By Jamie Favaro '02

I would like to start by saying that I feel extremely honored to be speaking in front of you today. When Saira asked me to speak at this Convocation, it was difficult for me to accept. I thought that standing up in front of you and talking should have some impact, even if just for a minute.

I was asked [in my own words] to speak about the self and individual responsibility to the community to be an activist. But I've learned that, funny enough, activism on this campus has become kind of a dirty word. Apathy isn't only rampant, it's kind of like a really popular girl on campus that we're all shamelessly good friends with in part because we know it's wrong. Really this is fine. But I think we all feel better when we are an integral part of a progressive community. There are so many things I feel need to be changed on this campus, I wouldn't even know where to begin. And I'm pretty sure the student body as a whole wouldn't even agree with me on a few of them. However as students we all have a common knowledge of practices that just don't work. So what are we going to do about it? 

The administration (who has the power to change things) is NOT going to change things it cannot understand. It is our job to educate the administration on what is lacking at this academic institution. We are the ones who understand the facets of change that would make this campus such a better place to not only coexist but thrive. And I have this little pin that most of us got in the beginning of the semester. It says, I HAVE A VOICE. And, you know, I think that's great, but so what? What use is a voice is you don't exercise your right to speech and discourse outside of the classroom? If you only take what you learn in class but nothing about yourself or the global community, then have you really been successful?

You CAN make people care about your issues - educate. We're so caught up in being students here we forget our roles as teachers to our peers. Maybe your friends won't agree with you about your politics or aspirations. But I assure you - you can find women on this campus who do share your ideas. There is NOTHING more powerful than unity. I am ready to move on from Wells. Our professors, to whom we are forever indebted, have made us different people: women who are intelligent, curious, and driven to success. 

While I am looking forward to graduation and the next step in my life, I still really care about Wells. Although there are only a few months left before graduation, I want to make this place better than when I arrived here freshman year. It is, truly, the little things that make a difference. And I invite everyone (not only seniors) not to be discouraged or negative about things you don't agree with or how things are run. Instead I invite you to offer practical criticism that includes a productive vision to accomplish a greater goal. Self-sufficiency comes from self-determination, which is dangerous because your self-determination loosens other people's power over you and your actions. 

The real gauge of achievement within our four years at Wells is not only in our triumphs and defeats but what we have done here in non-academic spheres as well, what legacies we leave behind us. What impassions you? Or really, what upsets you, confronts you, disempowers you? And what are you going to do about it? A lot of the time if you love something you have to fight to make it recognized, honored. Take what you love and become part of it through struggle.

Delivered Monday, January 28, 2002, in Phipps Auditorium, Wells College