Condoleezza Rice Convocation

Following our final applause of the night I quickly took a moment to reflect on the evening's events. It begun with a beautiful introduction speech by Kia Abbey, president of ASMSU. President Wadad Cruzado followed by giving an incredibly personable and empowering performance drawing upon three up and coming freshman students each with their own incredible background story. Then came the time of the night that everyone had been anticipating, the reason the entire Brick Breeden Field House had been filled to the brim. The introduction of Dr. Condoleezza Rice.
For some reason I was slightly shocked when she began to speak. I remember listening to her countless times on TV, watching her as she navigated press conference after press conference and countless interviews. There was something though, about listening to her through a television, then hearing her speak directly in front of me. She was soft. Her demeanor was light and relaxed. She was joking, laughing and smiling. I'll admit, it was a relief to see and it further fueled my excitement.
However, I was slightly taken aback when she dove into her speech and began listing off tragedies our country has suffered throughout our history. It was almost exactly what I had been expecting to hear. Political blabber. I've heard enough political blabber in the past months and plenty of political blabber from Dr. Rice throughout her position of Secretary of State. I wanted to reject her words in a way a sick body rejects a healthy transplant. Instead I remained patient, hoping the topic would switch into more inspiring tones. Thank goodness, because switch it did!
I began to relate to her words. The way she talked about her circular search for the right path to her future. The way it felt when she finally found her passion. I felt as though she was telling my very own story to the 8,000 some odd people in front of her.
I was particularly inspired when she encouraged us as students to challenge ourselves. I love pushing my own boundaries emotionally and physically. But when it comes to academics I tend to be more timid, carefully choosing classes that will; inevitably, be challenging but well worth it in the end. I do not however choose classes that are not "worth it." Say, for example being a Nursing student whose sore subject is math, I would not be one to willingly put myself in an upper division calculus class just for shits and giggles. You know what I mean? But after hearing her speak with such passion about the benefits of challenging oneself in every way you can, I'm inspired to continue to push my boundaries. Maybe not jump all the way up to calc 4 but maybe sign up for a public speaking class or maybe get involved in a new role around campus. The possibilities are endless!
In sum, I honestly did enjoy having Dr. Rice as convocation speaker for 2012. Although there may have been parts that didn't sit quite well, I was nevertheless impressed and pleased with the outcome. Especially the grand finale performance with Ilse-Mari Lee. The room was most definitely filled with inspiration as we all stood and gave our standing ovation and farewell.