College provides a number of opportunities for students that most people don”t regularly have at their disposal.
One of these opportunities is the chance to listen and ask questions to a Pulitzer-Prize-winning author or view a presentation by a member of Doctors Without Borders. The University of Idaho regularly hosts events where students have the opportunity to listen to a distinguished guest speaker, ask them questions or even introduce themselves for networking opportunities.
This week, Allison Joseph, the author of six poetry collections, will visit Moscow as part of the English Department”s Distinguished Visiting Writers series.
It”s the same series that brought Anthony Doerr, the winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize in fiction, and prominent fiction author Kent Meyer to the university.
In addition to the Distinguished Visiting Writers series, The Borah Symposium is an annual event that brings prominent individuals to speak on panels or give presentations on peace, war and politics.
These speakers are often people who once found themselves in the same position as the majority of their audience – as apprehensive college students worried about their future, but determined to follow their dreams.
They didn”t have their success handed to them, either. Many guest speakers who visit UI have great stories to tell that college students can often relate to. Some speakers dedicated their lives to pursuing their childhood dream, while others didn”t discover what they wanted to do until their early 40s.
Regardless of how long they”ve pursued their life goals, almost every speaker has a story of adversity. They faced challenges and overcame obstacles throughout the course of their careers.
They can provide students with insight into the future, share the way they have come to view the world and they could have the potential to change a student”s perspective on a certain subject.
Events with guest speakers aren”t limited to UI, either.
One of the special things about Moscow is that it”s not just home to one college – it”s also within a few miles of another university.
Many Washington State University events are community-based and free to the public or include discounted tickets for UI students, like the open mic poetry night that featured activist Gloria Anzaldua.
Whether an event is hosted by ASUI, a specific college or student organization, these groups regularly go out of their way to provide students with the opportunity to be exposed to some incredible individuals, and it”s an opportunity that shouldn”t be dismissed.
There”s a reason that events involving guest speakers are often held in the evening, after most classes are done for the day.
Even though these events are held and scheduled specifically for students, the little things often hinder a student from actually attending. Although a student might intend to go, it”s easy to find an excuse.
These events, no matter the subject, are a great opportunity for students to meet new people and learn about new subjects. The value of the experience will be worth the walk.
– CB