My Heroes

I am teaching a class now called Career Transitions. It is actually a class that helps build self confidence in students. I will write more about the class in another blog, but I use the following videos in the class. I am teaching it for the second time, it has been very rewarding.

I used to think that I did not have heroes. In fact I am not entirely sure "hero" is the correct word. These are three people who inspire me, give me hope, and are models of human courage.

You may have seen the first video as it made the rounds on Facebook. The man's name is Arthur Boorman. As much as I could find out about him came from one of the YouTube comments:

"This guy is a Special Ed teacher & adviser for the Sci-fi & Fantasy Club at my high school. To learn that someone who seems like a pretty normal, laid-back guy overcame such insurmountable obstacles is truly mind-blowing to me. My respect for him has increased beyond comprehension. Mr. Boorman, your story is one of the most inspirational things I've ever heard of. Thank you."

I cry every time that I see this video, and I am almost reluctant to show it, because it is hard to compose myself afterward.

Click here to watch Arthur's story.

Lizzy Velasquez has quite a following these days. You can follow her, correspond with her, become a fan, and read her blog. Again this is another hard hitting video. Probably one of the reasons that it affects me so much is that I was heavily bullied in elementary school, and even into my first year of high school. I still get angry when I see bullying. Also part of the power of Lizzie's talk is the credit that she gives her parents. (Another campaign: Please do not become an accidental parent. It is an awesome responsibility.) Lizzie's story is also one of amazing parenting and the great courage and determination of Lizzie, herself.



Click here to watch Lizzie's Ted Talk


I found Aimee while looking for athletes that embody the qualities that I want to see in my students. By now you must know that I teach (and dean) at a small career college in Northern California. I happen to think that it is one of the best in the United States. Nevertheless we get many students with difficult histories, who are ready to start life anew. They may feel broken inside, under-equipped for the task or just lack confidence, All of these wonderful people help me tell my students that their potential is unlimited, and despite what messages that they have received in the past, they are well equipped to succeed.

I am giving two links, because I love the informality of the first, and it really allows Aimee to tell her story. In the second video Aimee takes head on the issue of "disability". I must also confess that I think that Aimee is incredibly beautiful- certainly on the outside, but on the inside too.



Watch this Ted Talk FIrst


Watch this Ted Talk Second