I attended the event Harrison posted where Kevin Boykin talked about his life journey and his new book. At first I wasn't that excited about going to it because I wasn't sure how I'd be able to personally relate to his lecture, but I found it very relatable to my educational journey. He talked a lot about how (no matter what oppressed group you belong to) you should do your own thing, and don't let people discourage you from the path you want to take or the person you want to become. This wasn't solely directed to the LGBT community, which I liked, because I was then able to find a connection for myself.
So, like I said, I was able to connect his lecture to the journey I've taken through eduction. Ever since I was in the third grade I knew I wanted to be an artist. And I never had the full support from certain people in my life I would have liked. Which was often times discouraging, even at such a young age when it's drilled in your head that "you can be whatever you want to be." Once I got to high school I still found myself wanting to study art, and more specifically at the U of I. My high school guidance counselor use to tell me I wouldn't make it into U of I, that it wasn't right for me, and being an artist wouldn't get me anywhere in life. Again, very discouraging. My parents were also concerned, mainly about my future income because, like most parents, they want the best for their child.. So at this time they weren't 100% on board. I end up applying to U of I anyway, get accepted, but attend the Division of General Studies for my first year and explore other options besides art. At the end of the year I decided to apply to the School of Art and Design and was accepted. I don't think I ever felt so happy up until then. I knew art was for me and I was going through with it no matter how many people told me I couldn't or shouldn't. It's now my Senior year and I'm still just as, if not more happy with my decision. I think by taking a risk and doing what I wanted to do, not knowing what my future would hold (and still don't), I've learned a lot about myself and have found out I have the power to make my own decisions and don't have to listen to anyone else if I don't want to.
I think Keith's lecture really made me realize that I've taken the less traveled path (well less traveled from people I grew up with), and by doing so I've made more personal growth and experiences that I probably wouldn't have if I went down a different path I wasn't passionate about. This was a big thing I took away from his lecture, because he really advocated being "you" and creating your own path. Also, knowing the way I connected with his words, even though it didn't directly relate to the event's topic, shows how powerful he was as a speaker and how understanding he is of every group of people in this world. If anyone has a chance to hear him speak again, I recommend it. You'll never know what your take away message will be.
Oh, and I just remembered, towards the end of his lecture he mentioned something that if you're doing something because you believe it's right, and a morally correct thing to do, it will make you feel good no matter what, and even if you're afraid that doesn't matter because the outcome will outweigh your fears. I found that to be pretty inspiring.
Here's a picture from the event, a large portion of the people in attendance were from this class which was pretty cool.
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