No perfect word to describe the Class of 2017
By the Self-appointed class Salutarian of the Beacons.
In trying to describe the significance of the Class of 2017 in this speech I figured I could come up with one, perfect word to sum everything up. So, naturally, I reached out to a lot of my classmates to see what they had to say; I could figure out this whole problem analytically! I wanted to share with you all some of the feedback I received:
My so-called ‘interviewees’ described our class as “dynamic,” “diverse,” and “balanced” — all indications of a multi-faceted community. We received high praise with words such as “groundbreaking,” “entertaining,” “competitive,” “multitalented,” and “unforgettable” — wow! One classmate even just summed it up with “fun” — because at our core that’s what our class is about. And lastly there’s the most important description of all: “dope.”
I came up with a few myself like “interesting,” “creative,” and “unique,” but the more I thought about it, the more I began to realize that we’re all wrong. All of us. Because in truth there is no one word alone that can define our class.
Maybe this whole list of adjectives in total could encompass our entire group of classmates but no one word is broad and inclusive enough to sufficiently describe a group of people of this size and talent.
On the whole, a mixed group of people can never be simply categorized. Even in a relatively homogenous community such as Pharmacy school, people can’t be characterized under a single adjective. So as we move on to a new, likely more diverse community, we cannot superficially categorize people whom we meet. In this age of such divisiveness in terms of labeling groups of people, we have to remember to stay dedicated to protecting and respecting everyone’s unique individuality.
And most importantly, don’t let yourself be placed under one generic banner;
don’t be defined by someone else 's perception of you.
Always remember what makes you you. As my favorite fictional dwarf, Tyrion Lannister, once put it:
“Never forget what you are.
The rest of the world will not.
Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you.”
By Udeogalanya Ezinwanne. (Beacon's muse