Address to NSHSS Members at The Carter Center

December 2, 2006

• Marie Harding
• NSHSS Student Council Member
• The University of San Diego

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to this National Society of High School Scholars member event here in Atlanta. We are so fortunate to be here in the Carter Center surrounded by so many outstanding students, teachers, and mentors. What a testament to the accomplishments of our nation’s youth. And what hope for the future of our world.

My name is Marie Harding, and I am a member of the NSHSS Student Council. This is my first year on the Council, and I feel very honored and thankful for the opportunity to grow in my leadership.  I am here to serve you, to pass on the helpful wisdom and insights that I received throughout my academic journey. I was asked to speak to you today on the both my experience as a college freshman thus far as well as my participation in the NSHSS 2006 Australian Adventure. Both experiences share the common element of international travel, and I will explain how shortly.

So far my first semester at the University of San Diego has been equally wonderful and challenging. Thankfully, the “culture shock” of going away for school has not been a contributing factor, as I came in adequately prepared.  To be honest; my parents and I never considered my staying in Boise to go to college. It was just understood that I was ready for another adventure. My parents instilled in me a passion for traveling at the early age of one when I celebrated my first birthday in Mexico. Since then, I have continued to travel both nationally and internationally. Initially I was accompanied by family, but when the time was right they pushed me go by myself—kicked me out into the world, if you will. And there is nothing that I regret about receiving that kick. It was the perfect preparation for being on my own in college. What a rush, and what a personal examination. I learned a great deal about myself, my faith, other cultures and lifestyles and about life in general, more than I ever would and will in the classroom.

So, when it came time for me to apply to college I took all of my experiences into account. In addition, I had done extremely well in my studies, earned high test scores, participated in sports, and was involved in extracurricular activities.  I was looking at the big-name schools, as I'm sure many of you are now.  I knew I wanted a school with a strong international relations program as well as strong pre-med program. So I chose nine schools, applied, and left it up to God. And out of those nine I was accepted to one. I learned pretty quickly how to accept rejection well.  I had to do it eight times (just a tip, expect it and take it gracefully), but hey I know I made the right choice. There was only one option. But in all seriousness, I would not have had it any other way. And when the time comes for you to make your decision you will know in your heart what is best for you and your family. And now that that I am at the University of San Diego I am continually reminded of how fortunate I am. I have a wonderful job working for the Vice President of Mission and Ministry, I am a member of the Honors Student Board, I participate in University Ministry, and my studies are going well. I have decided not to follow my original intentions of majoring in international relations and pre-med, but have chosen instead to follow my passion for marine science and environmental studies. So I guess nothing worked out the way I had it planned, but you know, I ended up with so much more. There was a greater plan that I was meant to follow, and that is the plan is working out.  So, expect the unexpected.

Now, how does the NSHSS Australian Adventure fit into all of this? This same question came up while we were on the trip and I will tell you what I told the group. When I was in fourth grade I had to do a report on an animal.  I chose to learn about the crocodile. Didn’t think much of it then, but you will see how it fits in a minute. Then, as a sophomore I wrote an extensive research paper on the effects of ocean dumping of chemical and biological weapons. Following this, in the summer before my senior year, I had the chance to meet and work with students from Australia and New Zealand at an international government conference. Finally senior year, I wrote a research paper on the country of New Zealand. So the when the opportunity came for me to travel to Australia, which is notorious for its crocodiles, under the mentorship of Claes Nobel, whose passion is environmental sustainability, I listened to the call. My entire academic career had been building toward this culminating educational experience, and I didn’t even know it. It was the best gift my parents could have given me for my graduation.

So this summer, our small group of fifteen, seven students and six staff members, including Claes Nobel, spent ten amazing days learning all of the ins and outs of life down under. We were kindly hosted by Macquarie University, close to Sydney, which proved to be conducive to providing us with both unforgettable learning experiences and adventures. On campus, we listened to lectures on global leadership, indigenous flora and fauna; Australian colonial history; aboriginal culture and art; Australian sports culture; and on the personal wisdom and passion of Claes Nobel. Now, everyone knows those who work hard play hard. We did our share of playing, including cruising Sydney Harbour, climbing the Sydney Harbour bridge, surfing on world-famous Manley Beach, touring the various sites and museums of Sydney, visiting the exotic animals of the Featherdale Wildlife Park (yes, there were crocodiles), touring the Blue Mountains National Park from the floor and the Kuranda Rainforest from the sky, interacting with Australian Aborigines the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, and finally swimming with Nemo on the Great Barrier Reef. It is hard to pack more than all that into just ten days.

I am so thankful both to my parents and to the National Society of High School Scholars for making this adventure possible. We were so fortunate to have such an experienced, knowledgeable, and fun leadership team to guide and mentor us students. The intimacy of our group made the experience that much more memorable.  We really got to know each other on a deep level. The friendships made on this trip have truly had a lasting impact on my life. I will carry with me in my future endeavors. There is a whole world out there waiting for us to explore. I believe that there is no better time than now, as students, to get out there. We have so much to learn. I know that the National Society of High School Scholars is offering the trip again this coming summer, and I encourage all of you to consider this opportunity--parents, for your children, and students, for yourselves. If you have any questions regarding the trip feel free to talk to me or Gloria Smith later. Thank you so much for time.