Heroism

Alice Lloyd and June Buchanan epitomized heroism. Both traveled through, and succeeded in their own personal journeys, while contributing their leadership and followership skills to the journeys of those around them. They both showed tremendous courage, and they both conveyed a willingness to follow, which I believe is a vital part leadership. Alice Lloyd and June Buchanan both portrayed all seven of the elements of a heroic journey, as found in the handout, "The Hero's Journey: A New Leadership Model."

Alice and June took full responsibility for their journeys. They did not wait for what others wanted them to do. Instead of "following the pack," they both acted on their beliefs and convictions. This proves that they were both "authors" of their own journey. Alice and June both had a passion for the education of the Appalachian people, and they both acted on it, regardless of what everyone else was doing.

Neither of them had a problem going into the unknown. They both knew, roughly, what to expect when they reached the mountain people of Appalachia Ð'- small, underdeveloped communities who were technologically and educationally inferior to those they were familiar with. Even knowing that they would be braving situations and environments that they were not used to, they pushed onward, paving the way for many more leaders and heroes in the future.

There were many risks that the two ladies encountered during their attempts to educate the people of southeastern Kentucky. They were unwanted by many of the local people, and at times were even physically threatened. Even the journey to and through the Appalachian Mountains was a risk. Socially, they risked everything they had achieved in their home towns. Many people could frown upon them for leaving home in order to educate a people they had never met. These were risks, however, that both women felt they were willing to take in order to complete their heroic journey.

The challenges the two women faced were, in deed, on many different levels. They faced the physical challenge of actually reaching the Appalachian region. They faced the intellectual challenge of effectively communicating with, and educating the mountain people. They faced the emotional challenges that come with leaving your home and family behind, and they faced many spiritual challenges as well. In each case, however, both women were able to hold fast to what they believed, and they succeeded through these challenges.

When I think about the phrase, "Heroes don't go alone," I think of the many people Alice Lloyd and June Buchanan convinced to help and aid in the creation of Alice Lloyd College. Of course one could argue that neither of them "traveled" alone, and therefore, didn't attempt their heroic journey alone, but to me, it goes much deeper than that. Alice Lloyd and June Buchanan, through effective leadership and heroic actions, inspired many to contribute funds in the aid of building, and up-keeping, Alice Lloyd College. All of the many letters that started, "Dear Wonderful Friend," are proof that Alice and June