Approximately 400 students, faculty and Starkville residents left The Colvard Union Ballroom Wednesday evening touched by the message of Holocaust survivor and keynote speaker Edith Eva Eger.
Hosted by the Campus Activities Board and a slew of other sponsors, Eger visited Mississippi State to share her story of triumph and success. She was held captive in the Auschwitz death camp in Nazi Germany for 15 months and was liberated in Austria in 1945.
Today she is a praised clinical psychologist and inspirational speaker. She has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show as well as several other venues worldwide. Throughout her life she has dedicated herself to helping others push past their own tragedies and realize that the greatest happiness comes from within.
“The biggest concentration camp is in your own mind and the key to get out is in your pocket,” Eger said. “Everything can be taken away from you except the freedom to choose your own attitude.”
According to Eger, one must learn to “find from within when nothing comes from without.” During her speech she went on to explain to the audience that all too often we focus on the past and the future when surviving in the present is all that really matters.
“Students probably spend about 10 minutes actually in class, the rest of the time is spent thinking about what they might do that evening,” Eger said. “There was none of that in Auschwitz.”
Eger said when she is asked to speak at a function she has no predetermined message.
“People don’t come to see me, they are sent to me. I don’t write my speeches, I just let God work through me and whatever comes out comes out,” said Eger.
Eger said that when she tells the story of the time she spent struggling in Auschwitz, she is not looking for sympathy. She said she prefers empathy instead.
“I feel very blessed to be celebrating life. I believe that whatever happens is for the greatest good,” Eger said.
At the end of Eger’s speech Wednesday evening, the crowd praised her wisdom with a standing ovation. As many of the attendants lined up to hug and shake hands with this psychologist, it was clear to see that many people were blessed by her message.
“[Eger] was inspiring. She makes you feel like you really can do anything you want to,” said senior English major Shoshana Brackett.
CAB’s Speaker’s Forum division head Cori Wilkinson said the event was a complete success.
“We were very proud of the turnout and I think that everyone enjoyed it, ” Wilkinson said.
Eger was also very impressed with the turnout of the event.
“I am glad that so many people showed up,” said Eger. “That’s what life is about: showing up.”