Helen Hofelt, SPIA’s Commencement Speaker, Challenges 2020 Graduates to Use Skills to Help Others

Helen Hofelt was selected by the faculty to speak at SPIA’s 2020 Commencement Ceremony on Dec 4, 2020. Helen graduated summa cum laude in the spring with a B.A. in political science and a wealth of professional experience. 

“I learned so much while at NC State, both inside and outside the classroom,” Helen said. “I am eternally grateful for my education which gave me the tools to better evaluate and process new information and develop new ideas.” She noted that there is value to an education beyond the diploma which the ‘think and do’ spirit embodies.

Helen often balanced work and academics during her college career. She worked or interned with four different political campaigns, winning three out of four of them. She was also an active member of the club basketball, volleyball, and beach volleyball teams. After wrapping up her latest campaign in November, Helen is considering several options and looking for a job. “Although I really enjoyed working in politics,” she said, “I have learned I don’t want to make a career of it.” 

This year did not unfold as many seniors imagined when they started college, and Helen addressed the challenges she and her classmates are facing as they move forward. On a personal note, Helen shared that she is taking some time to reevaluate her plans and, for the first time in a long time, really thinking about what she wants to do with the rest of her life. “Here’s the thing — I feel a little lost,” she revealed, “and I know I am not alone. I find myself thinking about the words of Mariame Kaba, one of our times leading abolitionists: ‘Let this radicalize you rather than lead you to despair.’” With that in mind, Helen issued a challenge to all the 2020 graduates. 

“Use your tools for others. We are faced, upon graduation, with some challenges that may seem insurmountable. From climate change, to racial inequality, and all issues foreign and domestic — we must start down a path to begin to tackle them. Choosing to act will always be the best first step. We have a multitude of options available to us and with that, let me again ask you to please think and do for others. And when met with challenges, let them radicalize you rather than lead you to despair.”

We know our graduates are leaving the School of Public and International Affairs with a strong foundation and we cannot wait to see what they will accomplish.