Astronaut and alumnus encourages University of Richmond grads to make a plan, overcome failure and keep a "child-like" enthusiasm
May 13, 2008
NASA astronaut and alumnus Leland Melvin told 724 University of Richmond graduates to "bring a child-like enthusiasm" to their pursuits. "Have a vision of what you want to do with your life, a plan, a route—even if it's loose and unstructured," he said.
Melvin completed his first space mission as a crew member of the space shuttle Atlantis in February. He said he has faced challenges and experienced disappointments on his career path, and that overcoming failure has been essential to his success.
"If you fail, which you will do, it's how you pick up the pieces and keep going that matters," he said.
Melvin said a chemistry set literally sparked his interest in science when he created an explosion in his mother's living room. A passion for science, math and exploration was born, he said. "Instructors and students continued to fuel my curiosity at Richmond," he said. "Find your passion and keep a child-like enthusiasm."
He told students to chart their own course, but to remember the world around them. "Find your own path, do your own thing and find your way one step at a time," he said. "Have a vision not just for your career but for what you want with respect to family, friends, even your surroundings, both locally and globally."
Melvin said medical issues, budget cuts and the Columbia accident were all obstacles to achieving his dream of space flight. But a conversation with the father of one of Columbia's deceased crew members helped Melvin maintain focus.
"Paul said to me: 'Leland, my son has just died in the break-up of space shuttle Columbia. He is not coming back and there is nothing you can do to help bring him back. However the biggest tragedy would be if you don't carry on his legacy.'"
Melvin said seeing the earth from outer space changed him and looking down on earth, he and the other crew members could see no borders-only one planet, one humanity.
He advised the graduates to pay close attention to their attitude, because it will help determine their path. "It is important to have control of your attitude," he said. "You control your attitude—don't let someone else control it."
After reading Marianne Williamson's poem, "Our Deepest Fear," he concluded by reminding students to stay inspired and to inspire others.
"May the light inside you shine brightly so others will follow your example," he said. "May this light illuminate your path to success, peace and happiness."
Speaking on behalf of the student body, Eric Van Der Hyde of Chatham, Va., said, "As we go forward, let's understand that we can part with the University of Richmond only physically, for we take the lessons we have learned from the people we have encountered, and the experiences of our four-year journey with us."
In addition to undergraduate and graduate degrees, the university awarded an honorary doctor of letters degree to Viola O. Baskerville, Virginia's secretary of administration. Baskerville has a distinguished career in public service, including serving on the Richmond City Council and in the Virginia House of Delegates.