6.4.09

it's all too much

Today was the highly official, highly fancy Duckenfield Scholars reception. It took place at the Alumni Center on campus and made me feel much more important than I actually am; however, we all need a good ego boost every now-and-again. President Barker, Jim Cross, Marty Duckenfield, and many, many others came to speak - including myself. Although I am in the throes of a most violent cold/brochistis/sinus war, I managed to get through!

It was so nice to hear about Chris Duckenfield, in whose memory this program was created. I wish I could have known him. But, in a way, I feel like I do. His memory lives on in the kind hearts of his family, who have welcomed me SO warmly. I was not expecting so many people to show up today, and it really blew me away. It encouraged me to really give it 100%, because my summer at Oxford extends far beyond myself. I am representing my family, the Duckenfield family, and the Clemson family.

I can't wait to come back and give another speech, this time in good health, and with much more interesting things to say. Just 3 more months until the flight!