During a convocation Wednesday in Neely Dining Hall, Belmont alumna and past “American Idol” contestant Melinda Doolittle shared with students how her faith and family helped her overcome adversity and pursue her dreams.
Doolittle tells her story in her autobiography “Beyond Me: Finding Your Way to Life’s Next Level.” “It was about Jesus and my mommy at the end of the day,” Doolittle said.
Even through the ups and downs of mainstream stardom, Doolittle’s faith and lifelong principles sustained and guided her. She shared these principles and her experiences to prove that no matter how big the obstacle, individuals can dream big and find both joy and success, especially if they look beyond themselves and invest in others and God.
“If you’re just coming into Belmont or leaving Belmont, really go after what’s in your heart. Don’t give up on the dreams that you have, no matter what kind of work you think it’s going to take,” Doolittle said. “Know your worth. Know the person that you are. Know who God created you to be because He created you to be an overcomer. He created you to be strong. He created you to attack anything in life and succeed at it.”
Doolittle ended her inspirational talk by taking questions from the audience and singing her rendition of Diana Ross’s “Home.”
