The Silent Heroes: finding the hero within

Finding your inner hero is the secret to becoming a better person.

Although most of us seek inspiration through the examples of others, our ultimate task is to become our own role models.

In this column, I have put into perspective the life struggles of Citrus College educators who have found their own voice. Now they use those voices to help guide students toward our life and career goals.

As students, we often undermine our own abilities. We corner ourselves, hide in the back of the classroom and limit our creativity.

But life is about learning, living and achieving all at the same time.

Incorporating a disciplined work ethic, taking risks, and going the extra 10,000 miles to achieve a goal will help you build character.

As Campus Safety Supervisor Tony Giannone put it: "If you want something really special, and you want it really bad, you have to go out and earn it."

We are all flawed human beings. We all struggle. But instead of giving up on our dreams, we should use adversity as motivation to aim even higher.

Professor of history Brian Waddington shared that a personal loss impacted him in a way that made him appreciate life.

Waddington said: "When a death of a friend happens relatively early in your life, I think at that point you say,

‘I'm lucky. I'm fortunate, and I'm going to appreciate that, and I'm going to take advantage of life!'"

Making the right decisions means choosing the path toward personal growth and helping others.

Following one's passion makes for an enriching life.

Kenneth Guttman, professor of psychology, introduced that concept to me.  He turned down a research position at the University of Washington to pursue a career in teaching because he said he felt he could impact many more lives that way.

Being proud of your culture, your parents and who you are is the most important factor of all because if you deny your roots, you cannot move forward.

Physics professor Lucia Riderer, a Romania native who grew up in an impoverished communist country, walked through the door of education instead of resigning herself to the general work force.

Having been shaped by a different culture in a different country, she moved to California in 2002, but she remains proud of how far she has come.

"When I go to a good restaurant and when I buy nice clothes, I always remember that I worked hard for it and that I was lucky to get this," Riderer said.

One must carry on honestly, staying true to yourself, even if others do not accept your lifestyle choice.

Anna Villeneuve, professor of English, has done so by being an open lesbian who is married and  raising three children.

"We really receive nothing but positive feedback from our community," Villeneuve said. "I think it is because we live our lives without apology and open because we project nothing wrong."

The most important lesson students can learn is to think creatively, be innovative and to execute those ideas through dedication.

Cherie Brown, director of the theater arts department since coming to Citrus in 1998, has implemented courses in stage and screenwriting, script analysis and acting for the camera.

The recent production of "Emerging American Voices," which featured works by five student screenwriters, as well as history professor Bruce Solheim's play, "The Bronze Star," provided an opportunity for more than 60 student actors and 25 student technicians to learn by doing.

As students, we can all innovate within our homes, communities and country, and especially through our own thoughts.

Become the hero within, and help show the way for the younger generations to come.