It
is a judgment from those that know us that we should all strive to earn.
Many fail this simple test. Unique combinations of factors can have a
profound influence on each individual, and upon whether their time here on
earth brings joy to those who know them. Every individual is different, but I
would argue that we do have the common capacity to bring joy to those around us
– or not.
My
question here is: can college assist us in becoming the kind of person whose
life would be judged as Mr. Kidder judged Dr. Farmer? I think so.
There are probably many, many ways that learning, scholarship, serving, and
being a part of a community, can develop in us the character and the
determination to lead a life that brings joy to others. But one thing, it
seems to me, is a prerequisite. We must be able to look beyond ourselves
and place our efforts in a larger, outward-directed context.
Mr.
Kidder spoke to this very requirement. In response to a question he stated that
studying and learning – even subjects like organic chemistry – should be
informed and motivated by our larger purpose. He suggested that the goal
of what we want to accomplish in our lifetime should be foremost. Is it
to heal people? Then organic chemistry matters a lot. Is it to teach
kids? Then, in addition to the subject we aspire to teach, other subjects
– like child psychology and human development – are important, too. Seen
from the summit of our larger purpose, every step upward to that goal is
important, even indispensable.
That’s
not to say that it is easy to maintain such a perspective. There may be times
when a single step up is followed by a difficult slide down. But every
upward step matters. Keeping the goal in mind matters even more. A
university community, like that at the University of Rhode Island, can help
refine, or define, our purpose in life and our goals for life. In
addition to courses, studios, and labs, participation in service learning,
internships, volunteering, a living-learning community, student government or
organizations, can all help identify the compelling interest or motive that can
define a life. That is why we offer all those things here, and why a
rigorous learning environment and a strong, supportive community are both
critical.
In
the end it is up to each of us. We can choose to live a life with a purpose
beyond our personal comfort, or not. We can strive to be the kind of
person that makes others glad they shared time with us, or not. I believe
that an important goal for the University of Rhode Island is to build an
environment and a community that encourages all its members to create a life
with a purpose beyond ourselves. I hope you agree.
