Episode 29: Senior Chapel Talks by Michael LeJune and Santiago Martinez '19

Leaving the audience wondering whether it was Michael or “Jimmy” who gave his #SeniorChapelTalk, Michael “Jimmy” LeJune shared the story of his nickname. A childhood friend’s dare led him to trick his teacher into calling him Jimmy and from then on, that’s how his friends knew him. But in more formal settings, where he had to behave–usually around family or strangers–he remained Michael. Though “Jimmy” started as a joke, it illustrates the multiple sides to ourselves that we all have; our relationships with people, complex and different. “We all have multiple identities…[that] allow us to express the correct personality that correlates to the situation that we are in.” Though he doesn’t recommend naming your second identity, he encourages everyone to embrace it. By doing so, we “understand ourselves better as a whole.”

“Such wasted potential,” were the words that changed Santiago Martinez’ outlook on life. In his #SeniorChapelTalk, he described how hearing those words spoken about him made him look at every aspect of his life and realize that they were true...and that he needed to change. He urged the audience to not wait for second chance to take advantage of their own potential; share your potential–your gifts–with the world. Though there will always be more success to be had, be proud of what you have achieved at every step along the way. Be a better athlete, student, friend…“Be a better person, you can. We control how we see and use our potential…work hard and never ever stop chasing it.”