Centennial spectacle expresses what it means to be a Rice student
There are moments in life when we do not fully understand the magnitude of responsibility we have. Understanding can increase with awareness of the past - the people who explored, created, discovered and did before. Watching three of the Spectacle showings during Centennial, I understood what it means to be a Rice student.
From its opening with the flying owl to its "future" segment with flowing waves and student interviews, the Spectacle left me in awe all three times I watched it. Unlike some of the alumni standing behind me, I did not cry, for I have only been here for two months, but I still found myself moved. As the images of those involved in Rice's past sprung up, I saw that they had done extraordinarily great things. Whether those extraordinarily great things were scientific or athletic, they all pulled together into one history.
Standing there, I realized the responsibility I have as a Rice student to continue that tradition. I realized the responsibility I have as a Rice student to positively impact the world in some way. I realized the responsibility I have as a Rice student to somehow fill up the waves in the "future" portion.
All of us here at Rice are receiving a superb education and are at the forefront of opportunity. We should not let that education remain only within ourselves. We should free it, allowing it to spread its wings. We should embrace the chances we have to use our given opportunities to make opportunities for others so that in 100 years, not only will Rice have even more to be proud of, but also, the world will have more to be proud of.
But how? The truth is that most of us will not find the cure for cancer, finish discovering the secrets of the universe or develop new and innovative surgical techniques. But that is ok, because in truth, big, beneficial changes to society are, upon closer inspection, the merging of countless little things. Making a difference can be as simple as making cards and bracelets for sick, hospitalized children. Making a difference can be as simple as serving food at a homeless shelter. Making a difference can be as simple as explaining a rhetorical device to a middle school student.
Individuals have their own ways of positively changing society based on their unique talents and interests. Figuring out what takes longer for some than others. Some of us already know how we will change society and are out there taking charge. Some of us are simply experimenting. Some of us have yet to begin exploring our options. Personally, I know my way is going to involve writing in some shape or form. I also know I should keep my options open, as I think we all should.
A closer look revealed that the waves were actually made of millions of little particles. We, the students of Rice University, are the particles, and changing the world is our wave.
Tina Nazerian is a McMurtry College freshman.
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