Maddow a welcome and worthy speaker

Rachel Maddow is unarguably an icon. More than a political personality, she represents success for women of all orientations, in all fields. She is full-out funny, with ties to Western Massachusetts that make her seem like an old friend. It's no wonder that someone so eloquent, intelligent and familiar would be welcomed to Smith with open arms. As I look to my own graduation, I would like to further examine Rachel Maddow as a successful, empowered woman who so clearly reflects Smith values.Before I can even begin to appreciate her many charms, fame as a defining factor must be addressed. No matter how incredible a speaker has the potential to be, that Rachel Maddow is practically a household name has sway beyond the underground Mother Teresa. Smith is an institution that prides itself on higher education, but also on its name brand association with success. It has found its way into the press for the big name commencement speaker, which is an added perk of all the prestige. Rachel Maddow will undoubtedly be great and so, too, is her preceding legacy.

Fortunately, fame is backed by education and intelligence for both Smith and Maddow. Rachel Maddow was educated at Stanford and Oxford, which is evident in her articulate and acutely perceptive political commentary. At its best, Smith prepares its students for a future of greatness. Whether we achieve high standards upon graduation is in our own hands, but an education capped by a renowned beacon of political prowess undoubtedly embodies higher educative standards.

Yet, fame and smarts are defining traits of so many potential speakers. Maddow is particularly unique for her strength of character, as the first openly gay person, let alone woman, to be hired as a prime-time news anchor in the United States. She exudes poise under pressure, and is unafraid to be her own, impressive person. At Smith, we are taught as liberal arts students to pursue our passions and our dreams, and do whatever it takes to achieve our unique versions of greatness. Rachel Maddow exemplifies the dream of true achievement. Her individuality shines through a career of standing ground and staying true to herself.

The question of sexual orientation is a multifaceted one here at Smith. Our college community in Northampton is often represented to the world at large as abnormally homosexual. Smith has borne the brunt of gay jokes and stereotypes as far as GQ magazine, not to mention individual plights. As a heterosexual undergraduate, non-Smith students are always asking me about what is apparently viewed as lesbian counterculture - and honestly, it's frustrating. Yes, there's a bustling counter-normative community at Smith College, but acceptance does not mean uniformity. Orientation and gender identity should never be the main issue, not in education nor in day-to-day interpersonal relationships. Rachel Maddow is a great political analyst, comedian and go-getter. The fact that she is gay and successful is a testament to her determination, not the other way around.

Maybe it's because I'm straight that I do not like to think of Smith as a "lesbian school," but I think it's because I respect my collegiate education above my collegiate sexual identity. Smith should be seen as welcoming and accepting so that we, as strong students, can learn, not as a marginalized, stereotyped community. Accomplishment knows no sexual orientation. I know there are other Smith students who identify with the struggles of a bright gay woman in America, and I respect and value both the plight and the bond. However, I respect Rachel Maddow because I think she is impressive, not because she is gay.

Ultimately, I don't just speak for myself when I say that Rachel Maddow's election as commencement speaker is a source of pride for many students on campus. I look forward to what should be an eloquent, thought-provoking conclusion to my four years at Smith. I am poised and ready and excitedly wish to convey all the best in anticipation of a highly meaningful graduation.