The people doing the most in their communities often get the least recognition. Those faithful volunteers that go above and beyond the call of duty, all in the name of creating a better future than what they were given. Maybe its a sense of urgency to do something unconditional for another, only expecting the satisfaction of success from their impact or like Luz Encarnacion, a problem was recognized that could not be ignored.

A Syracuse resident and community activist, Encarnacion, believes one of her greatest accomplishments is identifying the crisis affecting the Latino community. She feels students of Latino descent struggle in particular due to language barriers. As a result, they are less inclined to be engaged and ultimately end up dropping out. The four-year Syracuse graduation rate for Latino males is 27.3 percent compared to 58.1 percent for caucasian males. The rate for Latino girls is 42.7 percent, compared to 56.1 percent for caucasian girls.

“After you recognize the problem, how (are) you going to walk away? You can’t walk away. You have to help them.”

The recipient of a $20,000 Ford Driving the Dreams Through Education grant, Encarnacion has witnessed firsthand, the return on investment. Grades are up amongst majority of her students and she is already working to propel the program and secure another round of funding. Giving up is not an option and Encarnacion is committed to continuing the program regardless if she receives the grant another year or not.

Witnessing history truly has its bittersweet moments. Today, January 21, millions tuned in on the observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday to watch President Barack Obama be sworn into office for the second and final time. While many onlookers reminisced on the past four years, others thought about the past 50 years; an achievement once a dream, now a reality.

“We have always understood that when times change, so must we; that fidelity to our founding principles requires new responses to new challenges; that preserving our individual freedoms ultimately requires collective action,” said President Obama.

“‘Faith in America’s Future,’ the theme for the 57th inaugural ceremonies resonated in the hearts of many Americans today, commemorating the perseverance and unity that has long been a staple of our country, comradery and individuality. The past was linked to the future; challenges made clear upfront, but most important, Obama showed transparency demonstrating political astuteness and forcefulness.

The thrill numerous Americans had four years ago, returned today. A renewed hope and sense of pride swept over this nation, returning promises of a strengthened economy, equality for all and a glimpse of faith in America’s future never before proclaimed.The completion of a first term in our rearview, President Obama has made certain, his second term is about reclaiming ‘Our America’.

“My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment and we will seize it so long as we seize it together.”

– Barack Obama

MaryEllen Tribby, Founder and CEO of Working Moms Only, recently published a revised infographic outlining the character traits separating the successful from unsuccessful. Featured below, the chart has been spreading like a wildfire via social networks, prompting many to evaluate the characteristics, traits and habits that shape and sustain our forward progress. While this chart is not the end all, be all; it provides a realistic comparison tool for those like myself in need of a little self-evaluation, entering the workforce or in need of an indication they are on the right track.

The Success Indicator is an especially good resource for college students and something I wanted to share because as young adults we are still finding ourselves, discovering our purpose and growing to accept the traits that shape our personality and marketability.

As I reflected on 2012 and what I wanted for myself in 2013, I made a list of this chart and highlighted traits I embody on both sides of the spectrum.

As I expected, the good outweighed the bad, but I knew I would need to deal with my four unsuccessful traits as well as the traits in the success column I did not highlight. I started by posing my unsuccessful traits as questions; “Why do I hold grudges?” “Why do I watch TV everyday?” “Why do I talk about people?” and “Why do I fear change?” For me, identifying why I enable these bad traits, will help to eliminate them.

As for the successful traits I had yet to highlight, I was gifted a journal for Christmas (a sign), I have embraced change by accepting there is a reason I moved from sunny California to cold Syracuse; I am learning to forgive others AND forget there transgressions; and, exuding joy is now on my “to-be” list 🙂

I am taking the steps to identify what I need to improve; I urge you to do the same. None of us is perfect but if we recognize our flaws and weak traits, we can work to attain success in all areas of life.