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By Rob Kelly Guest Writer rkelly@my.westga.edu
When originally asked to write this piece, I thought long and hard about what I wanted to include due to the fact that I wanted to say something that was going to be helpful for people now, as well as in the future. It has always been my hope that my presence here would have made a positive difference in the lives of others, whether it be through personal mentoring or just through the occasional conversation. I have done my best to lead by example in a way that others will be inspired to take on new challenges and never be afraid to strive to achieve the best in all situations. Though at times this has come with a price of heavy criticism or a very doubtful mentality, in the end it all was worth it. So here I stand, on the brink of graduation, after four long meaningful years I feel as though I have lived a lifetime during my time at West Georgia. I have learned so much about myself, about others, about being a true leader, about hardships, about triumphs, about life in general that upon leaving I feel blessed beyond measure. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to experience this great journey. If I could leave one final message to all those who will remain it would be the following:
I must first start off by saying thank you to all those who have aided me along this journey and continue to be that light for students who struggle to find their way. Thank you to all the faculty who go beyond simply teaching to realize that you have the power to impact lives and that many students change their entire outlook on the future based on the experience they have in your class. Personally, I know that teachers such as but not limited to Professor Whisenhunt, Professor Adrienne Angelo, Dr. Camilla Gant, Dr. Tarshia Stanley, Dr. Mark Kunkel, and Dr. Mary Rickard have made an overwhelming difference in the way that I view professors by their sheer dedication to the students. It is individuals like you who make West Georgia the great institution that it is. But this thank you goes far beyond just faculty; it goes to all the individuals who go above and beyond their job description to serve the student body. From Dr. Sethna and Dr. McClellan to Ms. Cheryl Cash in the Campus Center, from Mark Reeves and Tracey Head in the UCC to Dr. Jenkins and Ms. Felicia Humphries in Minority Affairs, from Ms. Anita Immele and Dr. Schaefer in the Political Science Department to Steven Broome the photographer, and from Ms. Lisa Ledbetter in Communications and Marketing to John Lyons and Ms. Shirley in the Z-6; these are examples of individuals who by their willingness to serve beyond their job descriptions forever change the lives of the students they encounter. I know that there are many more that are not listed here who have impacted the lives of so many students and I ask that you please continue to be the light that you are on this campus. Without you, this campus would suffer greatly.
To the students of West Georgia: During my four years here I have realized the interesting dynamic that makes up our student body. There are the select few who become involved and really try to change campus for the better, there are those who criticize those who try to change campus, and then there are those simply observe the happenings without a question or concern. I would say to all students that you determine the type of experience that you have in college. You cannot expect college to be an amazing experience if you are not doing amazing things. If your collegiate experience is limited to the classroom and your dorm room, then that is exactly what it will be. Get up; become active on campus and in the community. I guarantee that you experience will be more worthwhile because of your involvement in things and people other than yourself.
To the Student Leaders of West Georgia: First and foremost, I would like to thank you for taking an active role in the betterment of West Georgia. I fully understand the sacrifice of time and personal energy it takes to run an organization on campus and I thank you for caring enough of others to take on this role. In doing this never forget why you are here in the first place which is to be a student. So many times as a student leader we become so caught up in the working of our organizations that we forget about the academic roles we play as well. But as leaders we are examples to the student body as a whole and the greatest example that can be set is one of academic excellence. So strive to be the total package because you have many students who will begin to look up to you being a student leader and you always want to set a precedent of academic achievement above and beyond everything else. As student leaders you have the charge of being the catalysts of change. I charge you to attempt to change the issues of West Georgia and not simply those of your organization. Since I have been here, diversity on campus has been as issue. We have worked hard to help change this problem but progress has been slow. Resolve, one group alone cannot change this problem. It takes the conscious effort of all to create the harmonious atmosphere of which we all fantasize. West Georgia does not have a diverse population problem but a diverse interaction problem. As leaders of the SGA, IFC, Pan Hellenic, NPHC, BSA, NAACP, and SAC, it is up to you to begin within your personal lives and organizations to begin to reach outside of your comfort zones to create a change. Do not wait for an event to come along to initiate this process, be that event. As I stated before, West Georgia will only be as good as the students who attend, the fate and future of our institution literally lies in your hands.
To all of my AAMI and BMWI younger brothers and mentees, it has been quite the time keeping up with the 30+ of you on a weekly basis, but I would have it no other way. I am already extremely proud of the growth and progress that you have made. The fact that you are even here to read this means that you are living above the negative stereotypes and shattering the statistics, please continue to strive towards excellence and never be afraid to do the impossible, for the impossible is nothing more than a well believed opinion of an un experienced event. Impossible, I-m-possible, I'm possible, I am possible! You are possible and any dream that you may have is yours for the taking. As we often say, "Greatness is an endless journey, shun not the struggle." I expect to see great things from you all and I know that the potential that lies within each and every one of you is enough to surpass every trial and obstacle that you will encounter. [Please note that the same goes to Ladies of Principle.]
I will end by saying that this has been an incredible journey for me. I have no regrets. West Georgia has been one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. I thank God for the people that he has placed in my life here and I pray that the friendships and bonds that I have formed here will stay with me forever. I truly have a special place for West Georgia in my heart and I will carry it and all the amazing people any and everywhere I go. Next stop, the stars!
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