Who Is Your Hero?

Do you have a personal hero? Tell us about them. It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Your Everyday Hero: De Ann K.

It is with great honor to nominate Dr. DeAnn K., a Professor of Sociology at The University of Louisiana at Lafayette as an outstanding person. Dr. K. believes in the success of students especially those with disabilities. Her belief is that she will NEVER, EVER give up hope on a student regardless of the grade in her class. Because it is her philosophy that the achievement of the student should be based on hard work, not grades. But, it is her work with the disabled students that makes her very proud.

The discipline of Sociology is a liberal art which requires critical thinking. However; she also teaches "positive thinking" skills which are very valuable to disabled students because it is not just an important skill, it is a life skill. Dr. K. gives these pieces of advice to students to live a better life: Never, ever give up, be consistent, do not "jump ahead" (meaning don't start worrying about what you cannot control), and help your less fortunate students out. To conclude, there is this old saying: "Reap the benefits of your labor" meaning it is important to appreciate the opportunity to work with students.

Story was submitted anonymously