Greatness Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us. ~ Wilma Rudolph
From the Guest Editor Fernando Zapata
William Shakespeare said, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” The theme of May’s issue for Kalliope is greatness. Originally I chose the theme to get a variety of interpretations on such a common concept, for the idea of greatness is not objective. Personally, I believe that greatness is within me at all times. Like a potential that needs to be unlocked, greatness is what you make of every situation. Greatness is that moment when you’re running and your conscience is telling you, “stop, just slow down and walk,” but you push through the pain and finish strong. Greatness is the feeling you get when you see everyone at school making fun of a kid for his “gay” haircut, so you approach that kid and befriend him. It’s the feeling you get when he says, “Hey, thanks for being cool,” and you know exactly what he means. Greatness is most obviously recognizable when society at large or your peers notice your efforts. You dribble up the court, look up at the shot clock, and effortlessly drain the winning shot. Greatness. You’re driving home after a long day at work but you stop to help a person who has a flat tire. Greatness. You save animals from certain slaughter or you help their orphans. Greatness. You plant a forest, nurture a child, write a book, or provide solace to someone who is grieving. All these things are acts of greatness.
I truly believe that each and every single person has greatness within. Don’t wait to show it. The world needs your great gifts now.
This is our final issue for Spring 2013.
Kalliope's exploration of Greatness features writing by Fernando Zapata, Kenneth Showers, and Shavawn M. Berry. Editorial contributions were made by Shavawn M. Berry, Fernando Zapata and Kenneth Showers.
Additional editing was done by my Technical Editing class this spring. Contributors to the issue are Sara Anand Anma, Chriselle Asuma-Irion, Sara Calton, Shane Chergofsky, Gregg Freauff, Elyse Hertfelder, Brian Holleran, Michelle Johnson, Maureen “Mo” Reilly, Kenneth Showers, Ceirra Smith, Amanda Stoneman, Rebecca Tappendorf, and Victoria Winters.
This issue explores all facets of greatness. Peace. Altruism. Athletic Greatness. Charity. Giving Back to Society. Planting trees. Saving souls.
We explore the love that Dame Daphne Sheldrick draws on to continue her work with elephants in Kenya orphaned by the Ivory trade. We investigate and profile the courage and sacrifice of people like Harriet Tubman. We search for the small acts of kindness that constitute greatness in our own lives. As you find your way through these pages, think about what you think makes a person truly great. Is it what they achieve? Or is it who they are as they move through the world? Is greatness something that is revealed incrementally, or is it something that can only be seen in hindsight?
No matter what your answer is, I believe that everyone can be great at something. Everyone has gifts to share. Everyone can make a difference.
Enjoy your summer! We'll be back publishing more stories in October of 2013.