By Laurie D. Willis
Livingstone College News Service

During a motivational speech rife with sage advice, encouragement and Biblical references, actress Kim Fields captivated Livingstone College students Friday during the institution’s annual Fall Convocation in Varick Auditorium.

Fields pulled no punches during her 30-minute speech, even asking one student to nudge another who was asleep, a move that drew heavy applause.

“God put it on my heart to talk to you today about being game changers,” said Fields, who rose to fame playing Tootie on ABC’s hit sitcom “The Facts of Life.”

“His plan is for you to change the game,” she said. “We are in some interesting days. Some might call them dark days. Some might call them horrible days. But we are in some interesting days nonetheless.”

Fields is also well known for playing the sassy and sophisticated Regine Hunter on Fox’s “Living Single,” and when Livingstone College President Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins Sr. referenced Regine in his introduction of Fields, shouts and applause permeated Varick.

Presently, Fields is the lead director on Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne” and “Meet the Browns,” which air on TBS. And she received high marks for her directing and producing of the documentary “Discovering Monk, Trane: One Night @ Carnegie Hall.”

But Friday, it was clear Fields wasn’t at Livingstone to regurgitate her illustrious career; instead, she wanted to inspire the students she affectionately called babies.

“Freshmen, good for you for trying to get your ‘learn on’,” she said. “Seniors, good for you for sticking it out through all that has gone on in your personal life, at this institution and in this world. Keep plugged in to the power that God has given you.”

Referencing Isaiah 40:31, Fields said, “Game changers understand they can’t grow weary and faint.” She also said game changers know they must have a point and stick to it, and thoughts words and deeds are vitally important to them.

“Do you have control over your mind?” she asked. “What do you think first and foremost about yourself? Do you have a high opinion of yourself? Not a high and mighty opinion but a high opinion. Do you have confidence and self esteem that comes from knowing you are a child of God and knowing that you are here at this moment because God has something for you to do?”

Fields, who travels the country giving motivational speeches, told the students it’s okay if they aren’t yet aware of their purpose.

“That means you’re on a path or a journey to find that out,” she said. “Ask God what you’re supposed to be doing. Ask God to pour something into you so you can pour something into someone else.”

Fields challenged the students not to spend too much time watching TV shows that serve no educational purpose or listening to negative music.

“The Apostle Paul said ‘be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,’ ” Fields said. “Everybody is not going to support you, so be careful who you tell your dream to. Ask God for discernment.”

Pointing to her mouth, Fields added, “With this right here we can tear each other down or build each other up. Which one are you going to do? David encouraged himself… Talk to yourself and say ‘I can do this’ and ‘I can retain what I’m learning.’ Ask God to help you.”
After her speech, Jenkins presented Fields with a Presidential Award.

After the convocation, Fields had to hurry to Charlotte to catch her return flight. She graciously posed for photos and shook the hands of excited students – and adults – who clamored to meet her.

She said she had no problem giving it to the students straight.

“I think sometimes adults get discouraged with the way what they say to young adults is received,” Fields said. “I also think as adults we have a tendency to pontificate and make teachable moments ‘preach-able moments’ with an undertone of judgment. It wasn’t about me today. It was about the students and what God has for them and how they can tap into that.”

Friday night, a special candlelight ceremony for Livingstone’s freshman class was also held. The rites of passage event featured 14 freshmen who proclaimed they would speak for their class and discussed the significance of wisdom, love, compassion, tenacity, truth, justice, art, beauty, character, equality, knowledge, faith, hope and scholarship.

Got news to share with Qcity readers? Email us at editor@qcitymetro.com.
Sign up for our weekly email newsletter below

Sign up for our Weekly Email Newsletter Email: For Email Marketing you can trust

Other Ways to Share Twitter Del.icio.us MySpace

Discussions and Submission Agreement