Giving but Never Taking

Hero #8: Narayanan Krishnan; Charity Chef
"What is the purpose in life?" A very frequently asked question we hear today. Narayanan Krishnan believes the ultimate purpose of life is to give, give, and give. The food we produce on Earth combined is enough to feed everyone on the planet, yet over half of the world's population is starving or suffering from malnutrition. This individual saw this from first-hand experience and this is his story.

( Video 6. Feeding the Hungry, Nourishing the Soul )

"WHAT AM I DOING WITH MY LIFE?!" was the first question that popped into my head after watching this video. This man has given so much to the people of his home-town. From 2002 till now, He quit his job as a hotel chef to feed the homeless, mentally ill destitute, and the old people who have been left uncared in the society.

Not only does he feed them, he cares for these people. Krishnan takes his time to shave them, give them haircuts, and bathes them. His mentality is to give them love, treat them like what they want to be treated like, human beings. It is very important to give them the psychological love they require, almost as much as food. "Food is one part. Love is another part. So, the food will give them physical nutrition. The love and affection which you show, will give them mental nutrition." 

I know this isn't a career choice, but this man's actions just had to be shared. We grow up with this mentality to work extremely hard in school, impress some prestige college, and after all that, we will find a stable job to fit society's standards/quota. What then? Does this define us as people? I do not believe your academic success defines you as a person, rather, it's the amount of compassion, dedication, and selflessness you have for something. Narayanan Krishnan found passion in aiding people and nurturing them, and to me, is pretty damn inspirational.     

Cracking the Glass Ceiling

Hero #7: Larry Barton, Red Cross member
In today's society, sexism is still a part of the community we live in. Women are downgraded on magazines, television, and other media. Recently, in my AP language class, we discussed of the illusion of the "glass ceiling"; leaving women to believe they can go beyond the box they are currently imprisoned in, when in actuality they are still trapped with no way out. Controversy over rape trials are a very popular topic and the protests are very frequent. How does this relate to today's post? Well, a man named Larry Barton protests against the injustice of women's discrimination every year. He does this in a more unique way than most would. Take a look.

(Video 5. Larry Barton's Protest) 

A very likable man, Larry is a semi retired lawyer who participates in the protest event, "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes." This even supports and helps people who are victims to domestic violence of any kind. It's not easy finding men to walk around town in heels but Larry is the first one to sign up ever year. He understands it's for a great purpose and he strives to make it one. They say this is a ways of "making up for the injustices men do to women."

"I guess the primary reason I volunteer is that I'm...I believe very strongly in compassion. Compassion for others. That is one of my passions. Is compassion for others. I think it's important also in our society that we have social justice and by trying to help people. At many times it's just one on one. We can't solve all the problems in the world but if we can help that one person, it could make a big difference"

This inspires me to join Red Cross. People like this are just trying to make the world a better place. I want to feel like I'm making up for the injustices of the world and not causing them. We all have a certain skill that we're good at and he has encouraged me to do the things he has. I would call him a perfect roll model and deserves the title of a lifetime hero.

You're Gunna Go Far Kid

Hero #6: Autistic Basketball Player; Jason McElwain

This post is going to cover an autistic boy, underestimated for years, who scored six 3-pointers. His newly discovered athleticism went viral and has inspired a large amount of people. In Greece Athena high school, he was loved and respected beforehand however, no one expected him to be able to accomplish this record-breaking achievement. These days, he is the celebrity of his school and Jason smiles much more often  now and he even did a Gatorade commercial. He just caught fire while playing the game he loves and he's "hotter than a pistol."

(Video 4. Autistic Basketball Player, Jason McElwain)

A psychological career and education can help kids like Jason unlock their true potential. Jason might be what is called a savant. Savants are people who excel in one skill however aren't very strong in all the other skills. Currently I'm taking  psychology course which focuses on the study of human behavior. Many career paths that require psychology include: environmental psychologists, school psychologists, forensic psychologist  and the list just goes on from there.

On another note: This post is really short and I apologize. There just isn't much more to say and for anyone who was contemplating on taking a psychology class. I strongly recommend it. 10/10. Would do it again if I could.

A Teacher's Sacrafice

Hero #5: Tribute to Victoria Soto & Becoming a Teacher 

Today, I'll be posting about the possible career path as a teacher. Teachers don't only grade papers all night, they also are the people that mold students minds and thus affect the minds of the next generation of mature adults. There are bad teachers and there are good teachers, however the teacher is the one who has the experience therefore students can't judge them until their teachings come in handy or not. Teachers know best. Most students, including me, are lost and need someone to guide them into a correct career path that is both enjoyable and suitable. Sounds pretty hard right? Yeah it probably is. Especially noting the factor that most teachers have around 70-90 students a school year. And here's the mini-cherry on top of the normal cherry on top of the sundae that is a teacher's life. They are expected to be a role model for the student body throughout their entire career. Pretty difficult job but, I personally think a career as a teaching is a great choice because you have the chance to pass on the experience you know most to those that are inexperienced.  That's basically the definition of a teacher is it not? The government should actually PAY teachers. It's as if they're the backbone of our community and should be respected as such.

