On Tuesday, Dec. 4, journalist Lisa Ling came to speak at the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts at Sacred Heart University.

Ling's discussion began promptly at 7 p.m. and was filled with background about her own life experiences.

She discussed the obstacles she encountered and the great successes she experienced as a result.

Everyone has to start somewhere and Ling shared her own journey.

This included jobs at channel 1 news (a primarily aired news show for high schools), a co-host on the ABC television daytime talk show, "The View," a correspondent for the National Geographic and her most recent position as a regular contributor on the "Oprah Winfrey show."

At the young age of 34, Ling has covered a vast amount of world events.

These events have contributed to a multitude of accomplishments and experiences that have brought her to where she is today.

Senior Julie Nolan, has been following Ling's career since she was on channel 1 news that aired in Nolan's high school.

"I think she is amazing and I am a huge Oprah fan, so naturally having both Lisa Ling and Oprah in the same place at the same time is great to me," said Nolan.

Displaying her news reporting skills, Ling says "she wanted to prove to audiences that her generation had a little more to say and were capable of understanding and participating in what is going on around the world."

Director of student life, Amy Ricci spoke on behalf of the young generation that Ling mentioned and said she has been a fan since her own high school days.

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"Lisa Ling is so well versed, open and understanding of the world," said Ricci.

We are so lucky to have someone like her as an active voice for our nation to see and hear, she said.

"There has never been a better time to pursue this field," said Ling.

"I strongly encourage young people to travel and experience for themselves first hand what the world is like."

"It is the best education you can give yourself," said Ling who displayed a series of clips of her work as a correspondent for National Geographic.

"I read National Geographic a lot and enjoy it, because I am interested in different cultures," said senior Alyssa DiMaria.

I couldn't wait to hear what Lisa Ling had to say about it, said DiMaria.

Ling's lecture stressed the idea that experiencing the way other parts of the world live first hand, is the most effective form of diplomacy.

"If you treat people like human beings it goes a long way," said Ling.

Junior Matt Jarvis said he was inspired by Ling's basic view of journalistic style and global presentation.

"Lisa Ling's outlook and endeavors are not only moving, but encouraging to both students like myself and young journalists," said Jarvis.

"If you truly want to elevate humanity, then you have to take a stand," Ling said.

Senior Amanda Dematteis said she learned more than she anticipated from the lecture and was pleased with the outcome.

"It's nice to see someone in mainstream America with such an optimistic and idealistic view of what our world can be like," said Dematteis.

Ling closed with a quote from Oprah Winfrey, that she advised the audience to engage.

"Now that you know, you can't pretend that you don't."