Former Olympian Michelle Kwan speaks on campus

Michelle Kwan, a 32-year-old figure skating Hall of Famer, walked into the Southeast Missouri State University Show Me Center newsroom a little after 6:45 p.m. on March 6 with confidence and poise.

While there was a table and microphone system set up for her in front of the room for a formal press conference, she politely insisted on sitting amongst the reporters and photographers for the chat to be more personal.

Trying not to give away any of the big details about her presentation "Aspiring to Greatness: What it Takes to Win," for the 2012-2013 University Speaker Series, Kwan sat and briefly talked about the long steps and preparation it took to complete her master's degree in international relations, her work traveling as a public diplomacy envoy, her love for the Special Olympics program and serving on the board of directors as well as her recent trips back on the ice.

Michelle Kwan speaks to press on March 6 in the Show Me Center. Photo by Colby Powell

"Going to school and finishing my undergrad was a victory because it took me so long," Kwan said. "It was difficult because I was training and I was competing and traveling, so I was only able to finish a class here and a class there. It took about 10 years. I would always say I was on the 10-year plan."

When asked if she still skated Kwan explained she did not skate on a daily or weekly basis, but she does get on the ice every once in awhile. Her last performance was last month in Korea. She was there for the World Games for the Special Olympics and was asked to skate.

Kwan said she loves the Special Olympics and the organization so much that she could not say no.

"When I do get on the ice, though, it's not the same feeling," Kwan said. "I'm not doing the triple-triple combinations or the triple jumps; no triple Salchows for me."

Kwan also got married this year and dove in with no hesitation when it came to talking about her husband, Clay Pell.

"He can't skate at all," Kwan said. "I always kid with him because growing up we had such opposite childhoods. He loves reading, which I do too, his wealth of knowledge is opposite I guess because he didn't really push himself sports-wise. Unfortunately he hasn't seen me actually skate or perform, so it's a big part of my life that he hasn't been involved with, which is interesting."

Kwan wrapped up the interview with a couple pictures and polite goodbyes and then proceeded to go backstage to prepare for her presentation.

Three hundred fifteen fans filed into the Show Me Center, and young girls with notepads and pens sat in the first couple rows of seats to await any advice from Kwan. Residents of the community, students and even the Southeast pole vault team came to hear the presentation.

After Kwan was introduced by Student Government Association Vice President Greg Felock, a small clip started describing Kwan's skating and professional background, and then she entered the stage and was met with applause.

According to Kwan, when she travels the country and gives her presentation people always seem to ask her what the key of success is. Kwan simply explained that she does not know what the key to success is but the closest thing to it is preparation.

Kwan said the best achievements are not always victories. It is matching a version of yourself. It is when you give it your best -- all your heart and soul and hold nothing back.

Kwan also described how she started to have the dream of skating professionally when she was only 5 years old, watching her brother Ron play hockey.

"The first thing they teach you is how to fall, and I fell a lot," Kwan said. "But it also teaches you how to recover. Don't be afraid to fall."

According to Kwan, throughout her skating years she thought of herself as being selfish. She had all these people helping her like coaches, trainers and family. Now she tries to approach life differently by helping others.

Kwan said it was difficult to be a student-athlete and have the responsibilities of your workload and your athletic training.

"Even while we pursue our goals, we shouldn't put off life," Kwan said.

Kwan ended her presentation with a short question-and-answer session while a line of fans waited to take pictures with her.

"I was expecting exactly what she gave, which was inspiration," Southeast student Erin Wriedt said. "It kind of helped how she talked about focusing on one certain thing at a time. I feel like with midterms coming up it really helps that she said that."