When I was a younger man almost all of my heroes were those who carried guns and did "brave" things in war. The few, notable exceptions were astronauts. After I became a combat veteran in 1991, my views changed drastically. There was a shift in my perception of the term "hero."
Heroes became chiefly those who helped others, human or non.
When I started college in Austin, Texas, I became an anthropology major due in large part to the inspiration of Dr. Jane Goodall and her work with wild chimpanzees in Africa.
The depth of her courage, not only to brave the jungles to study primates once believed to be violent brutes but also to do it as a woman with no formal training, just amazed me.
I, too, apsired to study wild animals...someday.
Well, "Life" took ahold of me for a decade or so and launched me into other fine adventures before I would come back to the idea of studying animals again. However, this time it was with my camera and my objective was to share my pictures and stories with as many people as would listen.
A couple of evenings ago I finally got a chance to see Jane Goodall speak at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.
She was eloquent and inspiring as ever and simply a beautiful, graceful soul whose words on conservation and activism touched everyone in attendance. Dr. Jane's small, light frame does no justice to powerful and amazing person that she is.
These days my heroes are mostly people who pour their hearts and souls into saving animals...along with the animals I've seen who cling to survival in spite of great challenges in their path.
I won't regularly assign homework. But here's a task for you. I want you to think about your inspirations and why they are your heroes. Then, go out and share those heroes with others.
Cheers and Peace,
-Rick
Heroes became chiefly those who helped others, human or non.
When I started college in Austin, Texas, I became an anthropology major due in large part to the inspiration of Dr. Jane Goodall and her work with wild chimpanzees in Africa.
The depth of her courage, not only to brave the jungles to study primates once believed to be violent brutes but also to do it as a woman with no formal training, just amazed me.
I, too, apsired to study wild animals...someday.
Well, "Life" took ahold of me for a decade or so and launched me into other fine adventures before I would come back to the idea of studying animals again. However, this time it was with my camera and my objective was to share my pictures and stories with as many people as would listen.
A couple of evenings ago I finally got a chance to see Jane Goodall speak at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.
She was eloquent and inspiring as ever and simply a beautiful, graceful soul whose words on conservation and activism touched everyone in attendance. Dr. Jane's small, light frame does no justice to powerful and amazing person that she is.
These days my heroes are mostly people who pour their hearts and souls into saving animals...along with the animals I've seen who cling to survival in spite of great challenges in their path.
I won't regularly assign homework. But here's a task for you. I want you to think about your inspirations and why they are your heroes. Then, go out and share those heroes with others.
Cheers and Peace,
-Rick
Dr. Jane Goodall, April 19, 2012 at Rollins College.
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