Collegian T he Cameron University
www.aggiecentral.com
Monday, April 8, 2019
Volume 100 Issue 8
Standing up
Inclusion and Leadership Summit Drue Watkins
luncheon, which consisted of sandwiches, chips, soft drinks and water. Managing Editor Polynice said selecting Norton as Keynote Speaker was an easy choice after From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 29, Cameron University hosted the 5th Annual she and Administrative Assistant Melissa Caro heard about his story on the radio. Inclusion and Leadership Summit at the Norton is a former football defensive McMahon Centennial Complex with an back who played for the Luther College appearance by Motivational and Keynote Norse. Speaker Chris Norton. In 2010, his career ended when he Cameron held the summit free of charge became paralyzed after making a tackle and open to the public, requiring prior registration through the university’s website during a kick off. At the hospital, Norton’s doctor gave for refreshments and seating options. him a three percent chance of ever regaining The summit consisted of a one-day movement or feeling below the neck; conference that focused on various topics including: diversity, equity, accessibility and however, in an act that paved his way to becoming a motivational speaker, Norton inclusive leadership. Various workshops made up the bulk of took 10 steps across the graduating stage of his university, and during his wedding the day, each lasting one hour and taught by speakers who made up Cameron faculty, ceremony, walked his wife Emily seven yards down the marriage aisle. staff and student-body. “People Magazine” filmed Norton’s The workshops followed three main wedding ceremony, exposing his actions tracks: and leading Norton to establish the SCI 1. Media Mindfulness CAN Foundation in 2012, which helps 2. The Power of Policy those afflicted by spinal cord injuries. 3. Advocacy in Action As of 2017, the SCI CAN Foundation Event organizers passed out envelopes raised over $600,000. containing workshop descriptions and a After graduating college, Norton post-summit survey to complete for those founded his own speaking company, who attended. Norton Motivation, out of Port St. Lucie, Cameron Inclusion and Student Florida. Success Coordinator Olivia Polynice Norton rounded out the day’s summit said the Department of Student Services by giving words had several of advice and key ideas “It’s important for the speaking about his about the importance of university because it equips life experiences. He started the event. our community with the his speech by “One of tools to be those proactive referencing his life them is to give students a stewards of social equity in a wheelchair by using one-day event in all daily interactions.” #wheelchairperks where they as his platform. He can research a bunch of — Olivia Polynice said there are lots different Inclusion and Student of things to like about it. topics and Success Coordinator “I get the best learn about parking,” he said. a plethora “That’s something of ideas and you don’t think about until it’s right there. backgrounds,” she said, “which include So, I take advantage of that. Although, social justice, diversity, inclusion, politics, living in Florida, that can be pretty science and how those things intersect. “It’s important for the university because competitive. “Also, think about camping, all those it equips our community with the tools to be those proactive stewards of social equity mosquitos. Everybody gets bit, and it itches. But me? I don’t even feel the bites in all daily interactions.” Following the tracks, Norton hosted the on my legs.”
He said life can be difficult, but giving “One of my favorite parts was when he up solves nothing. stood up at the end,” she said. “I thought “When the doctor told me I only had a that was so impactful and meaningful. three percent chance of ever walking again,” Going in, we knew that he could, and he he said, “I couldn’t believe it. I wouldn’t told us about it, but seeing it in person was believe it. I knew, right that instant, I really significant. wouldn’t be part of the 97 percent. I would “I pay attention to the small, little things walk again. and could see how hard it was for him, and “A nurse named Georgia from Wyoming you could tell how much it meant for him to came to me one night and said something I take that step.” would never forget: ‘You will beat this.’ Not In terms of what she hopes students get ‘You can beat this.’ It’s something I’ve never out of the event, Polynice said she wants forgotten and something everyone can learn strong, future community involvement. from. You can be a Georgia to someone— “I want everyone who attended to learn tell them they will do something, not that how to learn,” she said. “I want people to they can. It will motivate them and it will leave knowing how to research things and motivate you.” think for themselves; to really analyze During his speech, Norton laid out things under a microscope.” three general rules of thumb to follow for a For more information, visit Cameron’s successful life: website at cameron.edu. 1. Point out Problems 2. Be a Georgia 3. Who’s Counting on You He went into detail on each point, emphasizing how the rules help create structure, empathy and dedication for living. Norton also said his foundation offers so many options for those in need. “We really give out those opportunities and resources for people to recover and be healthy,” he said. “We’re starting a free wheelchair camp in the summer for kids and their Photos by Drue Watkins families to give them all a chance Rising above: On March 29, Keynote Speaker to be active and Chris Norton got to his feet during the middle of have fun.” his speech about life success at the Inclusion and Polynice said she greatly enjoyed Leadership Summit in the McMahon Centennial Norton’s speech. Complex.
What’s inside Learning the qualities of leadership
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