By Blake Smith
I recently had the opportunity and the privilege of attending one of the best events that has taken place at Eastern New Mexico University.
Jonathan Sprinkles, who spoke on campus March 26, is an author and one of the best motivational speakers I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Walking into the Campus Union Ballroom, I wasn’t really sure what to expect or what I was going to get out of the motivational event.
After leaving, I not only felt highly motivated, but I also felt more confident and genuinely happier with myself.
One of my favorite quotes that Sprinkles said was, “You are an original, not a copy.”
These seven words really jumped out at me. In today’s society, we constantly are pressured to be someone other than ourselves—whether it is looking like someone else, being as intelligent as another person, or even being as athletic as professional athletes.
Even I catch myself sometimes saying, “Why can’t I be more like that celebrity or that athlete?”
After listening to Sprinkles, I realized there is absolutely nothing wrong with whom I am. Everyone has imperfections, but we should embrace them because our imperfections are what make us unique.
Another one of my favorite Sprinkles’ quotes was, “Nobody can make you do anything, but nobody can stop you either.”
Basically, Sprinkles is saying that your success depends on you. To be successful, a person has to put in the hard work and dedication to accomplish their goals. People are always going to try and bring you down. However, you have to ask yourself: Are you going to let them?
I want to personally thank Jonathan Sprinkles for coming to ENMU and truly being an inspiration not only to me but also to anyone who attended.