Headlines and History

"History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it."

- Winston Churchill

Earlier this week, it was announced that one of my heroes, Major Dick Winters passed away. I never knew Major Winters, I only know of his heroic story as the leader of Easy Company whose World War II exploits were memorialized in the book and mini-series "Band of Brothers". I am grateful for his service and that of so many others. I suppose I have always felt a connection with Major Winters and other World War II heroes because of a close relationship with my own grandfather who served a "honeymoon to Europe" in 1944. History has been kind to these men because of their commitment to the values preserved in a free society. I have given much thought this week to the influence of my current decisions on my own history.

This week, I had the opportunity to hear former secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice speak at BYU. http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/51045930-78/rice-education-security-condoleezza.html.csp Independent of your political persuasions, Dr. Rice's remarks were profound. Much of the remainder of this post will be based on the thoughts prompted by my notes of her discourse. All quotations are attributed to Dr. Rice.

One of the key points of Dr Rice's address was this statement: "Today's headlines and tomorrow's judgement of history are rarely the same."

This statement has caused me to consider what I must do today to ensure that history's judgement of me is right. Dr. Rice elaborated on the thought that in the United States, the social fabric that binds all Americans together is the promise that anyone can come from anywhere to do anything. We do not share a common religion, nor a common race. However, we do share a common hope in the opportunity that is fostered by freedom. Our nation is one of few who advocates that every man, woman, and child is entitled to make choices in a free state. We hold sacred the "non-negotiable demands of human dignity."

Because of this binding fabric, I too have been blessed with tremendous opportunity. I believe there is a sacred obligation placed upon all of us to first recognize the opportunity that we hold and then, to seek to be excellent in our individual pursuit to fulfill our potential. Like Dr. Rice, I believe that"intellect and faith are not enemies", but stand tall together. I believe in "integrating knowledge of what is, with a belief of what will be."

These opportunities should prompt optimism in each of us. "Optimism eschews aggrievement and entitlement." While our circumstances may be out of our control, however, we are always in control of our response to our circumstances. My experience is that optimism for what the future holds can drive our decisions to make headlines today. My own decision to return to school is based largely on my hope to raise the educational expectations for my children. In this respect, I have been influenced by my own progenitors commitment to learning. My father is a first generation college graduate, the son of a farmer in southeastern Idaho. My mother is a second generation college graduate, the daughter of a World War II hero who found time while in Europe to extend his stay for a course on Shakespeare at Stratford on Avon before returning to earn a bachelors degree.

I see the doors that have been opened for me because of my parents decision to set the bar of pursuing higher education. I now want to raise that level of commitment for my children with the belief that my efforts today will bless them with increased opportunity tomorrow. Along with Dr. Rice, I believe that good times are a product, or the harvesting of good decisions made in very difficult times that have past. I am optimistic that the decisions I am making today will generate continued good times for those influenced by me.