From One Truman To The Next

Eight years ago, Baylor junior Jerome Loughridge was named a Truman Scholar by the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation. This April, the Truman came to Baylor again, to junior Skye Perryman. The scholarship provides $30,000 -- $3,000 for the senior year and the rest for graduate study. Scholars also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some premier graduate institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school counseling and special internship opportunities within the federal government. Loughridge now serves as chief of staff to Baylor President Robert B. Sloan Jr. Baylor Magazine asked Loughridge to share some words of advice with the University's newest recipient.
 

Skye,
Congratulations on receiving the Truman Scholarship! You have entered a unique community whose ranks include prominent elected officials, senior policy-makers and leaders in the nonprofit and advocacy sectors. As you reflect on the importance of this achievement and its implications for your future, I offer some suggestions -- both immediate and long-term -- on making the most of the Truman experience.
Select a graduate program that will stretch you. In choosing where to continue your education after Baylor, push yourself beyond the confines of academic specialty and technical competency. There are plenty of well-trained people; what the world needs is leaders who can integrate ideas and influence culture. If you already have an understanding of economics, study politics; if law, study public opinion. Read broadly with an eye toward understanding history and the human condition. Truman himself once said, "Not all readers become leaders. But all leaders must be readers."
Consider throwing your hat into the ring. I hope you will spend some of your talent in the area of electoral politics -- as a staff member, a dedicated volunteer or a candidate. Public faith and engagement in our political system has suffered recently because of the indiscretions of a few public figures. Politics can -- and should -- be a noble calling, one in which we work out our highest collective aspirations. But it cannot thrive without the involvement of people like you.
Prepare yourself for criticism. In choosing to enter a career in public service, you have consented to a life under scrutiny that, at times, will be neither measured nor fair. You will sometimes feel like Truman, who said of his public life, "You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog." Harry also admonished, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." When you make mistakes -- and you will, if you're taking the risks that attend leadership -- acknowledge your goofs with humor and grace.
Act out your core convictions. If Baylor has done anything, I hope it has prepared you to address issues of public importance through the lens of your convictions. Bring your considerable talents to bear on the challenges of society with unimpeachable integrity and uncompromising character. Act with courage as you stand in the breach and say, with Harry, "The buck stops here."
Again, congratulations. Your Baylor family is very proud of you.