Everyone is on a journey and the most important part of that journey is the path that you travel along the way, accounting professor Ed Hums said Thursday evening at the fourth installment of the 2010-11 Last Lecture Series.
The student government-sponsored Last Lecture Series gives Notre Dame professors the opportunity to share their life lessons and experiences outside of the classroom setting.
"You should always take the time to recognize who is walking with you," he said in the lecture at Washington Hall. "The three ‘P's,' parents, priests and professors, are especially important in your journey here at Notre Dame."
Hums said he still remembers when he was first accepted to Notre Dame as an undergraduate and how his mother cried when she heard the news.
"Never underestimate your parents' love for you and make sure you reciprocate your love for them," he said.
Hums said he believes the priests at Notre Dame are great resources of faith for the students to turn to in times of need. He also discussed the relationship between the professors and the students, drawing from his personal experience as a faculty member at the University.
"Professors actually live through their students," he said. "You'll never know how much your successes mean to us."
Hums told students to pick out one professor each semester and to take the opportunity to really get to know that professor.
"You never know what experiences you may share with him or her or what doors it will open to you in the future," he said.
The gap between students and professors at Notre Dame has grown, and Hums said he is said about that.
"You have to understand that not only can you learn, but you can also enjoy it," he said.
Hums told the students it's okay if they encounter difficulties with the material in their classes.
"There are a lot of people out there who struggle, and it's okay," he said. "You may get B's or C's, but you will still turn out well."
Hums also said students should have a strong support system of friends and colleagues.
"Friends are there forever. They will help you get through your journey," he said. "And colleagues help you do the heavy lifting. They are the people who lift you up continuously when you have your down days."
Hums encouraged students to think about the little butterfly effects in their lives.
"There are so many simple events that lead you to great things," he said. "It's important to recognize them."