Speech to
Freshmen – Fall 2016
It was 4 years ago that I was being welcomed to this university for the first time. I found myself in a new country and a new culture. There was much for me to learn but I can truly say that the experience has been wonderful. You are just beginning your life here and there is much for you to learn, but I hope at the end of 4 years you can say that the experience was wonderful for you also. I have some advice that I hope will help you toward that end.
First, let me encourage you to find ways to become a better student. Begin by developing some good study habits. Find a suitable place and time to study and get excited about learning. Try to make connections between what you know, what you are being asked to learn, and what you want to learn.
If you can, topics you once considered boring will become interesting and your study time will be enjoyable and rewarding.
Secondly, challenge yourself to be the best you can be. There is no lack of average people.The world needs people who are above. China needs above average people. Your family needs an above average person. This is the time to push yourself, to try yourself, to demand of yourself and see just what you are capable of doing.
Next, use this time in your life to overcome some fears. There are some things that you should be afraid of and some things that should cause you little concern. Learn to know the difference. Give a speech before a crowd. Sing a song in competition. Participate in a drama with your classmates. Learn to debate. Join with friends to dub a movie. Volunteer in class. Each time you conquer a fear, your confidence will grow and as your confidence grows you will be able to face any obstacle in your path.
Finally, identify and pursue your dreams. I’m not talking about the dreams that you have at night with your eyes closed and you wake up in the morning only to find out that nothing has changed. I’m talking about the dreams that you have with your eyes wide open, the goals you want to attain. Spend some time thinking about what you want to accomplish. Then plan out what you need to do to get there, prepare yourself, and work, work, work and one morning you will wake up and find the world has changed and you are living out your dream.
Just a few weeks ago, many of us watched the summer Olympic games held in Brazil. Atheletes from all over the world gathered to show the skills that they had developed with great effort over the last 4 years. As we watched, we were amazed at what they could do. How could a young woman lift so much weight? How could a young man run so fast? We watched and were thrilled with the Basketball, Volleyball, and Football competition. We saw individuals working as a team in cooperation, encouragement, and sacrifice to produce greatness. We also watched our country men and women step onto the platform to receive their awards of bronze, silver, and gold and we were so proud of them.
Your university life is a short 4 years of educational training. Today you begin. Some days will be routine. Others will be more difficult than you have ever experienced. A few days will be more wonderful than you can imagine. If you can develop good study skills, challenge yourself, overcome fears, and work towards your dreams, you will be a winner when you leave this place.
Your teachers are here to guide, encourage, and challenge you. Your success is our goal. We will be watching. Amaze us with your efforts! Thrill us with your teamwork! Make us proud that we have been allowed to be a part of your lives.
Thank you.
Michael Potts
September, 2016