Episode 38: Senior Chapel Talks by Jordan Bell, Caleb Braha, Yiyang ”Louis” Liu, and Lorelei McDowell ’19

Throughout her life, Jordan Bell always tried to blend in. In her #SeniorChapelTalk, she spoke of how she struggled with being shy and was always concerned about what others would think. During her sophomore year, she was determined to break out of her shell and joined the softball team. This opened up her world and slowly, she let her true self shine through. Becoming more confident every day, she told the community to remember that, “You are beautiful and amazing, just the way YOU are.”

During his #SeniorChapelTalk, Caleb Braha described in humorous detail the awkwardness of life as a Middle School student. Looking back, he laughed at his forced attempts at trying to make friends as a child. But, it wasn’t until high school that he realized he had spent all his time trying to live for others and not himself. He stopped caring what others thought and embraced the activities he enjoyed and things that made him laugh. Through discovering himself, he also found others who shared his same interests…and along with that, he found true friendship. “Whatever you do,” he told the community, “do it for you…have friends and enjoy your life.”

Yiyang “Louis” Liu smiled as he shared a story about joining the baseball team–a sport he knew nothing about–and how excited he was when he ran past second base…exactly as he had done on first. But, he turned around to discover his team upset…learning after, he was supposed to run to it and not past it. Afterward, he felt great disappointment and failure. Louis shared a few more humorous stories and explained that while our emotions may help us to make quick decisions and life more colorful, if they are not kept in check, they can also lead to poor decisions and unnecessary pain. “Just as there is an optimal workload for machines,” he said, “there is a prime range for the intensity of emotions that make your life the most sensible and stable.” So the next time you’re in a situation facing extreme emotions, remember to “keep calm and carry on.”

During her #SeniorChapelTalk, Lorelei McDowell shared the deep and lasting impact that her faith has had on her life. Both TMI and her church have given her knowledge and a strong moral compass that has prepared her for the next phase in life. “Thank you to the school teachers and coaches [who] have helped me become stronger mentally, physically and spiritually.” She said, “Lastly, to the Corps, thank you for keeping the traditions at TMI alive.”