Comments from the Student Speaker

Thank you Chancellor Oblinger. I’d like to start by congratulating everyone here, whether you are being recognized or are here in support of someone being recognized, because your efforts and continued success warrant this celebration.

Now, I would like to share with you a short story about a conversation I had last weekend. In 1986, Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra, Gordon Cooper, Deke Slayton, Alan Shepard, and John Glenn, better known as six of the Mercury 7 astronauts, decided to start a scholarship foundation to support America’s future scientists. The person they chose as the chairman of this program told me that they wanted to award seven scholarships to students at schools that fit a certain set of criteria. Primarily, the school needed to provide a high level of instruction so that they would produce America’s leading scientists, but, just as importantly, they were looking for schools that show a genuine concern for their students – viewing them as much more than a number. NC State was one of the first schools selected by these distinguished astronauts.

This was over twenty years ago and the environment here has only grown stronger. In fact, we are all products of the rigorous instruction and personal touch that NC State provides. Whether it was the instructor that first engaged you with research, the professor that helped you land your first internship, or the advisor who wrote countless recommendation letters for awards like those we will recognize tonight, we have all experienced this personal touch. Conveniently, many of the faculty members that excel as mentors are here with us tonight and will be recognized alongside of the students they have impacted. However, remember that there are many others who may not be present that care about their students just as much or more.

I share this story not to promote the university and make us feel great about receiving our education from such a well established and respected school. Rather, my intention was to highlight how fortunate each of us is to have faculty like those among us tonight. These are the people who opened doors for us, both literally and figuratively, that made a difference in our lives and helped us to make it here tonight. Further, I would like to challenge each of you to use this as motivation to continue the trend of showing concern for others. Whether you are planning to return to school, enter the workforce, work as an artist, join the Peace Corps, be a rock star, or anything else you could imagine, your talents will shape the future of our society. Consequently, you will have the opportunity to be a difference maker. Remember those who have made the biggest differences in your lives and strive to emulate them. There is an incredible amount of potential in this room tonight and I challenge you all to find your passions in life and use them to positively contribute to our society.

The students here are true achievers. They have made the most of every opportunity and have shown that they are capable of sustained accomplishment. Tonight and this weekend are the result of several years of hard work. You should be proud of your accomplishments and recognition with which they are associated, but also remember to share your appreciation for your family, friends, and everyone else that has supported you and your ambitions, regardless of how far-fetched the may have seemed at the time. As you transition into the next stage of your life, welcome the unknown, challenge yourself, and most importantly don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. I wish you all continued success.

Thank you and congratulations.

 

by Ryan Field