Opening Week Speech to Students, Fall 2014
Unless otherwise noted, these speeches and open letters were written for the Dean of Students of Biola University between 2011-2016.Well…
You made it!
I want to begin with a ‘thank you.’ Once again, God has used our Admissions staff to bring amazing students to this place.
As Dean of Students, I want to welcome you to Biola University!
You are in a very special place. Biola University is annually rated among the top schools in the country by:
- US News & World Report,
- rated the top school for a biblical education,
- consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in the country to work for…
- and is also consistently rated as one of the worst party schools in America…which I think is pretty funny.
So, I want to take a moment and talk to you about making choices… and I since you’re now in college, I want to tell you about a professor and one of his studies.
Dr. Walter Mishel of Stanford once did an experiment with four-year-olds and marshmallows.
He would bring a four-year-old into a room with a table, and on the table was a small plate of marshmallows. And he would say, “Now, I have to run a quick errand. You can eat this little plate of marshmallows now, while I’m gone… but if you wait and don’t eat it until I get back, you can have a big plate of marshmallows.”
And then he left.
As you might guess, some of the children couldn’t resist and stuffed the marshmallows down even before he left the room.
Others waited until he got back.
But here’s the interesting part.
Dr. Mishel kept track of all those kids through the years as they grew up, and some amazing differences began to show up.
Most of the kids who waited for the big plate grew up to be productive and balanced students and adults. Those who went for the immediate reward—the small plate—often had behavioral problems, did less-well academically, and on average had SAT scores 200 points below the other group.
Now, marshmallows may not be much of a temptation for you anymore… but even here at Biola you will have a whole set of distractions to deal with that can divert you from your studies. Often the distractions are good things: like time with friends, or ministry or service opportunities
- How do you learn to keep the first things first, to hold out for the greater reward?
First, recognize that there’s a purpose for your education. Know why you’re here, and keep that in the front of your mind. Think about all the good you can do and all the help you can be to others and to the Kingdom, once you complete this degree. I’d actually encourage you to write down your answer to the “why am I here?” question, and then stick it on your bulletin board or your bathroom mirror.
Second, take charge of your own education. Don’t expect—don’t allow—others to make your decisions for you about what classes to take or what major to have.
You have to own it.
It has to be yours.
The thought of ‘responsibility’ may be scary to you, but it’s something God might be trying to build into you. Don’t resist it.
Third, find friends that are also aiming for the big plate. There are times when you will need someone to challenge your bad decisions, to nudge you back on track. Surround yourself with others who know why they’re here and are at least trying to take responsibility for their own studies.
And Fourth, become a student of yourself. Think back to something you accomplished successfully, something that was challenging and creative.
How did you get it done?
How did you push past the hard parts?
How did you stay focused?
If you can understand how you work, you can learn to motivate yourself. For some it’s easier than others, but every one of us can learn willpower. There’s a big plate out there for each of you.
In closing, we are honored, and excited, to be here with you… helping you find your way to the big plate.
Students— I look forward to seeing you again at Convocation on Wednesday. Now, I would like to introduce our Orientation Student Directors Chelsea and Riley who will be highlighting some important information connected to this weekend.
