“You Are My Hero”

Photo taken at Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY by sjacobs716 (self)

The title is a phrase I heard very recently directed my way by someone I had actually looked up to. Those are words that were never before aimed in my direction, but it was a phrase that was wonderful to hear to say the least.

This was stated by my favorite trainer at a previous job.  Out of various trainers we had during our long, long course, he was by far the greatest.  Having invested more than a decade of his short life into this company, he was at the top of his career.  This male exemplified excellence, was an astronomical teacher and the most inspiring to say the least.  His one story always stood out in my mind…

Our job was to help the needy.  (I have played my part being active within not-for-profit organizations for years now.) But no other trainers portrayed what working for a non-profit actually meant to them.  And sure to some it means little to nothing, but to me, it always had a more substantial meaning.  Through tearful eyes, he told us the brave story of his upbringing.  How his mother struggled so badly to raise their family in the expensive city of NYC that they would eat cat food. And here he stood years later showing how possible it was to reach success, keep your head up and be loved by thousands. As I looked around the room I came to realize that I was most affected by his portrayal.

But our company changed and people started to take notice.  I became fed up and it was a big factor in me moving across country.  I was in constant contact with a large department, most of which was dissatisfied and I could not stand to hear the complaints anymore; it was my time to make a statement.  As a result, I set an example by making a swift withdrawal and making it known I was heading from NY to Las Vegas.

Months later a previous co-worker met with me for lunch in my new state.  The company had been placed in the media in the city for how ugly and greedy the “non-profit” had become. I gained the upmost respect from my fellow co-workers for my guts to move and I have lost track of how many now resigned in less than a year’s time.

Getting back to the inspiring trainer, he contacted me a few months ago saying “You are my hero.” This was because I left the company, dropped everything and started over.  To know I made an impact to such a significant individual made my day.  The most recent update is that he resigned realizing he outgrew the company and the direction they have gone in.  I know he will do great things moving forward because his aura alone sets him apart from the masses.

The best thing you can do in life is return a favor.  Inspire someone who has inspired you, look back and smile.