Margaret Cousins, a UT graduate who became an editor and author, transfixed me with her story of how memorable her professors are. She painted her experience of UT as "a time of almost perfect happiness" (890). After three weeks of adjusting to college life and trying to become the studious college student, I get a taste of what she means. It is a struggle for me to break the procrastination habit, and throw away the feeling of home-sickness. As Cousins talked about one of her professor, Dr. Hanson Tufts Parlin, she illustrated him as "the impression of an all-knowing Buddha, regarding with cynical patience the foibles and gyrations of lesser beings" (893). I chuckled at this fact because Cousins goes on speaking of his lectures to be "all mesmerizing" (893), and it makes me think of one of my professors I have. This certain professor would dress in a crazy costume resembling of a Native American and we would do unusual things in his class such as meditate. I admire him in many ways although it is too soon to tell of what effect he has set upon me. But as I read how majority of Cousins' professors impacted on her life, and how it led her to become a successful graduate with a promising future, I can say I plan on having a unique relationship with my professors so one day, they can guide me to my path in the world. Cousin states that "against formidable odds, they taught me how to think, and in ways they would not have deemed possible, they have illumined my fortunate life" (895). This quote not only inspired me, but it opened my eyes to the idea that professors aren't they're to judge you, or criticize, or to only make money, but they can help embark the journey to the rest of your life. One day I can become a successful individual such as Margaret Cousins, and I then can think back on my professors and thank them because they were a key factor that led me to becoming "a better person" (Bump) and set me free.
Barbara Smith Conrad was an African-American that attended UT during the Civil Rights period. At the age of seventeen, Conrad was a sophomore at UT and had to face many difficulties of racism on campus. Even with all the discrimination and taunting, Barbara practiced the Christian faith to "make peace, not war" (927). She overcame the obstacles faced by African-Americans during that time by focusing on her "passion of music" (928) and the "ability to communicate through [her] music" (928). It is that vision she set upon herself, which makes me admire her dearly, that a person faced with so many setbacks that she still managed to become as successful in something she loved rather than stay angry and let that distract her. This inspires me to look past any difficulties/distractions and use it as a way to urge my goals in life and keep me focused.
It is important to have that vision of what you want to become or who you want to be. Even though I am still clueless of what I want to do with my life, I know I control it and I have the capability of making it happen. One day I want to be a leadership example to someone like me. Young and clueless, but hopeful and determined.
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