"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."

These influential words of Nelson Mandela are something that I have always turned to when I am feeling at a loss or at a crossroad, especially in regards to my education.  There are times that I feel that I could give up and take the easy way out when things are tough or my course load feels unbearable.  At times like that, I remember these words and suddenly hope and determination begin to pulse through me again.

I am an aspiring Paterno Fellow in the College of Arts and Sciences at the Pennsylvania State University. Currently, I am double-majoring in Political Science, with a concentration on International Relations, and Mandarin Chinese.  Both of these majors require extremely vigorous classes and throughout this year there have been multiple occasions that I have stopped and asked myself "Why?".  When these doubts seep into my thoughts, I come back to the Nelson Mandela quote and remind myself to not give up or think I am taking on too much to handle.  I remind myself to not be afraid to push myself to the limit and find out what I am truly capable of becoming.

After graduation, I aspire to become a law student and then work as a lawyer in the field of international law.  These are big goals and they are not something that can be achieved with ease.  I sternly believe, however, that I have obtained the tools and qualities necessary to achieve such greatness.

The uses of rhetoric and civic life will stay with me for the rest of my years as a student and into my career as a lawyer.  During the course of my freshman year, I have learned many things-- some useful, some not-- but the way that I have learned to use language, rhetoric, and confidence in my writing and speaking methods is a big part of what will make my work shine for the rest of my life.

Link to Kirk Shields' e-Portfolio