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Opportunities for GreatnessDear Graduating Class of 2005, One hundred years have passed since the first class to contribute to this institution's great legacy processed across the commencement stage. The pomp and circumstance of Juilliard's centennial celebration gives all of us a moment to stop and ponder the meaning of this auspicious occasion. How did this all begin? How far have we traveled? What is our future?
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In our individual quest for excellence, we are often in danger of losing sight of this great mission of "us."
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I've spent months thinking about these questions and how they relate to you—Juilliard's future. Considering how many things could be said in this column, I quickly realized that maybe the best of what I could say should not be said. (Are you with me?) Maybe some of the words should not be mine, but yours.So I've decided to start this column with a self-reflection exercise. Please take a moment to think about each of these questions and write your answers down. If you do, the rest of the column will be more meaningful.When you arrived here at Juilliard, what expectations did you have for yourself and of the School? Now that you are graduating, were these expectations fulfilled? What expectations do you have for your career?O.K., that's the easy part—now for the tougher challenge. During your time here, what expectation do you believe Juilliard had of you? Now that you are graduating, what expectations do you believe Juilliard has for your future?The reason I've asked you to consider these questions relates to something at the core of every great institution—its mission statement. Did you know that Juilliard has one? Don't feel bad if you didn't; it's not something in the normal purview of most students. Here it is:
- Juilliard's central mission is to educate talented performing musicians, dancers and actors that they may achieve the highest artistic standards, as well as become leaders in their professions. Through this process Juilliard will also help them to become thoughtful, confident and responsible adults.
- Juilliard will make every effort to provide students with the educational, professional, social and emotional foundation necessary for them to embark on successful careers and productive lives as artists, leaders and citizens.
- Juilliard will continue to elevate its educational and artistic standards, while inculcating in students a sense of their own professional responsibilities for enhancing the classical arts and for enabling those arts to serve society more effectively.
- Juilliard will uphold its commitment to the geographic, economic and ethnic diversity of its community of artists, by fostering an environment that is inclusive, supportive and welcoming to all.
- Juilliard will take an active role in shaping the future of the classical arts, by intensifying its internal commitment to excellence in artistic education and by reaching beyond its doors to help the classical arts to thrive anew.
- Juilliard will continue to attract and retain renowned faculty members in all disciplines, by providing a supportive and open work environment and involving them fully in the artistic and educational life of the community.
The words you chose to describe the expectations for yourself may be a little different from the words in this mission statement. That's because the words you used to describe yourself and your career expectations reflect your perception of yourself and the world you live in every day. We all have inner worlds—but these perspectives often challenge the broader perspective of "us." When you read Juilliard's mission statement, specifically the words "… while inculcating in students a sense of their own professional responsibilities for enhancing the classical arts and for enabling those arts to serve society more effectively … to embark on successful careers and productive lives as artists, leaders and citizens," a greater purpose is revealed—one that speaks to a broader sense of community and service. In our quest for excellence, we are often in danger of losing sight of this great mission.Your life—the people you will impact, and the communities you affect in whatever work you decide to do—has the potential for greatness each and every day. The child you help with her very first ballet step, or that person you sit next to on that long plane flight, are all opportunities for greatness. It's not just what you do onstage that counts. If you are to truly live up to the legacy of other Juilliard graduates, you will first need to begin thinking about "us."As of May 20, things will be very different. You will no longer be a student. You will be an artist, leader, and citizen. Juilliard has invested everything it has in your future. Its expectation is that you will soon rise to the occasion of fulfilling this great mission. Congratulations, Class of 2005—and may each and every one of your lives be truly great.Derek Mithaug, director of career development, is a Juilliard faculty member and alumnus.
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