Karen Keen reminds the freshman class to be bold and reach for the pie
By Madi Oglesby | Opinion editor
This past week, we freshmen began our journeys as college students. From move-in day, learning how to be a roommate, and eating at the infamous Atrium Dining Hall, this week has been a launch pad for all of the firsts that we will experience this school year.
Along with these firsts, the freshman class had its AU Freshman Convocation this past Sunday night, Aug. 10, in the Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. It was a ceremony filled with advice, laughter, prestige and excitement. A time to come together and recognize that we are now, officially, AU.
The night began with a live podcast recording of AU’s own In The Wild podcast. Raysean Ricks, an Augusta University alumnus, hosted the very first pre-show convocation episode with the freshmen serving as the live audience. The podcast episode featured AU faculty, staff and students—with special appearances from students such as orientation leaders, athletes, and a few of AU’s 1828 Ambassadors.
As the theatre filled with giddy students, the air began to shift from light-hearted to ceremonial, as the faces of Augusta University started toward the stage. AU President Russell T. Keen and first lady Karen Keen led the bunch, followed by Undergaduate SGA President John Blalock and the college deans.
To begin the ceremony, the Keens rang the Arsenal Bell to call the event to order, followed by a short speech from AU Provost Maggy Tomova. However, the most memorable words that were spoken on Sunday night were delivered by Karen Keen in a heartfelt speech.
She began to recall a story that has stuck with her since her days as an incoming freshman—a lesson she says has even been impactful to her children.
One day, as she was sitting in an organization’s event, an outgoing senior had the chance to speak in front of all of the participants. The senior shared about her first few days as a freshman and the struggles that she experienced emotionally. As she was sitting in her dorm room crying, she called home. And this is when that girl’s father said something that struck young Karen Keen so much that she has not stopped thinking about it since.
He said, “Don’t be shy when you want a piece of pie.”
There were two reasons why Keen remembers this specific story from that day. She said that it was surprising that the senior was nervous at all as an incoming freshman, because she had planted herself into so many organizations on campus. However, it is a good example of what opening yourself up to all the opportunities college provides you with can do.
As Karen Keen said, it was very “profound advice” because, though it seems so simple, it is actually much deeper than it seems.
In this generation, so many of us are too scared to speak up for ourselves, for fear of pushback from the other party. However, this man’s piece of advice reminds us of the power that we can have when we do the opposite.
First lady Keen urged the freshmen to think of their biggest goals that they want to accomplish in college, and make them happen. Go after whatever piece of pie your mind is set on, and don’t hold back.
To help the freshman remember this astounding word of advice, the Keens offered small pies at the dinner held in the JSAC following the event. They offered chocolate, chess, blueberry and apple pie (with the apple pie rendering a very effervescent round of applause).
Whether you are a nervous incoming freshman or even a junior that may still be finding her or his footing here at AU, this advice can be inspiring to all of us. Whatever your heart is set on accomplishing, academically or otherwise, don’t be shy to get that piece of pie. Run after it with all your heart, because only you can earn it for yourself.
On behalf of the freshman class of 2029, thank you first lady Karen Keen for reminding us of the power that we all hold within us. Every time we see a piece of pie, we will smile in remembrance of the inspiration that little slice holds.
So, students, don’t be shy when you want a piece of pie!
Madi Oglesby is a freshman from Waycross majoring in history education. She is the Opinion Editor for the Bell Ringer. Contact her at auoglesby@augusta.edu.
Karen Keen (R) and AU President Russell T. Keen serve mini-pies at the post-convocations dinner in the JSAC cafe. At the top of the page, Karen Keen gives her lecture to the freshmen. (photos by Lydia Williams/the Bell Ringer)
