I am not a hero. I work for a non-profit organization where I’ve been for more than ten years and I still many times earn barely enough to survive. I don’t do the work because of personal ambition for greatness or recognition. In fact, I rarely get any recognition at all, but that’s okay with me. I’m more concerned about the lack of quality education the youth in the country receive and even more concerned that they don’t seem to care. I’m distressed that society, government and business don’t inspire children to dream big dreams or encourage them to engage in the pursuit of excellence. However, rather than sit back and lament the end of civilization as my grandfather did, I chose to do something about it.

So I left the comforts of a career in the software industry and started a non-profit organization with those purposes in mind. I don’t seek to be famous or wealthy. Although both would be rather nice to have, that has never been important. The look in a child’s eyes or the letter of appreciation from a parent when their child feels a spark of inspiration is more satisfying than all the fame in the world. But that doesn’t make me a hero. I don’t get invited to chamber of commerce events, although they would welcome my membership dues. Apparently, they do not understand the “non” part of non-profit. I prefer money going to educating kids instead of cocktail schmooze parties where people are people only because they are seen with other people. You won’t see me on television news stories about the work we do, except for an occasional vague mention, because it’s not about me (unlike those in charge of many other organizations). At aerospace industry conferences, if we can afford to send someone to attend, we are not asked to present papers, nor do we submit them. I’m not interested in shameless self-promotion that doesn’t promote the cause or help others.

I am not pursuing this work in order to enrich myself. For the last twelve years, I have gone without food for days at a time, eliminated anything except free recreational activities (sorry Disney), struggled to find cheap rent and then struggled to pay it each month. I have eliminated the cost of a vehicle, and thereby sacrificed the joy of being able to travel to see my own family on a regular basis. The cost of airfare is not an option. I have, in essence, eliminated any personal spending that might take money away from the organization. I consider it to be putting my lack of money where my mouth is. But the sacrifices probably won’t make me famous. When you read of a new public outreach project or partnership from NASA, Space Florida, the KSC Visitor Center or other companies and organizations, you will probably not find the organization where I work. Most likely, we weren’t contacted about it or reached out to for support or contribution. They pretty much ignore us, even when we reach out to them. But, that also is okay since we’re constantly engaged in successful outreach and helping kids directly.

Many of you are probably surprised to learn that there has been an established STEM education and space advocacy organization based in Melbourne for more than a decade already, engaged in a variety of projects and helping inspire youth around the country. You probably don’t realize that we endeavor to help talented individuals who have the drive to find work and better their lives. I have not been worried about that. I understand that if we do good work, in the long run the results will speak for themselves. That’s the “profit” we seek. Now, I am a good old Reagan conservative. That may be surprising to some considering what I’ve just described. It may seem like I’m more liberal than I claim. I assure you that I am not.

I am not satisfied by merely complaining and pronouncing righteous indignation – but doing nothing to solve the problem. I don’t consider it a sincere effort to just pay membership dues to an organization and claim I’m helping the cause. I think it’s hypocritical to claim moral superiority and accuse others of not sacrificing for others if I’m not sacrificing my own personal comfort. I have never joined a cause in order to make me feel better about myself, cleanse my own self-loathing and guilt, or for show around my friends. I won’t pitch a tent and protest signs in a city park and demand other people give me, or anyone else, free stuff. I’m not entitled to anything I haven’t earned, especially not someone else’s property. I prefer staying in my home office actually working to make the world a better place. I call it “Occupy Myself”. In other words, I am not a liberal. In fact, I’m just an average citizen, sacrificing a bit for something I believe in – specifically, the welfare of future generations – and working tirelessly but happily in relative anonymity. And I’m quite proud of it. Actually, I am a hero.