CSUN President Dianne Harrison began the 2014 Freshman Convocation ceremony by congratulating students for taking the first step in fulfilling their dream and offered advice regarding their future.
Harrison offered advice to the incoming students like planning goals, being prepared, being organized, and being open to new ideas and experiences.
She suggested budgeting your expenses and forming a network of connections and resources for assistance. Harrison said, “Ask for help as soon as you need it”
Drew Magary, the author of this year’s freshman common reading book, “The Postmortal,” was the keynote speaker this year. He offered his insight to the freshman class. “You guys are going to be here for four years, maybe five,” he said. “By the time you’re done here you learn enough, meet enough people and have gotten into enough arguments to gain the ability to mine the contents of your brain for all their worth.”
He told the crowd, “You’re going to have great experiences here at college and you’re going to have awful ones here as well,” Magary said. “You’ll feel like the bad times were somehow good which doesn’t make any sense but totally happens.” He told the freshmen to be aware of their faults and failures. You should become self aware while you’re here, not self-involved.
He also talked about what it takes to be happy.
“Self awareness is the single most important attribute for anyone who wants to be happy, successful and not a terrible person,” Magary said.
Harrison also presented awards to two students who received scholarships.
Alejandro Flores, an undeclared freshman, enjoyed listening to Magary. “I’m halfway through his book,” he said. “I kind of connected with him.”
Students were also protesting throughout the event.
Dreams To Be Heard, was among the different groups of protesters during the convocation. Martin Vida, senior public health major said the students that were protesting were there because they wanted to see equality.
Once the convocation concluded there was a reception for students to talk with their peers and faculty. A band also performed in front of the library. A book signing also took place inside the library.
