Got Adversity Quotient?

How to Win in the Game of Life

Abstract

Li Shen, recipient of the Henry H. ‘57 and Joan R. Gibbel Award for Teaching Excellence for 2023, addresses the Class of 2027 at opening convocation by revisiting challenging points in her academic career and detailing how she maintained her motivation to end up where she is today. Instead of taking an easier path, Shen focused on the steps she took when faced with adversity and became the best version of herself. By explaining her role on campus, she highlighted her commitment to Juniata College and its students while wanting to provoke a group that would act on their imaginations. Ultimately, Shen encourages her audience to pursue their own goals by reminding them that a great player does not take the easier option but rather the hard one.