But when you meet people who aren't this way--who work hard, push themselves, and realize there's more to life than just "getting by"--you can't help feeling renewed.
That's been my experience at Nassau these past few months, as I've watched or heard about students who have demonstrated talent and commitment--and who've been recognized for their accomplishments.
Maybe you've heard about the thirteen NCC students who received the 2014 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. The award recognizes students who "have integrated academic excellence with other areas of their lives," including "leadership, campus involvement, athletics, career achievement, community service, and creative or performing arts." The recipients' achievements are truly impressive, enough to make us optimistic about the future.
Maybe you've also heard about the 44 students who recently received NCC's "Who's Who" and "Student Activities" honors. Both awards acknowledge students' academic achievement and contributions to campus life as club officers, members of sports teams, orientation leaders, newspaper editors, and student government leaders. All of those recognized have enriched the campus fabric and made Nassau a more interesting place.
Not only have individual students at NCC excelled this spring--entire groups have also distinguished themselves. The men's basketball team won the 2014 Region XV Division III championship, racking up 25 regular season wins, defeating three tough teams in the division playoffs, and notching two victories in the NJCAA tournament. The team's numbers are impressive, but even more so is the players' tenacity and willingness to hang together in a season that lasted five long months.
Another NCC team, Speech and Debate, earned honors this year at the International Forensics Association World Championship competition. Competing on a world stage in Paris, France, Nassau placed second among community colleges and fourth overall among two- and four- year schools. Several students received individual honors in specific categories: After-Dinner Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, and Communication Analysis. Their performances reflect hours of practice and preparation as well as a commitment, on everyone's part, to stretching themselves.
And speaking of stretching: maybe that's what college, at its best, is really all about--pushing yourself, developing (or improving) skills, resisting the temptation to just go through the motions, and discovering just how much you can accomplish when you combine heart, mind, and effort. Some NCC students in our midst have done all of these things recently, and it's important we take notice.
their awards from the International Forensics Competition.
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