On November 8th, 2011, thirty Rice students had the opportunity to meet with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Among these students were Shelby Bottoms and Tamir Jackson, both Sport Management majors. Both were very excited to meet the first African-American woman to hold the job of Secretary of State.
Ms. Rice is very active in sharing her experiences with colleges around the United States. After her term was over in 2009, she returned to Stanford University where she teaches political science. According to Jackson, she was very influential and explained how “you can get through anything and accomplish great things doing what you love.” She was well-spoken throughout her entire speech and she “was very passionate” according to Bottoms.
Her personal journey was not easy en route to the White House. One thing Rice told Jackson was that people “should not hold their tongue for anything” and to stand up for what you believe in. She was also adamant about her political view on terrorism and how intelligence is a necessity in order to prevent attacks like 9/11.
All in all, our fellow students were honored to represent the Sport Management Program. They learned that determination can get you anywhere in life, no matter what you are trying to accomplish. Bottoms and Jackson were both very thankful for the amazing opportunity they had to meet such a unique and motivated political figure.
Tyler Spurlin, a junior from The Woodlands, Texas, is majoring in Sport Management.