Each fall, The University of Olivet begins the academic year with Opening Convocation—a time for students, faculty, and staff to gather in celebration of our shared community and purpose. This year’s theme, “rise,” invited us to reflect on perseverance, growth, and supporting one another. Junior English major Faith Fowler was selected to share her perspective with the campus community. Her heartfelt words remind us that rising is not only about personal strength, but also about lifting others along the way.
This year’s Opening Convocation theme is “rise,”and the first words that came to mind are from the inspiring Maya Angelou: “You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.”
I felt compelled to share this quote because it is important to remember that rising is not only the act of becoming better than you were before, but choosing to pick yourself up after you fall. It’s beginning each day with optimism, motivation, and an open mind. It’s refusing to allow yesterday’s setbacks to draw from today’s possibilities. It’s taking chances that lead to opportunity, putting in the work to outdo ourselves, and showing up day after day, even when it’s difficult.
Rising is not something we do alone. The people we surround ourselves with shape our ability to grow. I didn’t believe it when I first began my college experience, but hanging around those who are complacent in their goals will not encourage you to reach yours.
Rising is also about strengthening others – believing in them when they don’t yet believe in themselves. I wouldn’t be standing in front of you all today if it weren’t for my advisor, Laura Barlond-Maas, who has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and believed in me each time that I did. Every time you have risen, it is partly because of those around you who provided guidance, support, and trust in your journey.
Rising isn’t a competition, but a communal effort. When we help others to rise, we also strengthen ourselves. That’s the community that Olivet has long provided for students like me; one where we lift each other up, and one where we do it together.
So this school year, rise when you have fallen, rise when you doubt yourself, and when you see someone in need, help to lift them up.
Like the sun each morning, rise to illuminate the world around you, no matter the darkness that preceded.