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A letter of encouragement from SGA President Henderson
By Cody Henderson
BPC SGA President
MOUNT VERNON—An unknown individual once said, “A great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.” What truth lies in this statement for many in the college world!
Born with a mild disability in my leg muscles, I had much to overcome as a child, or so I thought. Many times, I assumed, I had to prove myself to others. Prove that I was capable in all physical aspects of life. Until one day, I accepted the hard truth, that no, I was not – nor would I ever – be capable of every physical activity. Things like rollerblading, skiing, surfing (note, I didn’t say swimming) I’d never be able to do while residing here on Earth away from the glory land in Heaven. I had to discover where my talents lie.
There were times I was told, by other children, teachers, and perhaps even some family members, that I’d never make it to college. I was told that by the time I reach high school I’d be placed in special education learning classes. I, however, knew that the disability I had been blessed with was nothing more than physical. That my emotional status and mental function had nothing to do with the walk I had known since childhood; the walk that little children assume is simply a dance down the sidewalk. I may not have been able to do everything physical in the physical education classes, so I poured my life and talents into that of serving others, whether it is by sharing a simple wave to a stranger or a small smile to a beloved friend or serving as the President of the Student Government Association (SGA) at Brewton-Parker College.
Becoming a friend and leader to each face I see on this campus, because like me, each one of you on this campus (and in the community of Montgomery County) has a story of adversity such as mine. Perhaps not a physical disability, maybe a social or emotional disability, or overwhelming stress, or the unwelcome adversity found in the idea that you must be perfect, which was placed on you by others. Whatever makes you different, whether it is a positive or negative deference in your mind, I want you to know that this semester you are not alone.
I encourage you, first as your friend, and second as the student body president to find your talents and take pleasure in doing them for the good of others, yourself and for the Lord Jesus. I was told I’d never make it to college. Today I sit in classrooms two hours from home earning a college degree. Today as you read this I am taking part in making the decisions that I pray will positively affect the students of Brewton-Parker College, and the college as a whole.
As I close, I say to all students, faculty, staff, and community readers, as Brewton-Parker College begins its spring semester of 2008, the choice is yours. You can embrace the talents and gifts you know you hold and make this the best semester seen yet, or you can hold on to what could be holding you back from making the biggest difference the world has ever seen. The choice is yours. Whatever you decide, I stand beside you, as your leader, your friend, your servant. Help make a difference this spring 2008 semester. Go do the good others said you weren’t capable of. Be well, Brewton-Parker.
-BPC- |
