I, Ellinor Smith, have never had trouble finding words.
Growing up, I loved to talk, be in front of people, and tell stories. From a young age, I loved exchanging stories across the dinner table in my hometown of Jacksonville, IL, or on the stage. I knew I had a knack for it, but had to figure out how to make it a career. I continued to pursue my love for storytelling by becoming an English major at Hanover College.
One of my favorite English classes I took during my first year was “Geography of the Spirit.” I learned that different scholars think the concept of “place” can shape who we are, our relationships with the land, and our relationships to one another. The class taught me that a place shapes our journey’s and who we are. It can shape where we have been and where we are going.
But most importantly, the class taught me that every place is something that is alive with a story to be told.
During my time at Hanover College, I got the opportunity to live out many days and nights that will remain fond memories. I had campus jobs, like being an RA and working at our library. I joined campus organizations such as Kennings Literary Group and Hanover College Choir. I had the chance to participate in campus events like protests, walkouts, celebrations, and mournings. It became clear to me that Hanover had a strong story worth telling, one that wasn't yet fully written.
Late into my winter semester of my senior year, I got an email in my inbox asking for submissions for the senior class commencement speaker. I knew this was my time to share the story of Hanover College--or, at least, my perspective of it. I submitted a draft of my speech to the senior committee, and, a couple of weeks later, they asked me to audition. Wracked with nerves, I gave it my best shot. I left not knowing how I stacked up to the other worthy contestants that day.
But…I got it!
I could not believe they chose me to tell the special story of Hanover College and the Class of 2022. On the day of our graduation, I was so proud to represent my graduating class. I spoke about the late nights we spent worrying about our futures, and the light that we bring to the world. One of my favorite parts of the speech was sharing the last quote in Haruki Murakami’s novel, After Dark:
“Unimpeded by other schemes, this hint of things to come takes time to expand in the new morning light, and we attempt to watch it unobtrusively, with deep concentration. The night has begun to open up at last. There will be time before the next darkness arrives.”
Although the students of Hanover College Class of 2022 experienced many trials that left us in the dark, Murakami’s quote gives us the hope that our journey’s will create a better future.
My time at Hanover College taught me that there is a story to share anywhere you go. I am excited to be the Communications Coordinator for enFocus because the South Bend - Elkhart Region has a story to tell, too.
Whether it be the rich history, the struggles, or the passion to reinvigorate innovation, I will continue to tell stories to social audiences that are ready to hear the impact enFocus has on the region.