By Cody Daniels/reporter
Tears filled the eyes of many who attended the Women’s History Month luncheon March 1 on South Campus. That was just fine with the keynote speaker because they were tears of joy.
Shon Gables, weekend anchor at WFAA News 8, said that when she sees such tears, she knows that by being open about her past, she has succeeded in conveying the idea that nothing is too far out of reach for anyone.
“As long as you give it to God, he won’t let you give up on yourself,” she said.
Gables set forth four points she said she wanted her audience to remember.
First, she said, one should never give up, no matter how many mistakes are made or how many attempts fail. She related some of her own mistakes, including losing her journalism scholarship at the University of Oklahoma and being “too cocky” in her first anchor position and getting told she’d never work in the television industry again.
Second, Gables emphasized the importance of having what she called a personal board of trustees.
“Three people in your life whom you can trust with your life, challenge you to your potential and honestly tell you like it is,” she said, “one person for education, one person for finance and one for relationships.”
Third, she said, is to always pursue talents instead of a paycheck.
Gables said if individuals give 100 percent dedication toward developing talents and dreams, the money will follow.
Finally, she told her audience to remember, whether in a time of oppression or in the pursuit of success to “always forgive yourself and others and keep moving.”
Mishuna Macdonald, a student as well as a member of the South student activities staff, said Gables’ speech changed her life and that she left the luncheon engaged and inspired.
“In that 20-minute speech, she taught me to find the leader within myself, which completely changed my confidence in terms of pursuing my life goals and dreams,” Macdonald said.
Robin Rhyand of South disability support services said these kinds of seminars and inspirational speakers such as Gables’ plant metaphorical seeds of ambition into attendees’ minds.
Gables’ appearance was arranged by student activities board member Kathy Burks, who said she saw her on television and thought she would be a good example of a woman who could be a compelling speaker at the event.
Gables said she was honored and accepted the moment she got the email.
Proceeds from the sale of tickets to the luncheon went toward Women’s History Month scholarships, awarded to a TCC student each year.
