As a doctoral student in a leadership program, I've been feeling like there is a lot of problems without any solutions. I'm really attempting to find my place and figure out how I want to make the changes I envisioned when I went into the program. Sometimes I feel like "lil ol'" me can't do anything to fix the educational problems that propelled me into this field, and into policy.

Hearts on Fire regrounded me. The small vignettes of each person helped me remember that one person can lead to bigger movements. One person can move things forward. Although I'm focused more on the nitty gritty of policy, several of these stories involved a change in policy to help their organizations take flight. For instance, Vivian Nixon changed the prison system in New York. Her organization influenced policy for the betterment of their community. It just reminded me that real people can get things done.

Even though the author may be well to do, a lot of the visionaries that she profiles are/were not. I'm happy that someone with a good amount of money is sharing things that spark action instead of the status-quo. I hope that others take a look at Hearts on Fire and get inspired to take action, just like I am.

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