The Sandspur

Issue date: 4/29/05 Section: Opinions

Media Credit: RC SID

Do you remember as a kid being asked what you wanted to be when you grew up? To a seven-year-old, the future is one of limitless potential. I remember thinking that I was going to be either an astronaut or the President of the United States and truly believing that I would have the choice.

I'm sure all of you had similar thoughts. Whether you thought you would be a fireman or a doctor, a teacher or a football player, you truly believed that anything was possible.

Well, how have things turned out?

For me, I recently met an astronaut and have been to Kennedy Space Center, but that is about as close as I have come to going into space. I am now old enough to be the president, but that is one job that was much more appealing at age seven than it is now for me at age 37.

How about for you?

It is my sincere hope for all of you that you have either reached the career aspiration you had for yourself as a young child or are in the process of doing so, but I am willing to bet that in most cases what you are doing today, or will do once you finish school, is not exactly the answer you gave when asked that question as a child.

But that isn't at all bad. In fact, for me while I haven't flown in space or spoken in front of congress, I have had many wonderful opportunities and experiences that I would not trade for anything. I have learned that having a successful and happy life and career isn't necessarily about grandiose achievements. Rather, I have realized that you can achieve success and fulfillment without being known internationally.

That last revelation has become particularly obvious to me during my nine years here at Rollins. While at Rollins I have met and seen in work many people who are virtually unknown outside of this Winter Park Community, yet in their own way have made a gigantic impact on the lives of the students on this campus. I don't have to name any names for you all to know some of the people I am referring to. These are the people whose friendliness and genuine concern for every student makes Rollins special and helps homesick 18-year-olds feel like they are not alone.

I am very proud of what is being achieved at Rollins. It has been said and written many times in recent years that as a country we are falling behind the rest of the world in the education of our young people and are creating a leadership void for the future.

Continued...

Page 1 of 3 next >

Article Tools