Students looking for inspiration or simply an excuse to listen to some of the rising student leaders and faculty talk about their passions can stop by the Sun Room in the Memorial Union at 8 p.m. Thursday.

“What Matters to Me and Why,” an event organized by the Student Union Board Awareness Committee, is a forum for a variety of students and faculty to share their experiences through various organizations, teams and activities that helped shape who they are today.

Moses Bomett, one of the students asked to speak at the event, is a senior in economics at Iowa State. When Bomett was a freshman at Iowa State, he decided to start an organization, Hope for Africa, Inc., as a way to give back to his homeland.

Bomett lived in Kenya from age 2 until he was 14, and he initially started the club at Valley High School in West Des Moines.

Bomett said that he will be sharing his experiences with the audience Thursday in the hope that even one person listening will be inspired to make a difference.

“I am going to talk about the story of the organization and how far it has come since we started it here almost four years ago,” Bomett said. “The hope is that the students and faculty in attendance will then be inspired to [do] something of their own.”

Bomett also said that many people have the misconception that they must dedicate tons of time or money to a cause to make a difference, but anyone can have an impact with even a modest contribution.

One student-athlete will give a different perspective on her experiences.

Meaghan Nelson, senior in kinesiology and health and an All-American member of the women’s track and field team, will be talking about how important family is to her.

“I have grown to appreciate my family more and have at the same time developed a family away from home in my team here at Iowa State,” Nelson said. “I have realized that what is most important is not necessarily all about doing well but how you go about things and how you treat the people in your life.”

Nelson also said that through the years, she has changed her mindset from one of rushing through school and being independent to now appreciating everyone in her life that has helped make her who she is today.

Michael Bugeja, director of the Greenlee School of Journalism, was chosen to speak as a faculty member. Bugeja would not divulge what he would be speaking about.

“You’ll have to attend the presentation to find out what matters most to me,” he said. But, he did say that this event is a “great service to the student body.”

Bugeja also said that the main idea behind the event is all about bringing people closer.

“I think this event not only is positive but also one of unity,” Bugeja said. “Bringing together speakers from all walks of life, literally, and showcasing valuable truths that will inspire us all.”

Bugeja said he was “immensely impressed” with the planning of the event.

The event will be facilitated by Briana Haguewood, awareness director of the Student Union Board.