Campus Event: Bryan Stevenson

I never had the chance to read Bryan Stevenson’s book, Just Mercy, and I didn’t attend the Alabama trip so Bryan Stevenson and his work weren’t on my mind. Since he was coming to the school anyway and it seemed like a big deal I figured I would attend and at least get to learn some about him. It was by far a great choice. Bryan Stevenson was a captivating and motivational speaker. Listening to his journey to his life of public service was inspiring. I am most passionate about people and want nothing more than to spend my life improving the lives of others, which is why I found his advice in general, but particularly about getting proximate so interesting. I had been wanting to get proximate all year but often thought of getting proximate as helping in a big city like Charlotte. However, I remember one of the Humes fellows pointing out the next day in section that the reality is that there are people within our own communities whether that be at home in a small town or at Davidson that we can get proximate with. I found Stevenson’s advice about being open and willing to listen to different perspectives extremely important as well. It’s not often that I walk away from a talk absolutely floored and amazed, but even more amazing to me was how I was reminded how much public service means to me. Around the time of the talk, I was realizing how important volunteering for things I care about is to me and how much I was missing getting to do that. It pushed me to take the next steps in starting to be active in the Davidson community. I was so happy to see the turn out at this event and to see that even in the face of evil and inequality people can still be good and willing to learn.