Monday: Presidential Lecture with Sam Donaldson
As I scan the room, I realize that this is larger than life. The room, the Hall of Flags in the US Chamber of Commerce, in its imperial design commands the atmosphere of a mixture between a ballroom and a, well, a great hall. Magnificent chandeliers illuminate stone walls and an engraved ceiling that records history on its surface.

Let me set the stage. Bright lights border Sam Donaldson but he demands to break out beyond any man-made frame. Students stream in a great line behind a single microphone, and it all looks too proper. I’ve seen this stage before, I think. But before, it was on CNN or some newscast. Before, Sam Donaldson entered my world through a small 18 inch window. Today, I am the alien. I am inside this strange, glamorous, larger-than-life world and I realize that the questions being asked are made by my peers.

Greatness, defined.
I’ve always held the attitude that I am in no position to approach greatness. To come in touch with someone who has accomplished so much, seen and experienced history, I also come in touch with his humanity. And this means something, because it means that I, being a fellow member of the human race, am also capable of such greatness. I hesitate as the thought begins to even form at the tips of my pen…

What defines this invisible wall that separates the mediocre from the great? I imagine achieving greatness is like breaking the super sonic barrier. Most people train all their lives to take flight, taking classes on flying and even go on field trips where they could sit in the cockpit watching over the shoulder of an esteemed pilot. But in the end, they only glide on the natural wind currents that circulate the earth’s circumference. It is a reactive stance on life. Still others choose to abstain from flying altogether. They would rather squint their eyes looking upwards from below, content to merely point at an object in the horizon. Once you reach that plateau you’re on the rollercoaster and join in on the great dance. But how do you join? It seems to me that it is a great journey, filled with travails and so many opportunities to hit the eject button to the theme park.

But let’s get some different perspectives on the issue:
“It’s finding the satisfaction you never expected.”
– Gillian Lindsay

“Greatness is achievement and confidence, you’re no longer held back by the fear of failure.”
– Gustavo Velis, translated by Andrea Wong

“Stepping aside from yourself, aside from promoting your own well-being and you help someone else.”
– Tuyen Nguyen

My conclusion is that greatness means something slightly different to everyone. Everyone puts their own spin on it; and it’s that very originality that promises each human being to make their own mark in this world. They will leave it changed, having flown the skies.

Start up the engines!