For most first years, moving into Plymouth and adjusting to the community can be a very daunting and physically painful experience. Fortunately, professional speaker Ed Gerety and comedian Buzz Sutherland have been known to take the edge off the orientation schedule and allow first years and exhausted orientation leaders a chance to relax and get excited for the school year.
“Ed Gerety was amazing!” said Liz Spink, a junior and 2012 Orientation leader, “Even though the talk was meant to motivate first years, I still felt everything he talked about applied to me as a junior too. He really made me think about my actions, and how I could be a better, happier person.”
Gerety, New Hampshireite and internationally recognized speaker, returned to Plymouth for his 15th year as part of the orientation schedule. From start to finish he had students engaged and entertained in his motivational words, stressing the importance of positive thinking and believing in yourself.
Tears were shed by many in the audience as Gerety individually asked students who they would call if they only had one hour to live. After one male student replied that he would call his mother, Gerety invited him up on stage to call her and instructed him exactly what to say, including the most importance phrase, “I love you”.
He also illustrated the need to constantly remind yourself of what it is that you most desire. One of the ways he recommended was to make a dream board; a collection of images symbolizing your goals in life.
Spink, moved and motivated by Gerety’s words of advice, said, “listening to him made my day immensely better, and I’m definitely making a dream board!”
Following the wisdom of Ed Gerety, came the wonderful and hilarious Buzz Sutherland. Sutherland has been a performance that first years have been able to enjoy for the past 18 years. His comedy is a great relief from a stressful few days of moving and acclimating.
“Buzz was hilariously entertaining,” relayed Ethan Batten, a junior and one of the many orientation leaders winding down from a busy schedule that day.
Sutherland’s down to earth approach to college and his playful attitude towards life in general kept the audience on the edge of their seats. From picking on the size of the Plymouth airport to impressions of the many characters voices he does for Disney, everyone had a great time.
“From beginning to end he kept me entertained and laughing,” said Batten.
Whether it was Ed Gerety’s motivational words, or Buzz Sutherland’s amusing anecdotes, these two speakers were perfect to come address the first years during orientation, leaving them with laughter to remember and advice for success.