National Portrait Gallery
Amanda Raymond
Please respond to one of the following questions by close of business (cob) Tuesday.
1.) Now that you have explored the exhibition and found your "hero" or "role model" among the successful Americans showcased at the museum. What do you believe to be their best achievements. Think what is the most appealing quality of this person? How do you think they were able to reach their goals? Do you have similar long term goals? How can these examples help you to achieve your goals?
or
2.) Effective communication, creativity and right timing are among the essential skills for business success. Analyze the artwork and select two or three examples where the author was able to capture a powerful moment, or emphasize a particular feature that helped you see this person in his/her best. What was that element that grasped your attention and why? How can you use this finding in your future career? What would you do differently?
Andrew Stumbo
Lizz Carter
her before, but the short background next to her portrait got me to
look her up. She is a very vocal activist for various causes,
especially environmentalism, which is something that I'm particularly
interested in. She is also an economic consultant, and she is
president of a "green" economic consulting firm. And she also has a
radio show, which she has won a Peabody Award for. I think her most
appealing quality is also what helped her reach her goals, and that is
her outspokenness about every issue she cares about. Obviously this
makes her a controversial person, and many people dislike her, either
for her beliefs or for the way she stands for them (for example, she
was a torch-bearer in the 2008 Olympics, and she held a small Tibetan
flag during her leg, in order to protest the Chinese policies towards
Tibet, causing her to be pulled out of the relay).
My goals are actually quite similar to hers. I would very much like to
have even half the impact she has had in environmentalism. And running
my own environmental economic consulting firm, though the thought had
never actually occurred to me before, would sort of be my idealized
career. I may not be as vocal as she is, but she has such drive and
determination to get things done, rather than just wish they were
different, that I certainly do admire her and will strive to emulate
her in that respect.
solange rubio
Visiting the National Portrait Gallery was inspirational. Many of the
portraits are of individuals gone unrecognized in mainstream American
history. The narratives of the new faces were the most impactful
because they taught me about new triumphs and tribulations. The
individual that stood out to me the most was Ira Aldridge, an African
American actor in the 19th century. Even as one of the greatest actors
of his time, racism hampered Aldridge’s dreams of becoming an actor in
America. Nevertheless, Aldridge pursued his dreams in England where he
took part in many leading roles despite his race. His talent was so
immense that a Russian critic praised his role as Othello, a role
Aldridge invested his heart and talent into realizing. I respect
Aldridge for not taking ‘no’ for an answer and for having the courage
to follow wherever his dreams took him. We all find ourselves dreaming
of our goals and aspirations, but when we want to realize those
visions we find ourselves fearful of failure and the unknown,
especially when it feels as if we have the whole world against us. I
make a daily effort to become fearless in order to pursue all that I
invasion for myself since the only way towards my destination is by
taking the steps in that unfamiliar and scary road. I also admire the
passion Aldridge had for his work as an actor. This is the same
passion Michael Smith, the President of The Washington Center
illustrated about Steve Jobs and his work. Being able to invest
yourself fully in your passion, and making your passion your work, is
an incredible creed to follow. In doing so, you won’t ever have to
measure your success in money or by the title you hold, instead you
will always feel satisfied in the fact that you fully devoted yourself
into something you believe in; and in the end, success is bound to
come whenever you invest yourself in whatever your passion.
Chris Layton
Among the portraits of successful Americans showcased in the museum I
found a portrait of Bill Gates whom I find to be a great role model. I
believe Bill Gates’ best achievement was founding Microsoft and
turning it into the company it is today. The most appealing quality
Bill Gates has is his determination and drive. Bill Gates was able to
reach his goals because he was motivated and knew what he wanted to
do. He dropped out of college so he would have more time to devote to
his software company and it worked out for him. He knew what he wanted
to do and he went for it. I think Bill Gates and I have similar long
term goals, which involve being successful. I think one thing I
learned from Bill Gates and other successful people is that if you
feel passionate about something pursue it. Do not let once and a life
time opportunities pass you by. It isn’t necessary always a matter of
what you do, but when you do it. In order to reach my long term goals
I will have to follow my instincts, remain motivated, and make sure I
take advantage of opportunities available to me just like Bill Gates
did.
