Dare to make a difference.
Dear Students,
This will be my last email of the semester before we all go home and enjoy a well-deserved rest. Over the break, I'm sure all of you have some combination of airports, sleeping in, catching up with friends, and thinking about next steps in Spring semester.
Today at the CNS graduation ceremony, senior biology major Michael Zhu addressed his classmates and wished them well for their future. He reminded graduating seniors of all the hard effort they'd put in, of the new skills they'd gained that they could not have imagined 4 years ago, and of the value of learning how to learn new things. Even more, he urged his classmates to dare to make a difference.
This week the world celebrates the life and passing of Nelson Mandela, someone who certainly made a difference. And someone who embodies the power of one. One person, each of us, can make a difference. Whether with voice trembling we articulate an unpopular view, or through perseverance we see a new possibility become a reality, or through compassion we reach out and help or mentor another who has no hope of helping us in return, each of us can multiply the gifts we've been given for those around us. And in so doing we reward ourselves with the meaning and value of our efforts. As Mr. Mandela once said, "Do not judge me by how many successes I have had, judge me by how many times I was knocked down and got back on my feet."
After graduation, you will come to see what a special group you all are. Sadly, this isn't something you always realize while here at UT. In addition to attending one of the premier universities of the world, you are majoring in science or mathematics in one of the most rigorous colleges on campus. Back home, very few people are like you. You'll realize what an amazing set of skills you've acquired and challenges you are capable of tackling. It's useful for you all to hear that now. Even as you're worried about doing a good job in your classes and you might be feeling a little stressed about how final exams will go, just know that your being here, your taking on this challenge, and your daring to take risks for your dream, all these things set you apart. And those exams (with a lot of hard work on your part) will go off just fine.
Best of luck in the coming week, and have a safe, restful holiday. See you in the new year.
-- Dr. Kopp
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