Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at my professor's memorial. Here's what I said:
I never wanted to give this speech. Deatra taught me that I
could make being a speaker a career and every single speech is a joy, but this
is the speech I never wanted to deliver. My love and admiration go beyond the
confines of the written word. I’ll start at the beginning because that is where
all stories start.
I went in to her first advising meeting not prepared. After
about three minutes, she told me to come back when I was ready. See, my first
advisor registered for me. Deatra, on the other hand, did not see a reason to
treat me differently. That was the start of our relationship. I slowly wanted
to impress Doctor Sullivan Morgan. I took all the classes I could take with her
as the professor. I wanted to learn from someone who had challenges like mine
but who also radiated wisdom and joy. My favorite part of her classes was the
end, I would talk to her and learn a lot about how I wanted to live my life. We
would slowly walk to her office and I would simply listen. Sometimes, I would
have specific questions about life. These discussions led to me believing I
could be a motivational speaker. If not for her, I don’t think I would be a
motivational speaker.
The week before I graduated, I was in her office trying to
prolong the fact that I had to go out in the world. Her office was a safe place
as many of you know. Eventually, we would text back and forth. I would text her
just to check in, or to tell her exciting news. I loved making her proud. That
never ended, nor will it ever end. Like
many of you, I’ll continue to make her proud until I get to Heaven.
She’s great. I’m sure she got her angel wings immediately.
However, we now carry the responsibility of continuing her legacy. We cannot do
it alone; we need to lean on each other and carry the legacy of Dr. Deatra
Sullivan Morgan out into the world.
Cherish every moment with people you love today.
Love,
Hannah!
