Ohmer speaks on getting ahead
By KEVIN SCHUMM
News Writer
Consistency and confidence, cognizance and communication, connection and compensation — a combination of these six items is the key to getting ahead in today's society, said American studies professor Susan Ohmer Wednesday night.
Ohmer opened her lecture — the second in the Last Lecture Series sponsored by student government — applauding the current Notre Dame student. Drawing from her experiences as a professor at the City College of New York (CUNY), she considers students' acceptance to and good standing within Notre Dame to be a great achievement.
"[At CUNY] I realized what it means to not be ready for college … not that [the students] were not interesting, creative, lively beings; merely that some people do not have the talent that it takes. The fact that Notre Dame students are here and are achieving at the level that they are, should result in a great sense of self-pride and reassurance for them," she said.
Ohmer cited the desire to have a concrete plan for the future as the source of many students' everyday anxiety. Before, during, and after the selection of a major, students frequently contemplate the ramifications of their major designation but unnecessarily so, suggests Ohmer.
"Looking back with distant perspective, it doesn't matter what your major is, it truly doesn't matter," she said, "Do what you enjoy doing. The work you do in every major will carry you."
Acknowledging that a major is a necessary means to a productive life, Ohmer advised against trying to gauge what would result in happiness at age 60, but rather using a major to answer the question, "How do I enjoy spending my time?"
Ohmer said the best way to attain this desired level of achievement is to place a premium on consistency and confidence. Consistency, while often overlooked, is truly appreciated in all capacities, both personal and professional.
"Being in attendance, being awake and being attentive really makes a difference," said Ohmer.
Another key to success is confidence. Looking to popular political figures, Ohmer clearly demonstrated the role of confidence in many people's successes. An ability to "enjoy [oneself]" and believe in his or her self- worth undoubtedly has positive reverberations, regardless of the situation.
Along similar lines, a person's awareness of and adaptability to the prevalent role of serendipity would without question prove rewarding.
"As much as we want to plan and say `I've got it all figured out,' things just happen. Be prepared, interested, and willing to take advantage of them," said Ohmer.
Looking back on her life, Ohmer recounted explicit examples where the input of her friends behooved her greatly. She stressed that one can "learn more, do better, and get ahead by talking with other people." At the same time, Ohmer also noted that unfortunately, the extraordinarily high value placed on individual accomplishment in the academic arena, at times, could adversely affect one's transition to the professional world.
In her last suggestion for getting ahead, Ohmer recognized the importance of money. Having lived in New York City as a graduate student, she described an awareness of compensation as just being practical. In closing, she suggested that the only limitation to success is not taking advantage of one's own ingenuity.
"Success is an attitude, a state of mind. Figure out what you want the most and go out and get it," she said.
All News Stories for Friday, March 2, 2001
