Smiles stretched across faces and tears rolled down cheeks — but more importantly — voices were heard.
Nearly 200 students gathered in the EMU on Thursday with a common goal during the two-part Dear World event.
Using his unique message-on-skin style, Robert X Fogarty, a University of Oregon alum, helped students spread their personal messages to the world.
He started the Dear World idea with a project called Dear New Orleans, honoring those involved in Hurricane Katrina, and soon the project transformed into a constantly moving event.
“We started to see people writing things that became more personal,” he said, “and that’s how I realized that this could take on a different set of stories using the same method. It is another way to tell great stories and there is no end in sight. I don’t really have an end goal except to keep on telling beautiful stories in this distinct way. I feel really honored.”
As a touching way to wrap-up the event, Fogarty hosted a keynote speech sharing his personal experiences, as well as presenting six unique UO students to share their stories behind their messages.
Guest speakers included Byron Etta, sharing his message “Climb On;” Antonia DeMichiel, “Stop seeing my disability, start seeing my ability;” Jo Niehaus, “Ignorance is fatal;” Win Min, “Terrorism has no religion;” Marita Barger, “Depression does not define me;” and Dante Jordán, ” Self sacrifice.”
“It gives a chance for students to see that we all have unique stories,” DeMichiel said, “but that we are all united because of the fact that we all go to school here together, and it gives us a chance to really get to know each other beyond the surface details.”
The guest speakers, accompanied by their personal portraits, created a moving and inspiring atmosphere for all who attended. It was truly remarkable how little we know about the true identity of our surrounding individuals.
“I have the opportunity to look into the eyes of thousands who’ve shared their hopes and fears,” Fogarty said in his keynote speech, “their losses and regrets with me. I consider each person’s portrait as a gift to the rest of us.”