Who Inspires You?
Presentation Zen asks the question, Who Inspires You? I’ve been lucky enough to have many inspiring people in my life, particularly in these trying times.
My folks inspired me to help others (Mom was a teacher, Dad coached, both always looked out for those in need). I was inspired by the passion, creativity and humor of Mr. Sugarman (algebra) and Mr. Chicoine (calculus) who were a large part of the reason I became a math major in college. Ed Delaney inspired me to coach basketball with his enthusiasm and knowledge.
The staff at the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester has continuously inspired me since age 14. Brian Tremblay inspired me to break out of my shell and take chances, Dennis Stone and Ken Neil to be more fun and crazy with the kids at Camp, and Gary Frost to see that I could make a larger impact on kids as an administrator than doing direct program. Kurt Norris, Ron Hadorn, Mike Joyce, Lisa Bailey, Rick Metters, Rich Barrows and Romero Brown inspired me to have an impact beyond my community, to push boundaries and stretch for excellence. Mario Pena, who founded a conference to help underrepresented teens get to college while he was still a junior at Daniel Webster College, inspires me to help more teens get to college.
Seth Godin inspired me to start this blog. Scott Zoback inspired me to start paying attention to local politics. My brother (and his family), Karen MacDonald, Corey Dantzler, Jenn Aldworth, Judi Kirk and Jesse Edwards inspire me to strive for work/life balance.
My favorite inspirations however, have been the teens and kids that I have had the joy to work with over the years, making it easy to get up every day. Whenever I wonder about all the stress and long hours, a trip downstairs or to one of our outreach sites provides all the inspiration I need to keep going.
What is the theme for all of these inspirational people from many different generations, careers, economic and social classes? Passion, enthusiasm, creativity and purpose.
Who inspires you? Let us know in the comments.
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