By Journalist Gabriela Dimova (ORU)
All returning delegates have come back to participate in the O.I.L. fifty-fifth session. During the open joint session, Associate Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court Dustin Rowe, spoke to the congregation. When Rowe was just eighteen years old, he served two terms on the city council. Being a young individual involved in politics, he quickly connected to the audience.
In his speech, he raised the question of one’s creditability to make an impact. “Do you have to be Governor of Oklahoma to make a difference?” Rowe asked. He continued to challenge the Body and say, “Do you have to have a title to be of significance?” Rowe answers no, you do not. As citizens, we are to be hard-working and do the best in all we do, despite the position. The delegates responded positively to this message and were eager to put their skills to the test. “You can live a life that leaves Oklahoma a better state,” said Rowe. He even touched on advice when entering a new workplace. It is all about thinking outside of the box and aspiring to learn something new. A student then asked Rowe a skill he deemed valuable for all students. “The most important skill any young person can learn is learning how to communicate,” said Rowe. He concluded with a final question of encouragement. “What can you do of equal significance to lead a life of example?” said Rowe. In O.I.L., there are a diverse amount of positions. However, Rowe’s speech was a great reminder that the title does not mean anything. Instead, it is about the individual behind the position and the efforts. All Oklahomans can succeed. He concluded with a simple yet powerful ending. “You can do it,” Rowe said. Beginning with this uplifting speech, the O.I.L. legislation was high in spirits and determined to represent themselves diligently.