Three years ago, I was nominated by two people who considered me an "everyday hero" within my community, where I was one of the 16 individuals honored at a banquet. For those of you who don't know me, I did not save someone's life, I did not rescue someone from burning flames, and I did not fight for our country (even though I tried but was disqualified nine times due to a medical condition). What others saw in me is not what I saw in myself. Since the age of 12, I have always volunteered because this is what I was taught by my parents. My father always put others first (especially his family) and, although he was strong mined and tough in his ways, he was a caring man. (I use the word "was" because he passed away from two types of stage 4 cancer in 2012). As I write this blog, I try to keep my composure but as strong as I am, thinking what he meant and what I learned from him breaks me down. But I digress a little here.
As mentioned in the title of the article, the word, 'Hero,' is defined as: "a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability; a warrior; a person admired for achievements and noble qualities; or one who shows great courage" (Merriam-Webster). It's interesting that Hero, although has many additional definitions, is defined as a mythical figure with great strength or ability as well as one who shows great courage. In many ways, we are heroes in our own ways. My "heroism" was seen through my achievements within my community from raising money for the American Cancer Society, to helping children in the hospital, to focusing on others than myself but also with how and what I teach my students inside and outside of the classroom. But what others saw in me is truly who I am on the inside.
So now I sit here and think about the word, 'hero' thinking if I did something extraordinary that others have not? I really do not think so. But with recent events that happened in my life, I found myself rethinking about leaving the teaching profession for quite a few years now. However, to avoid additional problems, I will not state my reasons why. But when my colleague and "partner-in-crime" encouraged me to attend conferences and workshops on the weekends, during breaks, and throughout the summer, I found that my 'hero' does not have to do something extraordinary for others to see, but does something beyond the norm for others.
Whether we want to change what we do, is the passion somewhere else, or even just a change after years of the same. I was send a quote by George Couros (who I met at the What Great Educators Do Differently conference) to sleep on (however, I was already asleep).
"You will never be criticized by someone who is doing more than you. You will only be criticized by someone doing less."
I leave you with the same quote with one additional piece of information: Why do others condemn us for what we do great? Interesting thought to a possible interesting conversation.
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