More Davids Than Goliaths: A Political Education

There are three overarching themes in Ford’s autobiography—all three are concepts I need to incorporate into my understanding of life, leadership, and public service. One is the necessity of remembering your upbringing and the people who have had a part in what you have become. Another, and perhaps the most important, is that integrity always prevails. The third, the one that resonates with me most, is the necessity of using criticisms from naysayers to propel you rather than paralyze you (i.e., “never giving up”). There were countless instances in Ford’s life when a person or group told him he could not do something but he had the courage to try it anyway. I am grateful I found this book at a time when I almost considered abandoning my life purposes and goals. Ford’s story, which offers me hope and motivation, can be paraphrased in one quote of inspiration: “You never know when opportunity is going to spring forth. You never know exactly what a given set of circumstances will produce…Often, the moment it seems least likely that something positive will emerge, it does” (106). A month ago, when asked "Who is your hero?” I, a 28-year-old graduate student, sat perplexed and embarrassed that I couldn't answer the question. I now have the answer; Harold Ford, Jr. is my hero.