What Does Courage Look Like?

   As a teacher, I always told my students that courage takes more guises than just that of the soldier on the battlefield, and that heroism comes in as many forms as people do. Last night I saw an example of both that I would have taken right into my classroom today if I still stood in front of a blackboard. I always looked for examples of role models to try to offset the likes of B. Spears. (Fill in the "B" blank with Birdbrain, Bimbo, Buffoon, etc.) Rather than thinking this detached-from-reality dullard is someone to look up to, I would want the girls AND the boys to see a role model alternative. I would want them to see Dan Zhang as she conquered adversity at last night's pair skating to take silver at the Olympics.
   At 5'4" and little more than 90 pounds, this 20-year-old athlete seems almost frail. She took a horrendous fall seconds into their performance, and went down in a way that everyone watching thought was the end of their Olympic dream. They didn't know the depth of determination and bravery the slight figure before them was about to reveal. The video clip you can watch here will give you some idea of the incredible powerhouse that is Dan Zhang. She reached deep within herself and drew up stores of indomitable resolve that she cloaked with free-flowing gracefulness, and she and her partner won the hearts of their audience. They completed their routine and skated off the ice to a standing ovation.
   Dan Zhang reaches out for moments in time and carves them into unforgettable portraits of herself, using her mastery of skill and her elegant presence. There is no exhibition of body parts, no gauche leering at the camera with perpetual need for public adulation. Without one off-colour word or strident whining about perceived slights offered by others, Dan Zhang skated her way into the ranks of heroes last night. I really hope there are legions of teachers out there this morning, telling their students all about this apotheosis of courage.