On Feb. 27, American author Mitch Albom spoke as part of the ETSU Festival of Ideas. Most known for “Tuesdays with Morrie,” Albom’s lecture detailed his life experiences and the lessons to be learned.
The Festival of Ideas began in 2019 to promote exchanging ideas and experiences in the community and on campus. In his opening statement, President Brian Noland described it as, “one of the most meaningful and impactful events.”
“I always speak from my head or from my heart,” said Albom before diving into his speech. He began by describing how he became a writer, “you don’t become a writer until you become a reader,” said Albom.
The premise of Albom’s lecture were three ideas he had learned from three separate people: one old, one of whom he did not know the name and one young. Coincidentally, the old person he was referring to was Morrie from “Tuesdays with Morrie.” Albom explained how Morrie’s ability to give during his final days taught him the lesson of, ‘giving is living’. Albom said giving to others can make people feel the most alive.
Albom described how he founded SAY Detroit, a foundation focused on bettering the lives of people without homes in Detroit, Michigan, after spending time in a homeless shelter for a column he wrote. While there someone in the homeless shelter asked him, “what happened to you?” Albom said the question, while humorous, displays the reality of how someone’s life can change in an instant. This actuality should inspire people to be sensitive and attentive to issues, shared Albom.
The final idea from Albom came from a young Haitian girl named Chika Jeune who survived an earthquake as a baby and developed a brain tumor in her childhood. He and his wife took her in to find a cure in the United States and ultimately care for her in her final days. As her condition worsened, Albom was tasked with carrying her. He described how Chika’s story emphasizes the importance of caring for not only children, but each other. “What we carry defines us,” said Albom
After the lecture, Albom signed copies of his latest book “The Little Liar.” The next speaker for The Festival of Ideas is Piper Kerman on Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Martin Center for the Arts.
