Goshen, Ind — “Goshen puts an emphasis on the integrity of mind, body and soul, and I know you have worked hard, played hard and served hard. Now you are ready to be let loose on the world,” said the Rev. Joy Carroll Wallis to the gallery of Goshen College graduates during the GC commencement Sunday afternoon.
She spoke to the 243 graduating students honored during the 109th annual GC commencement.
Wallis, the commencement guest speaker, grew up in the inner city of South London as the child of an Anglican priest. She was one of the first women to be ordained as a priest on the Anglican Church of England in 1994.
She told the gallery a story of an old Cherokee who taught his grandson of two wolves that battle within each of us. One evil that embodies the negative temptations in life, and the other good that embodies “joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith,” she said.
The Cherokee’s grandson asked, “which wolf wins?”
“The old Cherokee replied, ‘The one you feed,’” she said.
“Just because you are all set with this fabulous educational and spiritual experience here at Goshen, it doesn’t mean it’s easy/plain sailing from here on in ... It’s all about the choices and the decisions we make. Making the right choices, feeding the right wolves, and it’s something we will wrestle with for the rest of our lives on a daily basis,” she said.
The GC graduating class is made up of 60 students who graduated with a bachelors of science in nursing degree, 16 with a bachelors of science in organizational leadership, three with a bachelors of science in organizational management, and 164 with a bachelors of arts degrees.
“The message that stuck with me was of the wolves and which one you feed in life,” said nursing major Marianne Stegman. “And that you need to stay true to yourself.”
Wallis also said, “Don’t just go where you are directed or invited, don’t just do something because you can, but go where your moral compass leads you. Try and make the connections between your talents and gifts and your deepest values and beliefs.”
Interdisciplinary major Dan Clouse said, “I want to travel, get out of the country and clear my head a little bit before settling down.”
Clouse had a Spanish focus throughout college. “I want to travel to a country that speaks Spanish. I could polish that up a bit, and I believe it will help me to get a job anywhere,” he said.
Wallis also noted the emotion of “fear” as a culprit that can hold people back.
“After the terrible shooting at Virginia Tech, I’m afraid to ever let my kids go to college ... but I cannot feed that wolf,” she said, “Always look for the courage to counter the fear. Which wolf will we feed? Feed the courage, starve the fear. Let us strive to be the ones who choose courage over fear.”
Respond: (574) 533-2151, ext. 310
dave.johnson@goshennews.com
Local News
GC graduation: ‘Choose courage over fear’
- Local News
-
-
Young scientists compete in Olympic-style event at Goshen College Saturday
Science took center stage in Goshen Saturday morning as 13 area Science Olympiad teams converged on a snow-dusted Goshen College campus to participate in the 2012 Science Olympiad Regional Tournament.
-
Fairfield students building press box
The building trades program at Fairfield High School is tackling a different project this winter, as students construct the school’s new press box at the football field.
-
Lawmakers: Bipartisan cooperation does exist
With a week now past since multitudes descended on Indianapolis for the Super Bowl, local legislators are once again finding their bearings and ready to jump back into the current legislative agend
-
Purchase of GHA office part of downfall?
Looking back, Wayne Kramer thinks he can identify the turning point in which everything went south for the beleaguered Goshen Housing Authority.
-
Family wins Keystone travel trailer
Keystone RV of Goshen, has awarded a Passport travel trailer to a winner in its Rediscover America RV Giveaway.
-
'Pancake Club' makes a difference
They make pancakes — lots of pancakes. The Exchange Club of Elkhart County is even known as “The Pancake Club.”
-
Local boy receives hearing aid help
Seven-year-old Alex Rial is quick with a hug. He has a sweet smile and an engaging personality. He loves going to church and isn’t afraid to talk about his faith. In short, Alex is a special kid.
-
Election 2012: Contests set for primary
There will be races for one County Commissioner seat and seven will seek three at-large posts on the County Council in the Republican primary election this year.
-
Daniels would consider post under GOP president
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, who decided last year against a presidential run, says he would consider serving in the Cabinet of a new Republican president but believes it’s “very improbable” the eventual nominee would tap him as a running mate.
-
Finding the perfect filler for your garden
Rose mallow is a great garden filler. It’s origins are the genus malvaceae (mallow family) and if you are like I am, the mallow family gets rather confusing.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Pop Music Superstar Whitney Houston Dies at 48
Whitney Houston's Church Mourns Her Passing
Reaction to Houston's Death at Clive Davis Party
79 Turtles Seized at Shanghai Airport
Severe Cold Wreaks Havoc in China
Fuel Removal Under Way on Capsized Italian Ship
Police: Houston Found Dead in Her Hotel Room
Paul Suffers Narrow Loss to Romney in Maine
Palin Brings Anti-Washington Message to CPAC
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