On to the next topic of discussion, a recent tragic event occurred in Connecticut. This infamous event was possibly one of the worst shootings in American history and it all happened in Sandy Hook Elementary. Although we witnessed the horrific evil potential of an Adam Lanza, Victoria Soto restores hope in humanity. Victoria, age 27, was killed while successfully protecting her first grade class. As she hid her students in closets and cabinets, the courageous teacher was murdered. She died a hero and her name should be remembered, recognized, appreciated. This teacher had a strong relationships with her students and literally would give her life for them. I'm not saying all teachers would do the same but I'm sure most would. Victoria is a hero, maybe the greatest one on this page. When I read about her, I realized she was exactly what I was hoping to capture on this blog. This is my tribute to the Sandy Hook teacher Victoria Soto.

(Figure 3. Victoria Soto tribute)

Heroes Near You

Heroes #4: Firefighters; Detroit Station 

As a kid, I watched a lot of cartoons and TV shows that consisted of heroes and villains. My all time favorite however, was Power Rangers. If you aren't familiar with these colorful spandex wearing heroes, they go around fighting crime while risking their own lives...kinda sorta maybe. That's when I thought to himself. Is there really a career that could be like that? Becoming a hero that saves lives for the love of peace and people? I have been posting about heroes that are significant to the world, however, today I'll be dedicating this post to local heroes that each community should deeply appreciate. Firefighters.

(Video 3. The Daily Life of a Detroit Firefighter)

Firefighters risk their lives everyday, not sure if they'll even come home to their family that very day they woke up. Why would you want to be a firefighter you ask? "To save lives. Pay my bills. IT'S FUN" are the reasons the Detroit Firefighters have. The video above talks of the daily life of Detroit Firefighters and mention how the job is extremely difficult but worth the lives saved. Being a firefighter is frustrating, many times the station gets alarms of crisis that aren't even fires and they still prepare for the worst. Especially in Detroit, a city with decreasing population and a community that is scattered with abandoned homes. These people want to watch the community develop into something great, they want to watch it succeed, and most of all, they want the people of the community to feel safe.

(Figure 2. Firefighters administering oxygen to cats rescued from a house fire.) 

Not all things are for glory, money, and appreciation though. There are some cons. To be a hero, many sacrifices must be made. "Leaving my wife behind. Permanently being disabled. Firemen die young." These are local heroes that give it their all to save lives and shut down those that start flames.  Firemen aren't invincible, they are just human beings that try to help. It's easier to not think about how dangerous the task at hand is. We, the people of small OR big communities, ALWAYS take them for granted and don't take enough our time to appreciate their hard work. On the job, there's not telling when you could get out of that burning building alive.

I think this job isn't the best option for me. However it is an option. I really do want to save people and maybe if I tried I could really be passionate about it. Firefighters > Power Rangers

Playing for Change

There has been some confusion about what I want to do as a career and I'm going to be flat out honest. I really don't know and this is a large problem for most teenagers in high school. This blog is about people that make a career out of doing honorable things that benefit others even if it doesn't benefit themselves. Careers such as an inspirational speaker, a charity worker, Red Cross members, or even a volunteer worker at a local soup kitchen for the needy. One reason why we were put on this Earth is to make a difference and help each other right? Well, that's my philosophy. Anyways, back on track to today's hero.

Hero #3: Charity group; Playing for Change

Today I'm talking about a charity that helps street musicians. More specifically an organization called "Playing for Change." Their main objective is to connect the world through music and provide resources for musicians that live in poor communites. For more information and/or ways to participate, visit them at http://playingforchange.com.

(Video 2. Playing For Change. Standby Me cover.)

 First time I watched this video it gave me chills because the music was just so perfect. I can't really describe it but they really put their heart and soul into music. This is just one example of the things Playing for Change does. They toured around the world and compiled this music video that included several different street musicians who played the famous song "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King. Each musician/musical group showed their own unique talents just to spread a message around the world. 

Personally, I see this as an amazing charity mostly because I have done my fair share of music in my years. Hours and hours of piano and saxophone each day for eight years. These people with such amazing talent spread their music, and you can literally hear how passionate they are. These days, music artists like Justin Bieber or LMFAO bathe in money with their catchy auto-tuned crap. Yet these people are out there, with so much potential and passion, just barely surviving on spare change that people oh so "generously" give. Let that sink in for a little bit. I believe this charity has definitely won my up-most respect for identifying the true artists of this world and helping them when in need.

No Arms No Legs No Worries

Hero #2: Nick Vujicic 

(Video 1. No Arms No Legs No Worries)

Here's a prime example of one of my favorite inspirational speakers. Nick, born without arms or legs, is still content with his life and explains this to large audiences to encourage them to find the better qualities of themselves. One of the people he has inspired would be me. I'm not going to lie, I teared up watching this.(tears are manly guise) Sorry. Going back on topic now. He emotionally triggers their feelings on how they view themselves negatively and tells them life is a lot better when you change your perspective. 

Majority of girls these days often think badly of themselves.

Ex.

"omg i'm so fat. wai do i do this to myself"

"ugh. pretty girls can make stupid faces look hot. wai can't i doo dat?"

"I'm ugly. That's why i can't have nice things ):"

Nick just obliterates those thoughts and tells them they're all beautiful and are better than they truly think. Even if he changes their perspective for just a few minutes, he has already reached out to that person. I'm no expert, but from what I hear, girls just want to hear that they're beautiful from time to time. Am I right ladies? 

Inspirational Speaker. This is a career path that seems interesting to me.  Some characteristics I see in Nick reflect me because we're both very optimistic.....well I'm sure he's a little bit more of an extreme optimistic. I have not yet found a passion I want to pursue yet, however, this is probably one of my top choices. Reaching out to people and making a huge difference? I mean, who really wouldn't want that?