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The Last Lecture: Kay Sassi's farewell address to Georgia Southwestern
by Amari Rudison, Staff Writer
On March 12, the Second Annual Last Lecture was held at Jackson Hall Theater. This year, Ms. Kay Sassi, a Senior English Professor at Georgia Southwestern, was the featured speaker. A proud alumna of Georgia Southwestern, Ms. Sassi graduated Summa Cum Laude in May 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in English. Transitioning from a career in marketing and public relations, she began her teaching journey at GSW part-time. After earning her master’s degree, she became a full-time professor on campus. With her impending retirement in May, she will leave a significant mark on the English and Modern Languages Department. When asked about her plans for retirement, Ms. Sassi expressed enthusiasm for kayaking, gardening, and enjoying leisurely mornings.
During her Last Lecture, Ms. Sassi reflected on the trust built with her students, emphasizing the importance of understanding each individual’s unique qualities. She noted that students often share aspects of themselves in their own time and engage on their terms. Recognizing her students’ sense of humor, Ms. Sassi acknowledged both the joys and challenges shared, citing laughter as a vital tool for resilience. She fondly quoted to her students, “That humor you all possess, use it; it will help you through tough times, I promise.”
Ms. Sassi also recounted the challenges faced in 2020 when the world came to a halt. She recognized the struggle with online learning, particularly Zoom, and the need for consistency during turbulent times. In response, she offered 24-hour office hours, a decision that profoundly impacted both her and her students, creating a sense of connection even through virtual means.
In concluding her Last Lecture, Ms. Sassi imparted a heartfelt message to the Georgia Southwestern community. She expressed pride in her students and the belief in their potential, emphasizing the need for patience in achieving their goals. Acknowledging the inevitability of feeling alone or scared, she urged students to remember that the strength they need resides in their hearts. Her dedication and impact on the students at Georgia Southwestern will be profoundly missed.
