News & Events 2004-2005
Evelyn Tilney: Convocation 2004
Evelyn Tilney ’05 gave the convocation speech on September 9, 2004, at the First Presbyterian Church in Blairstown, where Christmas Vespers and Baccalaureate are also held. Traditionally, convocation marks the official opening of the academic year. Her speech to the student body follows.
Good Evening. I’m Evelyn Tilney and on behalf of the entire Senior Class Council, I would like to say welcome to the 157th school year of Blair Academy. We gather as a school, as a community, to celebrate the beginning of a new year for all of us here in Blairstown. I am here to greet all of you as we initiate this school year as a fresh academic and social community. New students and faculty, as well as returning students and faculty, we have already begun to face the rigors of the Blair world. Because of the fast pace already set here, appreciating our lives can sometimes be difficult. It is up to you to create Blair. You should not let our unusual routines dictate who you become and the moments you create here, though. You must create your own memories – it is up to you to create your own contentment.
I urge you to consider yourself, consider who you are, and consider how you interact with this community. It is easy to fall into the “I hate Blair trap” when you have three papers due the next day and it’s already 10 o’clock at night. It’s even easier to say that you are bored in all of your classes and you don’t understand a single idea. And easiest of all is the claim that there is nothing to do here. Well, none of these ideas are true. We are all independent people, and we are here to make our own decisions. So this year, take control of your life and create your own nirvana. Take a five-minute break from your homework and dance to bad music. Choose classes that interest you, and ask a stranger for help on your homework. Maybe you will make a best friend. Blair is nothing without all of us. We create this institution. Chances are that in 10, 25, 50 years you won’t remember the book you read for your freshman world history class. You may just remember the Halloween dance where you met two of your closest friends dressed up like elves. You probably won’t remember the hours you spent doing homework, but you will remember the hours one particular friend spent listening to your worries. You probably won’t remember the name of some of your teachers, but you will remember the name of the first person you looked up to and respected at this school. And you will definitely always remember how one of your best girl friends was ten times braver than any of the boys you knew.
We all make this school. You make your life at this school, you make your moments, you make your happiness – no one else.
Don’t be a giver or a taker here. Be both. Spend yourself well, because it is in this way that you will find satisfaction. Give kindness and feel deserving of all kindness you get in return. Ask that kid over there to sit with you at lunch because he gave you a goofy grin in the hallway this morning. Give compassion and be glad that you know it is appreciated. Listen to your friend through anger, because you know you are the only person who can make her feel better. Give time and hard work and be proud that it has earned you respect and accomplishment. Participate in class because your teacher worked for hours preparing a special lesson to teach you. Never feel guilty for your abilities, especially those of your mind; it is because of your mind that you live. Your life is made up of the moments that you create, and this is the place to create them. This is not a warm up for the real world – we are alive and this is all real, so enjoy yourself and take advantage of this opportunity. Have a wonderful year, and welcome back.
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