Student Government President Moakley addresses crowd at New Student Convocation
A. Sue Weisler
Student Government President Bobby Moakley spoke during New Student Convocation on Aug. 22 in the Gordon Field House. Below is the full text of his speech:
As an environmental scientist, one of my favorite areas of study is ecology. Ecology enables us to understand how ecosystems function by studying the interactions between everything surrounding us. Sure, this helps me in understanding how nature works by studying its trees, soils and water, but this framework of thinking has opened up an entire world right before my eyes. Ecology is a science, but it reaches into so many other disciplines to further our understanding of life.
In my eyes, science lets us understand how things work. Technology allows us to perform at a higher capacity. Engineering allows us to innovate and materialize new things. Art opens up a realm of creativity and appreciation, and math is the language that connects everything between us. These disciplines are all intertwined branches supporting the success of humanity.
By coming together and working together, we can all be the next generation of leaders. Each and every single one of us has the capacity to influence the entire world, but we cannot do it alone.
Over the next few years of your life, there will be lots of ups and lots of downs, but you will have an invaluable tool to help you. The people sitting right next to you. Our community is made up of so many different backgrounds, and so many different perspectives.
I want to do a short activity so we can see who is in the room. I’m going to list off a few different things, and if you feel like you identify with any of the statements, please raise your hand. This is completely voluntary, so do not feel obligated to participate if you are uncomfortable. Families, friends, staff and faculty, please also join me.
Raise your hand if you are a scientist.
Raise your hand if you are an artist.
Raise your hand if you identify as part of the LGBT community.
Raise your hand if you identify as a person of color.
Raise your hand if you are from another country.
Raise your hand if you are deaf or hard of hearing.
Raise your hand if you personally or if you are close with anyone who struggles with mental health.
Raise your hand if you want a future with peace and wellbeing for all of us.
Let’s keep these hands up for a second, and look around. This room is brimming with people who are dedicated to helping this community thrive. Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, RIT welcomes you with open arms. For any of you who felt scared to raise your hand on any of those, I sincerely hope that seeing many others like yourself gives you the slightest sense of confidence.
It is up to all of us: first years, upperclassmen, graduate students, staff, faculty and, most importantly, families to show support for those around us. You never know what connections are to be made, and you have no idea how much other people can teach you about yourself. My character and happiness comes from the friends I have made over the past four years, from the professors who have taught me and from my Mom and Dad who have supported me throughout my entire life.
Providing support and knowledge, RIT is paving the way for real change in our world. By working with the City of Rochester, our international campuses, major industries and many others, RIT students are providing innovative solutions to questions never answered before. We are all part of a much larger community that is revolutionizing the way we serve.
We have students coming up with solutions for climate change. We have students curing the next big disease. We have students building Rochester’s nonprofit network. We have students fueling social movements such as Black Lives Matter and the March for Our Lives. We have students registering thousands to vote. We have students changing the world.
Over the next couple of weeks, you’re going to be figuring out your role at RIT. I strongly encourage you all to go to the Activities Gala on Saturday and find at least three clubs you find interesting. Who knows, because at RIT you can become anything. You can be a dancer, a climber, a researcher, a race car engineer, esports commentator or even captain of the Quidditch Team. By jumping headfirst into what you’re passionate about, you will find people you love. You will find your community. Who you are right now does not have to define who you will be a year from now. Take this opportunity to find what it is you love, and to experience new things.
So, who will you be?