According to Professor of Communication Studies Susan Emel, the only way to find yourself is to question your own beliefs, because unexamined beliefs are not worth having.

Emel and the Baker Speech Choir took the stage on Sept. 29 to deliver the Last Lecture in Rice Auditorium. Emel’s lecture was titled “No, Really. What Do You Believe?”

“I think that she did a great job tonight,” freshman Payton Johnson said. “I believe that she gave some good pointers on how to find your true self-worth. I may have to start questioning everyday activities now.”

As she began her speech, Emel told stories of her father’s death and her own knee-replacement surgery. These experiences made her question her own beliefs. She connected this into what she called a “mind-body connection.” She explained that when you “question your own beliefs,” you are able to “find yourself.”

Many in the audience were influenced by her speech.

“Even though my belief system is a bit different from (Professor) Emel’s, I still think she had some great points,” said freshman Skye VanLanduyt, who is a non-denominational Christian. “I feel like after listening to this Last Lecture I may now have a better understanding on how to find myself and how to knock down the walls that may be keeping me from my full potential.”

As a closing thought, Emel left the audience with specific advice.

“My advice is to start with the most credible information,” she said. “Stop the madness and get the facts.”

The Last Lecture is presented by a faculty or staff member who is selected from student nominations every semester. The series provides an informational format for speakers to share reflections on life’s journey as well as speak to students as if it were their last lecture ever. It does not mean, however, that the faculty or staff member is retiring.