Chris Towns France Scholarship - 2nd Place

Question: "Right now a moment of time is passing by! We must be that moment."
- Paul Cezanne
How does your involvement in extracurricular activities demonstrate this quote?

The great artist Paul Cezanne once said, "Right now a moment of time is passing by! We must be that moment." It is important for us to hold this message close to us, even in the fast-paced frenzy of modern life. To me, seizing these moments means slowing down and recognizing opportunities when they arise-specifically, the opportunity to connect with different individuals. I believe that, to make the best of the time that is constantly passing us by, we must take the time to get to know others. One can learn a lot through his or her interactions with other people, and in turn can have a life full of meaningful moments and long-lasting relationships. Through my involvement on campus, I have learned the importance of this quotation, and have met and befriended a diverse group of people.

The second half of my freshman year, I joined the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance (FMLA), a group dedicated to raising awareness about women's issues on and off campus. I have met many people from different backgrounds and lifestyles in this club, and, through events like the Afghan Midwives Film Series, I learned about women in other parts of the globe. Since joining the club, I have created strong relationships with many of its members, and I am glad I did not miss out such a great opportunity.

Another opportunity that I am grateful I did not let pass me by was to act as vice president of the new French club on campus this year. Through my involvement in the club, I once again interacted with many interesting individuals. I gained invaluable knowledge and relationships by spending time with these people. I seized the opportunities with which I was presented-laughing, listening to foreign music and eating foreign food with my Haitian neighbors, whom I met through recruiting members for the club. I learned about my member's interests and backgrounds, and gained a true feeling of friendship and harmony.

My extracurricular experiences have helped me learn that, through other people, we can make our lives more meaningful. I have learned about other people from backgrounds and families vastly different from my own, and have made the most out of those opportunities with which I was presented at the University of Massachusetts. It is important for us to recognize the opportunities before our eyes, to seize passing moments by sharing them with others.

I will be studying in Aix-en-Provence in the fall, where I know I will meet a diverse group of people and experience a wealth of breath-taking and exciting moments. CEA has presented an opportunity for me to be these moments that are constantly passing by. In France, I will meet amazing individuals who will continue to teach me about this important concept. It seems fitting that the famous artist whose wise words have captured its essence lived and painted in the beautiful city where I will have life-enriching experiences. I look forward to making the most out of every opportunity that presents itself there.

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