"Do Your Job!" This has been the mantra of the New England Patriots during their epic run to four Super Bowl wins since 2001. We've seen how this work ethic and eye for detail manifests itself on the field, and now a group of Fisher College seniors has seen how this comes to play off the field as well.
Six Fisher students were invited by New England Patriots co-captain Matthew Slater to Gillette Stadium as he prepares to give the school's commencement address on May 16th. In order for Slater to deliver an impactful speech to the graduating class, he wanted to learn about their journeys first hand. Slater chatted with members of the graduating class about what drew them to the school and their experience as college students.
"I loved that he wanted to get to know us," said Fisher senior Jennifer Crowe. "Which I think is something that everyone forgets when we are asked to do something for others."
The students also had the rare opportunity to take photos at the media room podium where Coach Bill Belichick and super star quarterback Tom Brady address reporters after each game and out on the Gillette Stadium field itself.
"Gillette Stadium was an awesome experience," said senior Jamal Layne. "It taught me that professional players can be down to earth. On a bigger scale, this is a huge step for Fisher. For big name people to know Fisher not just as a (small college) but more of a special experience is key."
This sentiment is shared by fellow senior Victoria Guay. "He (Slater) enabled us to have the once in a lifetime experience of standing on the field at Gillette Stadium and behind the podium in the press room," Guay recalled. "It was truly one of the best experiences, shared with one of the most humble and genuine person I have had the honor of meeting."
The students had plenty of questions of their own for Matthew Slater as well. "When I asked him about what his take away was from winning the Super Bowl, his answer resonated with me," Jennifer Crowe added. "He (Slater) said that it was the process it took to get there, when everyone can put aside their differences and "do their job" it's amazing what will happen. Having heard that in person I do not think that this is a lesson I will forget from the real world."
Mathew Slater thanked both the students and Fisher College Vice President of Academic Affairs Janet Kuser for selecting him to serve as distinguished speaker for the 111th Commencement Ceremony to be held at the John Hancock Hall in Boston, Massachusetts on the morning of May 16, 2015. Slater will also be presented with an Honorary Degree from Fisher College President Dr. Thomas M. McGovern.
If you had the chance to meet Matthew Slater what would you want to ask him?
Let us know in the comments below.
