Written by: Keith Clement
My full name is Henderson Keith Clement but I go by Keith. My first name represents the primary reason I selected the University of Arkansas as my college of choice. My grandfather, Gerald Henderson, graduated from U of A in 1959. He has been our family celebrity because he also played for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 1954 to 1958. Yes, that makes him one of the 25 Little Pigs on the 1954 team. Although I won’t carry on the family name as a football player, I do plan to be the next one in our family to have my name on the famous senior walk. After I attended my first Razorback game in Fayetteville as a young child, I knew this was the place for me. This decision was further solidified once I landed on engineering as my degree knowing how well respected this program is.
“One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes… and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.” This quote from Eleanor Roosevelt sums up the life lesson I have learned in my first year of college. Before coming to the University of Arkansas, my learning was mostly dictated to me by laws and regulations. Now learning is mostly my choice which is very liberating. From choosing my degree, my classes and my schedule to choosing if I attend class, do my homework and study for exams are all up to me now.
From simple choices like what to wear or what to eat to how I spend my time is 100 percent up to me now I am in college. Having been raised to always think about making good choices, I use this foundation to prioritize my time. The first semester for a freshman engineering student is very challenging and demanding. Being completely aware of the demands this class schedule would have on me, I still chose to pledge as a Sigma Chi Fraternity brother. I have to admit it was very trying and taxing on my time and energy to pledge my first semester as a college student. However, completing my first semester with a very strong GPA gave me the confidence that I can pursue two very challenging priorities at the same time as long as I make good choices on time management.
Socially, a freshman student is exposed to so many more activities compared to high school. The functions, parties, sporting events and campus activities are all important parts of the campus experience. These activities are more demands on time forcing one to make more choices on how to spend time. These varied opportunities also require students to make choices around dating, drinking and getting enough sleep. I can still hear my mother saying “Don’t make stupid choices” every time I went out while living at home. Again, I am very thankful for that foundation every time I am faced with making a choice to do something or not.
Learning the value of making good choices is the first of many lessons I will acquire here at the University of Arkansas. With three more years ahead of me, I am excited about the other life lessons I will learn a student at the University of Arkansas.
