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| Joel Ben Thomas |
“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”The key catch phrase at the McConnell Center this autumn has been “reTHINK.” Over the course of the semester we’ve reTHOUGHT the use of the gold standard, gender in American society, the dominance of the two-party system in American politics, affirmative action policies, economic systems, American exceptionalism, and social redistribution, among other topics. Of all the events, realizations, and discoveries made and experienced this semester at the McConnell Center, all have been connected to this central theme of rethinking: a process of reevaluating your knowledge, opinion, and approach to a variety of issues and complications affecting the United States both domestically and abroad.
– Henry David Thoreau
This theme has also pervaded into a number of conversations with a host of profound intellectuals and public servants including former director of the CIA David Petraeus, Burmese revolutionary Aung San Suu Kyi, and the Norwegian ambassador's political adviser to the United States, Berit Enge.
Having the opportunity to “rethink” so many of these problems with so many influential leaders has only added to my altering perspectives on so many issues. Former Director Petreaus’ take on leadership, Aung San Suu Kyi’s exuberant appreciation for democratic principles, and Enge’s view of Norwegian-American relations centered on the election of our president were all conversations I hope to never forget. Their personalities all reflected a drive to be successful; it was evident in their respective dispositions.
The funny thing about all of these most memorable events was that they were surrounded by what has been the most busy and academically demanding semester of college I’ve experienced thus far. From attending meetings for this organization and others, from finishing one book only to start the next, and from finding just some simple silence during the day to gather thoughts, I reached a point where I questioned the level to which I was benefiting from all of this involvement. I reached a point whether I doubted if I really was on a path to success.
This was quickly put to perspective when I had a phone conversation with my mom at the end of November. She reminded me of the importance of being busy, because when you reflect on a time of high involvement, the things you were remember most are a reflection of your priorities.
Just like the Thoreau quote states, success comes to those don’t often have time to realize it. So after reflecting and rethinking on this past semester and all its entailing “busyness,” I know where my priorities lie. I’ve always known. They are instilled within my desire for success, which I believe rests in the cooperation of people to serve fellow mankind.
I’m not too busy, I just need to continue to “rethink” with those far more advanced than myself; that’s where real “busy success” lies.
Joel Ben Thomas, of Trigg County, Ky., is a sophomore McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville. He is studying anthropology and political science.