by John Flórez
SALT LAKE CITY — Years ago, the late Utah State Sen. Pete Suazo and Judge Andy Valdez presented me with the “Eagle Award” after I played a hand in shaping and launching this city’s first Chicano organization.
They were doing so, they said, “even though we haven’t figured out the criteria,” to which I replied, “Thanks, I’m glad I got it before you did.”
I suspect it was not so much for what I accomplished, but rather how I encouraged them and made them feel back when they were aspiring to public service careers. They were young and we were all involved in helping improve our community.
One of the most common and honored awards is, “Teacher of the Year.” It’s an expression of appreciation by those giving the award, done with much thought and work, often by committees — because as a nation we see the value of education. It says more about the givers than the recipients.
Teachers, like great leaders — political, business, religious — are valued for the contribution they make to promote the common good in keeping with the values of our society. Their accomplishments are not always visible; rather they create a culture for the good of the whole.
Teachers plant the seeds and don’t expect to see what they produce right away.
Namely, successful grown-ups who return to thank those dedicated instructors who believed in them, gave them hope, and challenged them. The same holds true for leaders in other fields: employees who improve their companies’ productivity because their bosses inspire and give recognition; religious leaders who instill faith and hope; and elected leaders who bring people together to work for the common good.
All are people who look beyond themselves. They don’t expect to see the fruits of their labor. Their internal compass drives them. It is its own reward. They have a vision of what can be, rather than what is; they challenge the human spirit by offering hope for a better world.
They are driven by principles, not fads, short-term solutions or publicity. They are not discouraged by criticism or their failures. It is the price of growth, they know.
They are transformational individuals who change the tone and direction of an organization or a society.
President Reagan transformed the culture of our country from one of malaise to one of pride, patriotism, and a renewed respect from other nations for these United States of America. That was Reagan’s legacy — giving hope and belief in ourselves, and regaining the respect of other nations.
Now we have a president who received the Nobel Peace Prize for his “… extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”
Unlike some of the Nobel Prizes given for tangible accomplishments, the Peace Prize is given for vision, for starting, furthering a process where the world environment is conducive to discussion and cooperation for settling world disputes, and shoring up human rights.
Those who say President Obama has done nothing to deserve the award see only specific ills that need correcting. They fail to understand the complexity of a society and how it functions.
Striving for a peaceful world is a never-ending task that requires respecting and working with other nations, including those that hold different views.
The award represents how our leader has gained the respect of other nations by creating an atmosphere of cooperation. Rather than complaining, we should be thankful we have a president who is motivating, inspiring, instilling hope and willing to reach out to all nations to work for world peace.
Our country needs us to come together more than ever. Let us join him in that effort. Hispanic Link.
(John Flórez, a contributing columnist with The Deseret News in Salt Lake City and Hispanic Link News Service, has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations, served on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch and on more than 45 state, local and volunteer boards. E-mail: jdflorez@comcast.net) © 2009.
