OLIVIA GORDON, Reveille Radio News Reporter:
Last night, New York Times best-selling author Aron Ralston spoke in the Student Union Theater. Ralston’s memoir, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, was the inspiration for the film “127 Hours.”
Ralston recounted his nearly six days spent trapped in a remote canyon in Utah and what helped him amputate his own arm to free himself and ultimately survive. He also answered questions on the accuracy of the movie.
ARON RALSTON (Speaker and author): “They did an incredible job with the movie…I didn’t cry when I amputated my arm
but I have when I watched that scene. I’ve been involved in the making of the film,
the first email I got from producers was while I was still in the hospital.”
GORDON: Though the book and film have brought more recognition to Ralston’s name, he spends much of his time traveling as a motivational speaker.
RALSTON: “No matter who an audience is, college student or a CEO, sometimes we all need a little pick me up.”
GORDON: The speech was the second event put on  by the Delta Gamma Lectureship Series on Values and Ethics.
Director of Public Relations for Delta Gamma Sabrina Trahan says her sorority chose Ralston as a speaker for a variety of reasons.
SABRINA TRAHAN (Director of Public Relations, Delta Gamma Sorority): “It’s a valuable story and I think it will be interesting to see his perspective rather than the movie…really embodies strength and courage. It’s exciting to have such a renowned speaker at LSU.”
GORDON: Through his speaking engagements, Ralston hopes to spread at least one message.
RALSTON: “I think there is a message about responsibility, I made these choices and now I have to make choices to get out, and that even when were invincible we need to ask for help.”
GORDON: Even with a best-selling book, Academy Award winning movie and highly attended speeches, Ralston does still need help with some things.
RALSTON: “I still have trouble shuffling a deck of cards.”
GORDON: Olivia Gordon, Reveille Radio News.