a student leader, cease new opportunities, and embrace your college experience.
I take true pride in my campus and my college experience and hope that you will you too. The Student Government Association is depicted as the heart and sole of the student body. We will be a body of the students, by the students and for the students. You are now part of our community. With your help and participation we strive to change this campus for the better.  Therefore when we are Alumni we can reflect upon a difference we have made in the college experience of others.
After the conclusion of this ceremony you will precede out to the lawn in front of the Schmidt Building to have a class photo taken with the entire faculty. This is a university tradition that you will forever remember. Each of you will receive a copy of the photo to cherish. Each and every one of you brings something different to this campus. You are only in the beginning of your experience and your presence on campus is welcomed and acknowledged by all. Understand that those individuals around you now are your second family. They will be there for support, guidance, advice, and you will develop friendships you may treasure forever.
When you are walking around campus, going to class, or just sitting in Perper Plaza; be sure to say hi to those in your campus community. You never know if the person sitting next you will be your doctor, your lawyer, the front desk agent of the hotel you are checking into, or even your child’s teacher.  Engage in everything around you…never hesitate to ask for help or ask a question. Remember you’re a special class, a class like no other before; you are the Class of 2012. Come together, bond, and enjoy your time here. I am Lynn, so are you! Thank you.

Filed under: Lynn, SGA on September 8th, 2008