During our orientation in August, Dr. Gregg explained to the freshman the importance of emulation. Part of growing as a scholar and a leader, he told us, is finding those people one admires and trying to model oneself on their accomplishments and most venerable qualities. He encouraged us to not only keep an eye out for those people in our everyday lives whom we hope to emulate, whether it be a professor, a classmate, or a new friend. We must strive to discover those imitable qualities among history’s most interesting and esteemed figures.
At the Mount Vernon Estate in Virginia, the home of one of his greatest heroes, Dr. Gregg animatedly told us of George Washington’s life and captivating character. It was clear through his speeches and writings as well as through first-hand accounts of his demeanor that Washington was a figure well worthy of emulation. After the trip, Dr. Gregg gave each freshman a collection of Washington’s writings. There is much to learn from studying his accomplishments, but taking the time to understand his style, motivations, and eccentricities can be even more fulfilling.
I believe that by learning more about historical figures, one can gain a better understanding of himself. The achievements and characteristics that stand out to him the most provide insight into what he believes to be significant in leading a good life. This became more evident to me during the recent lecture by Dr. Cashin about the First Lady of the Confederacy, Varina Davis, on December 8. I was captivated by the details of her life that Cashin related to us. One of the qualities I love most about Varina is that although much of her life was shaped by her time and uncontrollable circumstances, she maintained her intelligence and individual opinions and did not hesitate to express them. She was unafraid of admitting that she had little faith in the Confederate cause and did not enjoy life as the Davis’s First Lady much at all. I loved that she had a spirit that was unabashed and quietly rebellious against her own time. This has helped me recognize and appreciate the qualities I value most and hope to demonstrate in my life.
Author Mary Cable said that “The best biographies leave their readers with a sense of having all but entered into a second life and of having come to know another human being in some ways better than he knew himself.” Attending Cashin’s lecture has provided me with a greater understanding of one of the Civil War’s most interesting personalities. By understanding her life, I have come to know myself better and found a figure whose fearless unconventionality I strive to emulate.