Minnesota Prairie Roots

Writing and photography by Audrey Kletscher Helbling

Politics have no place in commencement speeches May 21, 2010

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 7:39 AM
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“SO, WHAT DID YOU THINK of the speakers?” I ask my daughter as we walk toward the clock tower on the campus of the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, following commencement ceremonies. She has just graduated with a Spanish degree and I am curious if she shares my opinion of the commencement speeches.

My daughter is at first non-committal, certainly not enthusiastic, but not critical either.

“I felt like we were at a political science pep fest,” I tell her. She quickly agrees.

Between the two speakers—a political science graduate and the Wisconsin Public Service Commissioner, also a former legislator—I’ve heard enough references to politics and a certain UW-L political science professor that those comments overshadow all other content.

Given the context of this celebration, I don’t care who campaigned for President here beginning back with John F. Kennedy. I don’t care which Wisconsin politician was inspired by an instructor here. I don’t care about re-election in Wisconsin, especially since I am a Minnesotan.

It is unfortunate that I feel this way, but I can’t deny my reaction to commencement speeches laced with political references.

At one point during the graduation ceremony, I ponder leaving the stuffy, packed gymnasium in protest. I once walked out on a sermon that particularly needled me and I once failed to return to a theatrical performance. But I realize that exiting this time will serve no purpose except to disappoint my daughter.

Instead, let me offer this suggestion to university commencement organizers and speakers: Please, keep the spotlight on the graduates, all of the graduates. They have worked hard, and paid a lot of money, to earn their degrees whether in education, communications, a foreign language and, yes, even political science, and many other fields of study.

If you wish to recognize retiring faculty or single out individual professors for accolades, then do that at another ceremony. Like the graduates, they deserve their own hour of honor.

Keep even the slightest hint of politics out of the podium.

Commencement should focus solely on the graduates (although that “thank you” to the families was a nice touch) and all that they have accomplished.

© Copyright 2010 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

A Minnesotan searches for cows in America’s Dairyland May 18, 2010

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 7:36 AM
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AS A MINNESOTAN, I never intended to engage in a “find the cow” search when I crossed the border into Wisconsin several days ago. But in the free time between packing my daughter’s belongings and attending her graduation at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, I find myself scouting for bovines.

This little game, in which I am the only interested family participant, starts after I notice the “America’s Dairyland” slogan on Wisconsin’s license plates. That’s enough to get this former Redwood County dairy farmer’s daughter thinking about, and watching for, cows.

I don’t have to look far. Downtown La Crosse corrals herds of cows like these examples I photographed in businesses along Pearl Street West.

Cow art.

A glimpse of shoppers walking along Pearl Street West as seen from inside Cheddarheads, a gift shop.

Cheddarheads, a store packed with all things cows, all things cheesehead and even real cheese.

Packers' fans can support the team with their very own cheesehead hats stashed in this creatively-painted Holstein bathtub at Cheddarheads gift shop.

Hours later, after a long commencement program in a stuffy gymnasium, my husband, just-graduated daughter and I return downtown for supper at The Wine Guyz. Even here these cow-crazy Wisconsinites don’t let us down. While the I’m-so-glad-I’m-done-with-college daughter orders a glass of Argentine Malbac wine, we thirsty parents opt for beer.

We order Stone Soup and Spotted Cow from New Glarus Brewing Company to complement our platter of world cheeses and homemade pizza.

Even a Minnesotan like me appreciates Wisconsin-made Spotted Cow beer while imbibing and dining across the border.

As I swig my Spotted Cow brew, I’m pretty darned content, relaxing here in “America’s Dairyland” among cheeseheads and, dare I say, in the former football home of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre. Nah, better not mention that.

© Copyright 2010 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Ready to spread her wings and fly away, to Argentina (again) May 16, 2010

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 9:31 PM
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NOT ALL THAT MANY years ago, she was a little girl with an affinity for wearing skirts and hair ribbons. Today she is a young woman, shopping for business skirts. She wears her curly hair down now or, occasionally, up, minus the ribbons.

As a preschooler, she ran everywhere. Today she drives a sporty red car or walks to her destination.

Once she preferred to be alone, shut away in her toy room. Later, she grew to enjoy the company of friends, and even me.

In elementary school, her academic success began. She competed in a regional spelling bee every year she was eligible and brought home numerous ribbons and, one year, a trophy. Her dad still laughs about the time she asked him how to spell “silage.” He’s no speller.

Four years ago she graduated at the top of her Faribault High School class with a 4.0 grade point average and gave a commencement speech.

Smart. Sweet. Independent. Strong. A woman of faith.  She is my daughter.

On Saturday, Miranda, now all grown up at age 22, graduated with the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, centennial class. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a double minor in International Studies and Communications Studies.

Miranda poses in front of the UWL hillside letters at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.

But that’s not all. She graduated with highest honors, which requires a 3.75 GPA or higher. In the College of Liberal Studies, her college, about 50 of the 459 graduates earned highest honors.

My daughter has, indeed, done well academically. I’m proud of her.

But I’m especially proud of her independent spirit. She is fearless, adventuresome. In a few weeks, Miranda leaves for a three-month public relations internship in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she previously studied and did mission work for six months.

Yesterday, when we were packing her belongings, I coaxed her into sitting on my lap. I wrapped my arms around her and held her close. “I’m going to hold you like this for four months,” I said, pulling her even tighter. “Then you can’t leave.”

I, of course, didn’t mean it. Well, I sort of meant it. As a mother, I selfishly would like nothing more than for my daughter to live in or near Minnesota.

But as a mother, I also know that I must let her go to live her dreams, to be happy—wherever that may be.

Looking down on La Crosse from Grandad's Bluff. To the right is UWL, my daughter's home for four years.

© Copyright 2010 Audrey Kletscher Helbling