Gov. Gen. David Johnston delivered an inspirational speech to incoming students, welcoming them to the community Sept. 7 at the new student convocation.
As the piper led the procession of academics and guests down the aisle, the class of 2015 stood ready to embark on their life at Carleton.
“There’s such a sense of excitement as you begin this journey,” Johnston said in his address.
President Roseann Runte welcomed the university’s esteemed guest along with the group of new students.
Johnston spoke of his personal experiences at McGill University and his love of education.
“University is part of my soul and forever shall be, and I hope this university will be a part of your souls also,” Johnston said.
“I thought it was very interesting how he wove in so many personal experiences to make his point,” said first-year information technology student Nathan Chan, 18. “I thought that was a relatively powerful aspect.”
Johnston told his favourite story, where a university professor presented an empty jar to his new students, and slowly filled it with symbolic objects — a metaphor for the qualities this new group of Carleton undergraduate students should embody as they embark on their latest journey.
“When he was talking about the jar analogy, it was really interesting how each component represents a different part of our life,” Chan said.
“It seemed very applicable to my life and it’s something I’ll remember.”
Johnston spoke about the contributions this new batch of students will make to Canada from what they learn at Carleton.
“Whatever you study and whatever Carleton teaches you, I cannot wait to see how you change Canada,” he said. “Think and dream big.”
He also said that learning is a life-long endeavor and should continue after university.
The Governor General spoke about critical thinking skills and learning to look at things differently by questioning assumptions.
He also discussed the importance of volunteerism and service to our communities.
“I’m more of a learner today than I have ever been,” Johnston said. “Learning occurs over a lifetime.”
