Blake Fly Motivates CF

by Emily Wilson

Life is difficult to navigate, but there are three major elements that should be better understood and noted for a smoother passage. On Wednesday, Blake Fly went into humorous detail to explain them to the group assembled in the lecture hall. His was no ordinary motivational speech, but an interactive session in which the crowd became involved. The three points laid out were:

1. Program; your course of study or work (represented by a backpack)

2. People (represented by a teddy bear)

3. Passions (represented by a guitar case) 

He related a story about his first year in college on a big campus. Able only to play a 4-chord song on his guitar, he was convinced that it would bring him many good friends. Up and down the dormitory hallway he paced, guitar in hand, playing that cliché tune. There was a party going on in one of the rooms, so he stood there and played outside the door, hoping against all odds that he would be invited in. Suddenly, he realized what a ridiculous idea it all was. He turned to go down the hall, but just as he hesitated, a small voice could be heard from within the room, “Hey, you with the guitar, come in here and play for us.” Now was his moment, but somehow, he felt scared. The strums rolled from his fingers, only to be interrupted by someone telling him to stand on the bed so he could be heard better. The room was packed with people with barely enough space for his guitar. Once more, he began to play; then he began to sing. He was no singer and instantly regretted it. However, an arm went up and soon everyone was waving back and forth to his music. He stopped singing but kept on playing as the group picked up the lyrics. Yes, he had made friends at last. 

After the hilarity over a naive freshman’s story had died down, Blake applied his story to life. He encouraged the audience not to overlook any one of these three points to the exclusion of the others, to find the balance and do all of them. He explained what would happen without the balance:

• If you focus too much on your work or study too hard, you will burn out
• If all you do is party, you will flunk out (on life or school)
• If you ignore your passions and interests, you will miss out

 

He also gave advice on connecting with others. When dealing with new people or strange faces say a friendly “hello.” This somehow hard-to-say word could open a whole new world; it is simple, but often overlooked. He went on to say that when you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. At your job or in school, always seek advice; don’t fall back on the “I was going to fail anyway” attitude. Sometimes, you may find that people really want to help solve whatever the situation or problem may be.

And he encouraged us to never forget to say a simple, “thank you,” to those people who step up and lend a helping hand.

Lastly, he asked the gathering to send a quick text to one very close person who meant a lot to them. I quickly texted my best friend and waited for one of the four responses he said we would get. Those being: confusion, concern, “you’re welcome,” or no response at all.

Me: “Hey, I’m in a presentation. I just wanted to say thanks!”

Friend: “Lol. Okay… you’re welcome?” 

There is no such thing as a formula for life, and no one can ever guarantee your success in any one thing. However, by taking advantage of the opportunities that life brings you and accepting help and guidance from the people around you, the journey that we call life can be made into an enjoyable (though sometimes rough) learning experience.