Spoken Word Welcome
The following was written and performed by Jeffrey Dortmans (Law 2) and delivered as part of the 2011 Academic Orientation program introducing first year students to the study of law.
Welcome to Windsor Law
Article 1 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “All humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience, and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” Welcome.
Pierre Trudeau once said, “We peer so suspiciously at each other that we cannot see that we Canadians are standing on the mountaintop of human wealth, freedom, and privilege.” Welcome.
The Dalai Lama recently tweeted "By going beyond your own problems and taking care of others, you gain inner strength, self-confidence, courage, and a greater sense of calm". Welcome.
Ancient African proverb: “it takes a village to raise a”...law student. Welcome.
JL Borges, Argentinean writer, once wrote: “They speak of humanity. My humanity is in feeling that we are all voices of that same poverty” Welcome.
Many of us learned from Raffi that “your friends are my friends, and my friends are your friends. The more we get together, the happier we’ll be.” Welcome.
Welcome my sisters. Welcome my brothers, to the Windsor Law community. Bursting, blasting, lasting, questing--unique, diverse, fresh, intelligent, informed, dynamic, proud, strong, helpful, compassionate, courageous, loving, caring, kind, generous, wise, talented, friendly. It is an honour to be associated with such a special group of individuals. Welcome.
Leadership and teamwork soar through these hallways and out into the Windsor Essex community on fire, alight, united, bright. We are by no means without problems, but the sun in our community outshines our dividing forces. The first year class is the lifeblood of this institution—what tone will set you individually, and as a collective group? Welcome.
Celebrate difference. The wonderful and curious people that make up this community are a microcosm of Canada’s diversity. Embrace others as you watch yourself grow. Welcome.
It is okay to be afraid. Do not be afraid to seek guidance, support, or friendship. This community relishes lavishly going out of their way. Share. Welcome.
Positivity is contagious. Like Bridges, you are Ambassadors for Windsor, an eclectic, electric, hard-working, interconnected, charitable, entertaining, international-gateway-city of culture. Open yourself to its intricacies, and share the word. Welcome.
Empower yourselves by enjoying others. Welcome to Windsor Law.
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