Issue date: 3/2/10 Section: Opinions

Last week NSU hosted two monumental spiritual leaders -His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and ArchBishop Desmond Tutu. Press from across South Florida and the nation had their eyes on our university to hear what messages these two individuals had to bring to NSU's student body and the U.S. at large.

During events like these, I feel proud to call myself a Shark. NSU went above and beyond to deliver speakers that many people wish they could have heard from in their lifetimes but will never be able to. The Dalai Lama and ArchBishop Tutu both spoke about how we, as individuals and students, have a responsibility and the power to influence the world for the better. Their speeches reminded me of the late Mahatma Gandhi and his famous quote, "Be the change you want to see in the world."

Archbishop Tutu stated, "Don't be cynical like me and my generation...dream...the idealistic dream. Dream of a world without war." His words made me hopeful. His words made me youthful. It reminded me of when I was an innocent, younger version of myself and listened to the news with my parents and thought, "When I grow up that whole world peace problem should be solved."

The speakers stretched my mind to think, "Why can't world peace still be possible? Who is to say that the world doesn't deserve to be rid of world hunger?" If anyone is going to be the change in the world it is the next generation of educated scholars and young people. We have the ability to do great things, but we have to start remembering how to think about someone else before thinking about ourselves. At a time when the U.S. is facing great economic turmoil and dismay, the hopeful words hit home more than ever before.

Have something to say? The Current is listening. Send your opinions, letters, and story ideas to nsunews@nova.edu. We want to hear from you.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools