Celebration of Academia
Prof. Janice Kristo 2008 Distinguished Maine Professor
Greetings to all and congratulations to
the Class of 2008! Dr. Vetelino and I are honored to have both been
chosen for the 2008 University of Maine Distinguished Professor Award.
We extend special thanks and appreciation to the Class of 1942, sponsors
of this award.
Both of us will share a few brief words
with you today in celebration of academia and most importantly in
celebration of your accomplishments and our best wishes for the road
ahead.
Your work here at the University has
been filled with moments of joy, challenge, self-actualization, reward,
sometimes angst, and even discouragement. But…today is a day for joyous
celebration as you have made it to a critical milestone in your lives as
soon to be graduates of a premier academic institution. It is a time to
thank all who have helped you reach this point—parents, family members,
special mentors, friends, and the many prominent and excellent
professors and instructors you have had at this academy. Again,
congratulations to you as you become citizens of the world with a
college degree in hand and the future before you.
You're now on the brink of a new
life…something big! Be bold and be curious about the world. As a
professor of children's literature, it's difficult for me not to provide
words of wisdom from writers who influenced our thinking right from the
beginning of our lives. One such author, Marla Frazee, in her book, Walk
On: A Guide to Taking the First Step, says, "Don't look down at your
feet. Look toward where you want to go. Imagine yourself as already
there." Ms. Frazee is writing for babies who are just learning to take
their first steps, but in a sense, that is what you are doing as you
leave the University of Maine…you are taking that first step into a
career, another degree, a marriage, traveling the globe, pondering what
to do, or whatever it is you are choosing to do next. Whatever it is…do
it with panache, with gusto, and a zest for life. Give back and move
forward. Take all that you've learned, considered, written and read
about and use it to the best of your ability! Make a difference; work
hard and make your world and those of others matter. Participate fully
in our world, be a contributor and not a taker and change things for the
better. Be present for the people around you and live the best way you
can. In such a rapid paced life, don't forget the small things that
matter the most…be generous of your time and caring of yourself and
those around you and be clear about what you value. Think though
decisions…and don't always hurry; delight in the small things that
invite your curiosity and wonderment about the world. Lynn Nottage, an
Obie award-winning playwright says to "hunger to be a good citizen
rather than a well-known one and take pride in being an unnamed
warrior".
Dr. Seuss said it best: "You have
brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself
in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you
know".
Be brave, don't lose sight of your
dreams…the future is here before you…take that next big step with
confidence. Good luck!
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