By President Kathy Matlock
Southeastern Community College
May 6, 2013

"...heroes come in every shape and size; making sacrifices for others in their lives.  No one gives them medals, the world don't know their names.  But in someone's eyes, they're heroes just the same."  I have always loved this song by Paul Overstreet and I thought the chorus was appropriate for today's column.

Like so many Americans, I watched in horror as the smoke rose at the Boston marathon. Yet at the same time I cheered those who ran into the danger to help others. As the mayor of Boston said, "We know our heroes....They're the men and women who wear the helmets, the badges...."  And, I would like to add to this list, the medical personnel--paramedics, nurses and doctors.

Although it received less media attention, as a Texas girl, I must mention the brave people of West, Texas, too. When a fire started at a fertilizer plant, volunteer firefighters raced to the disaster without hesitation buying precious time so that others could escape, many paying the ultimate sacrifice.

These are our everyday heroes. First responders are people who want to serve--strangers helping strangers, neighbors helping neighbors

Through the horror, I felt tremendous pride in these individual acts of heroism. Big cities or small towns, Americans help when needed.

I felt a special pride though because at SCC we teach people who want to be first responders, we train the heroes in our community. Our Health and Human Services Building is the home for EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement, and Nursing Assistants.  Nearby, R-Building is the home for our Registered Nurses, our Practical Nurses and Criminal Justice.

If you want to serve your community; if you want your life to have real meaning; come join our team of everyday heroes. Our professionals can train you for a good job and a meaningful life. For more information, call us today at (910) 642-7141 or visit www.sccnc.edu.