Late last spring, when I was asked to serve as Acting Dean of Students for thefall, and knowing that I would have the opportunity to speak with you tonight,I began to give thought to the messages that I would like to convey,particularly to members of the Class of '2000. After mulling for most of thesummer, I have chosen only three simple messages to which I hope you will giveconsideration as you begin - or continue - your college experience.
The first two messages became clear to me last Sunday when my family and I hadthe opportunity and privilege to participate with a group of our students in ahigh ropes experience at Raquette Lake. For those of you unfamiliar with highropes, it involves climbing tall trees - 50, 60, 70 feet tall - walking tightropes, leaping for trapezes, and generally doing things that come morenaturally to our simeon relations than to me. Of course, all of this climbingaround in tree tops is done while on belay, meaning that you are in a harness,attached to a rope, with a person at the other end whose task it is to keep youin one piece. When it is all done, you have a special place in your heart forthe person at the end of your rope. Geri Knortz -thank you!
Given that I have a rather powerful fear of heights, I was tempted - if notdetermined - to keep at least one of my feet on the ground at all times duringthis day. I am a fabulous cheerleader and supporter of others and I have in mylife done many character building things so I felt it would be OK for me not toclimb any tall trees or towers. However, as a long time supporter of this typeof activity for others, I was forced to face the hypocrisy of my plan, and stepinto my harness.
After rather courageously, to my way of thinking, climbing and repelling offof the 50 foot tower, I was content that I had participated and was prepared tospend the rest of the day belaying and cheering others on. However, whenconfronted with the zipline and the fact that Dean Coates had climbed this 70foot tree and flew like a bat out of hell down the cable from the top, Irealized that I must do this one thing, in spite of the fact that it scared mebeyond words.
After graciously allowing anyone who expressed any interest in the zipline togo ahead of me, the moment came when I knew it was my turn. Focusing all of myattention on the tree and little nubs that were to provide hand and foot holds,I began to climb - knowing intellectually that Geri would never let me fall -too far - but feeling that not at all. When I reached the halfway point, I wasquite certain that I would never see my family again. That I would simplyexpire from an overdose of adrenalin - or that I would remain on that treeforever because I could move neither up nor down.
It was at this point that I heard the voices - from real people below me -urging me to continue, telling me they knew I could do this, encouraging mebeyond the point I thought I could go. When I reached the top I was rewardedwith the incredible ride down the cable. After landing safely on the ground Iwas greeted by the owners of the encouraging voices - some old friends and somenew - and I was moved in a way that I have seldom been. I felt a combinationof pride in my own willingness to do the thing that scared me and gratitude forthe support of those people who made it possible for me to do it.
During the day I watched many students put their fears aside to literallyclimb to heights they never thought possible. In many cases their climb wasmade possible by the care and encouragement of their peers.
As I considered my experience at the end of the day, I realized that all of myaccomplishments in life are the result not only of significant effort, but ofovercoming my own fears and self-doubt, encouraged by the people Maura Cullenrefers to as the spirit builders in my life.
So my messages to you are these. First, challenge yourself to do those thingsthat frighten you or do not come easily. Do not avoid them, because thestrength that you find when you are forced to dig deep within yourself isextremely powerful and made more so by practice. Second, be a spirit-builder -a person who enables others to find the best that is within them. And find foryourself those people who nourish your spirit and bring out the best in you.
Finally, recognize that you have been given an incredible gift and opportunityas a Hamilton student. You have access to an education that the vast majorityof people in the world only dream of. Make the most of it. Don't waste it asa passive observer or a climber who goes only half way. Challenge yourself toreach to new heights and enable
