To kick-off Black History Month, Chaffey had motivational speaker and Communications Studies professor, Richard May give a speech entitled How to Make History.
As people strolled into the room there were posters with images representing important people in the African American community.
This event was held on Feb. 3 in the Student Activities lounge, and they offered light refreshments for students as they enjoyed and listened to the speaker.
May began his lecture by telling students 4 to 5 tips on how they could make history through poetry, art, and wisdom.
“Everyone in this room has a skill and talent,” said May.
May shared a heartwarming story about how he was laughed at when he was younger, and how he worked through it by having mentors in his life.
He went on to say that students should give back to others through inspiration, and helping others persevere, saying that one never knows who they will inspire.
“It is also important to make goals,” said May. “Dream with a deadline. If you aim at nothing, you are going to hit nothing. All our dreams come true if you have the courage to pursue them.”
Students listened as he spoke about making history through knowing your history, making goals, and giving back to the community.
As he ended his speech, students were eager to ask questions about their own future. “How can someone find out what major is best for them?” said Brittany Carter, communications major.
“What would you do if no one paid you to do it?” said May. “Find someone in that field and do an informational interview.”
May went on to say how it works to make a resume, show up on time for a job interview, and that after the interview write a thank you card, and then keep in contact with them.
“It’s not always who you know, it’s who gets to know you,” said May.
