Second-quarter visiting editors on graduation, dichotomy, health

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Editor's note: Our second-quarter visiting editors share thoughts on topics of their choice.

Susanna Mendieta Beasley

When my husband requested that I attend two graduation ceremonies with him last month, I dutifully agreed even though I had lot of work to do. I remembered my own ceremonies; they were nice but not a cause for tears.

We attended the Downey High ceremony of my husband's niece -- along with the normal large gathering of friends and family there to witness a milestone in their young person's career.

There were the requisite songs and speeches. However, one speech stood apart, the "Behind the Scenes" speech given by a young man who eloquently and bravely told of how he and his brother faced numerous difficulties in high school that could have caused them to take less honorable paths.

Fortunately, they encountered kind adults who helped them and their mother with the basics of the life and provided them with examples of caring adults. Both brothers became active in school, and both were graduating that night.

This young man was honored with a standing ovation, and I, too, stood with dewy eyes.

A week later, I attended the Shiloh School eighth grade graduation where my husband was presenting a special recognition.

The ceremony included the 13 graduates giving flowers to their parents in genuine appreciation of their guidance and support. Most of the grads returned to their seats with red eyes, and I could not stop my own tears as I remembered the sacrifices of my own parents.

It seems I discovered another importance to these ceremonies. They triggered in this dry-eyed careerist a newly found appreciation for the love and sacrifices of caring people made on her behalf. I am the better for having attended.

Desi Reno

Dichotomy is a word used to describe contradictory efforts. It also is the yin and the yang of our actions.

As we think of familiar dichotomous experiences, it should be no surprise that many efforts, while successful, produce results that are less than significant.

Energy, tobacco, alcohol, water and garbage companies all are viewed as successful in terms of profits and ingenuity. But the results, such as conserving power, keeping cigarettes and beer away from our kids, reducing water consumption and recycling our waste streams fall short of being significant.

It's like the movie "Groundhog Day," in which Bill Murray's character perfects all the details of the day -- that is, the successes -- but fails to understand the true essence and meaning -- that is, the significance -- of the day. How many times does it take to finally get it right?

Because of our inability to self-govern, our need for checks and balances and our moms and dads drilling into us the art of humility, we have evidence enough of our basic self-centered nature.

If we're not willing to change our self- focus, we'll tend to fail in significant action. After all, if we're centered on ourselves, how can we see the significance in addressing the needs of the many others?

If you're a leader and have the responsibility for the greater good, don't get lost on the wrong side of the dichotomy of success versus significance.

Carolyn J. Stefanco

Esteve doente com os sintomos da gripe? (Have you had any flu symptoms?) Contatou com docentes com gripe A (H1N1) nos últimos 7 dias? (Have you been in contact with people with influenza A (H1N1) in the last 7 days?)

Despite being asked to provide written answers to these questions as our plane prepared to land on Terceira Island, Azores, I was surprised to see the gate officials wearing surgical masks. As we entered the terminal, nurses covered from head to toe took our temperatures; a normal reading was required to proceed to passport control.

It is quite obvious that efforts are being taken around the world to prevent the spread of the flu, with the examination of those traveling from the United States and Mexico taken most seriously.

Yet, California, with its porous borders and large, multi-ethnic population, continues to make plans to reduce social services -- including health care. More than access to state parks and raises for legislators, however, Californians need the means to ensure the physical well-being of our population. The world, literally, depends on it.

My Portuguese companions on the flight from Oakland clapped as we touched down in the Azores. Only a brief questionnaire and check-up separated them from the enthusiastic embraces of family members.

Their ability to travel home reminds us of the critical role that California plays in world health issues. Let's keep this in mind as we struggle to solve our state's budgetary woes.