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How can you contribute? January 13, 2012

Posted by Chris Garbutt in Student Life.
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As mentioned in an earlier post in our blog, Julia Butterfly-Hill lived in a tree for 738 days and would not come down until she received a guarantee that the 1000-year-old redwood tree would not be cut down.

It got me thinking. Very few of us can claim an accomplishment of this magnitude, and at first glance we might think only a small number can even consider themselves capable of such a feat.

In reading the post, I came away with three things that I think helped her achieve her goals: devotion, a sense of sacrifice, and a supporting cast.

The devotion it takes to get that kind of inspiration and endurance to live for two years high on top of a tree, through the cold of winter and heat of summer, through rain and strong winds, through not-so-infrequent earthquakes in California, is the kind that escalates mountains, crosses oceans, flies to other planets, saves/protects endangered species, lowers tuition fees, prevents talismanic trees from being cut down.

We often hear of leading by example, and to me there is no clearer example than sacrificing two years of your life to save that of another creature. It takes exactly that kind of sacrifice to send a message across loud and clear, to inspire people to follow your cause, to get the attention of people standing in your way.

I do not think anyone can achieve a goal without support from others. Even in an individual sport such as tennis, there are no athletes that succeed without a good coach, trainer, nutritionist, a strong group of friends and family. Support can come in many ways, shapes and forms, but one thing is for sure: a good leader is made so by a supporting cast. Would there be a leader if there was no one to lead?

– Redon Hoxhaj, Communications Assistant, Office of Student Life