Collegiate Times

Recently I attended the Senior Program for the class of 2010 from Blacksburg High School, and the speaker, Mr. Eric Thomas, a history teacher at BHS, spoke about inspiration.

Drawing upon his discipline, he told stories about a wide range of people he believed were inspirational, among them, in chronological order, were Jesus Christ, Martin Luther, Mary Wollstencraft, Harriet Tubman, Jesse Owens, Mohandus K. Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr.

By focusing on individuals who had, often when facing tremendous odds and powerful enemies, taken stands based on strong convictions, and, in so doing, became catalysts for change, he drew a map of the concept for the audience.

Rather than walk away with only a vague notion about inspiration, everyone heard specific examples of how individuals chose to enact what they espouse. Mr. Thomas hoped that at least one story might offer some clarity as the soon-to-graduate seniors contemplated their future and its many paths.

For me, the stories brought to mind a conversation I had earlier in the day about the many paths of service. I was talking with a colleague in Career Services about how to help students understand and articulate their gifts and determine whether, and if so how, they might use those gifts in service of others.

One method we discussed was offering examples of people who dedicate their lives to service, either as volunteers or as part of their day-to-day work. One such example is Michael Guggenheim, a twelve-year-old with dysgraphia, which is a physical condition that prevents him from writing clearly.

Often people with this condition have difficulty processing sequential/rational information; they may not even, as is the case with Michael, be able to accomplish simple tasks such as tying their shoes.

Michael, however, was fortunate, and he received help for his condition. However, he did not simply stop there and move down a path toward his own success. Instead, when Michael discovered that a laptop was useful in helping him overcome his own physical difficulties, he decided to help others by sharing what he learned. He formed a non-profit: Showing People Learning and Technology.

Now Michael’s energy and enthusiasm helps those in less fortunate socio-economic conditions gain access to technology.

Another example is the story of John Welch, a recent Tech graduate who helped found Teach for Madame in Blacksburg. John’s “inspiration” was his French teacher, Jocelyne M. Couture-Nowak, who was an instructor of French in the department of foreign languages and literature before she was killed in the shooting tragedy of April 16, 2007.

When VT-ENGAGE, a program in the Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships, challenged all members of our community to be part of the 300,000 hours of service, John decided to use his language skills to help primary school children learn French. John believes that his decision is an appropriate way to honor his teacher, use his talents and gifts, and give back to others who do not have the same advantages he has. John’s efforts inspired others, such as Betsy Potter, who began a similar program called Teach for Jamie, to honor Jamie Bishop, a German instructor who was also killed in the shooting tragedy. Both John and Betsy exemplify a principle we in CSECP hold dear — servant leadership.

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A version of this article appeared in the Jun 10 issue of the Collegiate Times.