The following Grad at Grad reflection was delivered at morning assembly on February 19, 2014, by Jeff Kallen (’14) A Loyola Student is Becoming More Academically Excellent A wise person once said: “Inspiration is for amateurs – the rest of us just show up and get to work.” I am here today not to tell you how to receive first honors or be a perfect model student. I am here today to simply share my experience and my personal decision to “show up and get to work.” Growing up in Michigan, I had a natural curiosity and desire to question and explore the world around me. A move to New York City at the age of twelve continued to inspire my enthusiasm for new experiences. By ninth grade, I was comfortable enough in my new surroundings and my own skin to embrace high school with independence, motivation, and admittedly a bit of cockiness. It did not help that I was one of the tallest boys in my class and the only freshman to make the varsity soccer team. I had expected high school to be another new challenge for me; however, it was not at all the challenge I had in mind. I looked sure of myself on the outside but battled anxiety and a fear of failure on the inside. One of the most influential authors of our day Marianne Williamson writes: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be?" As I matured, I grew an awareness of my potential but the awareness was only step one. The awareness allowed me to see that I was given the potential to be excellent but did not allow me to take the next step and get to work. I quickly lost track of the essential priorities. Foolishly, I began to sit dormant, waiting for inspiration to magically appear and drive my growth and maturity. My usual passionate and adventurous spirit wore thin. I would appease myself by participating in an occasional school event or by volunteering on the weekends; however, I did not explore or challenge myself to ask why I was there. I was going through the motions emotionless. I made friends, but relationships were shallow, lacking trust and respect. A year and a half ago I sat down in Ms. Coop's office and chuckled to myself as she repeated, “Jeff, school will only be what you put into it." Though I was cynical at the time, I will never forget those words. A student who is becoming academically excellent is developing a curiosity to explore ideas and issues. I realized I took my curiosity for granted. I believe as a Loyola student we are called to search for our curiosity. As we grow an appreciation we can capitalize our intellectual curiosity for the pursuit of academic excellence. After a couple of weeks, I realized Ms. Coop might be right. I could no longer wait for motivation and inspiration to supernaturally appear. I had to fight for it. I began to explore outside my comfort zone, joining new clubs, and digging deep into my schoolwork. However, another vital element was still missing. I realized I was participating solely for the reward I might gain at the end. What if a time came when there was no reward? Would I continue to fight for motivation to explore and contribute? A Loyola student who is becoming more academically excellent takes pride and ownership in his or her school accomplishments and begins to enjoy intellectual and aesthetic pursuits. I strongly believe we are called to look past the end result and instead view the big
picture. Something deep inside me clicked, and I began to absorb the benefits involving the process rather than just the outcome. Classes were no longer just another lecture but an intellectual playground where I was free to question and take risks. I wasn’t just storing data so that I could spew it back on the next test. It was not about the grades anymore, but the passion of my curiosity and my thirst to learn. I found myself wanting to learn beyond the classroom, often entering into a philosophical debate with my brother or watching documentaries in my free time. Simple moments, such as inspiring my teammates to get creative on the soccer field when we were down a goal, or calming down one of my six year old chess students who struggled with unpredictable breakdowns, filled me with a genuine sense of accomplishment. The best part was I didn’t need a sign in sheet to help and serve others. I didn’t need a school assignment to stimulate my intellect. School, and life are definitely what you put into it. Picasso described it best, and I understand it now more than ever, “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” Funny how the work itself can be the most inspiring part of all. Thank you.