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NEXT MEMBER EVENT UCLA, L.A., CALIFORNIA: 06.30.06 |
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Remarks from NSHSS Council Member Gary Crosby on Scholar's Day May 13, 2006 Dirksen Senate Building Washington, DC Good afternoon--my name is Gary Crosby. I am a member of the National Society of High School Scholars 2005-2006 Student Council, and I am thrilled to join you all on this special day of accomplishments. I am both honored and deeply appreciative of the opportunity I have been given to participate this Saturday to honor your scholastic achievements. My gratitude to be with you in our nation's capital, not only stems from the excitement provoked by this grand city, but also, because of the opportunity I have been allowed to dispel a few myths and divulge some truths, I have learned through my freshman year experience at Birmingham-Southern College. Before I begin with some insight from my college experience, I would like to thank the National Society of High School Scholars and its supportive sponsors for their on-going significant contributions to the advancement of higher education. Also, I would like to recognize Dr. Susan Thurman, your Scholarship Program Director, and Stephanie Servy, for their efforts in making my attendance to Scholar's Day possible. Being with you all today, reminds me of the excitement I felt as a graduating senior. Growing up in the rural Alabama, to some extent I suppose I was, 'just a country boy trying to make it in the big city!' :) Despite the feelings of my classmates, I understood, like each of you, the life-long impact that a valuable college education has on an individual's future. Out of this understanding, I chose to attend Birmingham-Southern College, located in Alabama's largest city, as a history/political science major. Essentially, Birmingham-Southern is a private liberal arts institution which challenges its students to think independently, through thoughtful examination of the arts and sciences. While the college has challenged me academically, I strongly believe that my first year in college incited lessons, both socially and spiritually, which will impact the remainder of my life. This thought brings me to a few myths I had about college. The summer before I came to 'Southern (as it is referred to frequently and without restraint by its students and faculty) I found myself bright-eyed and curiously open to whatever the college experience held for me. My mind consumed itself with anxiety about upcoming registration for classes, uneasiness about competitive organizational involvement, and the sheer excitement associated with such a significant life change. Frankly, I counted the days to the moment when curfews and check-in times ceased to exist. To some extent, I believe my idealistic expectations for the college experience were slightly unrealistic. In high school, I was frustrated by the pettiness and immaturity of some of my peers--you may be able to empathize with. Looking back, it seems foolish to think these students would grow up in three months between the end of high school and the beginning of college. Nonetheless, my anticipation had been established. I expected to quickly form meaningful friendships and instantly share in discussions over coffee about issues that fascinated me--such as contemplating my role in society and how I could contribute. Also, with a distance from my parents, I envisioned myself coming in whenever and having tons of fun. I thought these situations were a part of the true college experience. Although is did form instant friendships, I had forgotten that my previous relationships had taken years to develop. I also wish I had realized that even on a college campus as accepting and nurturing as Birmingham-Southern, as a freshman, students are certain to make mistakes and experience problems. To name a few, my first semester, I realized that my long distance relationship had deteriorated. Secondly, I quickly sparked a much-needed change in roommates. I established my limits on activities and an appreciation of self-discipline in a variety of social settings, and I found out that getting up for my Friday 8:00 am class was in fact a good use of my time, even though I had mocked my Dad's work schedule of going to work at 8 o'clock. Simply stated, college presents a significant time management challenge. The difficult aspects of this year forced me to realize and to maintain a balance between my academics and my social life. Studying everyday, reading assignments every night, researching from time to time, working with peers on group projects, should all be expected as a first-year college student. My transition from an easy-going high school to a rigorous college informed me that balancing my time to study while allowing growing friendships and some room to be involved on campus would lead to great success in college. From the traditional high school setting, the leap into my first collegiate semester was totally unexpected. I was accustomed to hearing the loud sounds of bells ending and beginning my classes; however, in college, the bell of responsibility is in full force. Nonetheless, college is one step closer to the real world. I leave you all with the advice of not only developing a passion for learning, but valuing every minute and soaking up all that college as to offer by studying hard, developing lasting friendships, and allocating time to have fun :). Thank for your time, Gary Crosby Birmingham-Southern College, 2009 |
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