Andrew Petersen
Question 1:
Neil Armstrong,
It is easy to say Neil Armstrong’s most recognized achievement was being the first man to set foot on the moon. His long track record of experience in research test flying and as a pilot with the US Navy made him the ideal candidate for America's first lunar mission.
Since age 20, Neil showed a very strong desire for trying new things and excelling in them. Armstrong recorded over 120 hours of flight time as a US pilot in the 51st Fighter Squadron during the Korean War. In 1955, he would then go on to serve as an experimental test pilot for a laboratory in Ohio. After surviving several close calls while in the air during combat and in the experimental industry, Armstrong’s love for flying never deterred. It is this kind of commitment to keep growing and not adhering to the limitations that society had set for Neil that I find truly inspiring.
What I found most appealing about Neil was his courage in continuing to push himself in the aviation field when flying at that time was far from what it is today. I believe that this was the deciding factor in Armstrong’s later on successes. Although it is unlikely that Neil had ever planned on becoming an astronaut, it was being so devoted to something he loved that got him there. Similarly, I don’t yet know what exact career is right for me at this point but by pushing myself in the areas that interest me, I believe success will undoubtedly follow as it did for Neil Armstrong.
lian-yao Wang
lots of contribution to help the world. I am very impressed by George
Washington Carver. He is one of the most famous agricultural
scientists in US and his best contribution is in the research of
peanuts. Carver not only does their own research on peanuts but also
taught poor Southern African American farmers how to use them and
create wealth. His famous well-known saying is "Start where you are,
use what you have, make something of it, and never be satisfied.”
First time when I saw this, I was a little bite confused. Because
everybody says that you should be satisfied on what you have and don't
have greed. Finally I just understand that if we are satisfied on
everything, there will have no more progress. So I think we must be
satisfied and grateful for the things we possess. But we should try to
make something do much better and help people who are too poor to
learn or to live. Lots of people in the world need help. If we have
ability, don’t hesitate to give an assist.
Hyun Soo Kim
showcased at the National Portrait Gallery, I found that Abraham
Lincoln's portrait made appeal to me. Although I have heard of his
name since a long time ago, I have never thought about his
achievements and influence on United States. President, Abraham
Lincoln is well-known as not only the 16th president of United States,
but also 'the president for the people' in all around the world. His
most impressive and outstanding accomplishments are the emancipation
of slaves, winning the Civil War and independence of United States of
America. He led the North American side to protect the federate of
America itself and this was the big influence for building the essence
of democracy. I think that Abraham Lincolns most appealing quality is
driving force and distinctive leadership. He was a person who is
highly motivated and always led others to take some actions against
wrong convention. These characteristics enable him to get a lot of
recognition from all over the world, in spite of the fact that he
already passed away over hundred years ago. These examples and
positive impacts can be big help to me to achieve my goal which is to
be an entrepreneur. His distinctive leadership and determination
exactly correspond to the requirement of successful entrepreneur and
will be the guideline to prepare some specific action plans for my
future.
Xiao Mo Xu
It was a great experience of visiting the National Portrait Gallery.
The portrait of Colin Powell was stood out to me. He was the first
African American who became the Secretary of States, had the highest
rank, also was a retired four-star general in the United States Army.
I began to know Colin Powell originally from his biography and was
deeply impressed by his life. In the Chinese version of the biography,
Powell wrote to Chinese readers: "I am convinced that it is the same
aspiration of people from all around the world which change their
destiny through hard work and resolute determination. He was lack of
goals during his younger age and couldn't be sustained to do anything
until he joined Reserve Officers Training, in which he finally
realized what interested him most - the army. Since then, he was
dedicated to pursue the career he most desired, and ultimately created
a legendary life. I think the most appealing quality of Colin Powell
is his dedication towards his career. People have their own dreams
about lives and careers, but not all of them can spare no effort to
fight for their dreams and destiny and hold the strong beliefs. His
dedication and passion towards his career impress me and will help me
achieve my goal, which is become a taxation expert. I will learn from
Colin Powell to spare no effort on the way towards my goal.
Craig Mietz
The National Portrait Gallery was a very unique experience that offered me an insight into the history of the United States and how we have gotten to where we are today through different portraits. One of the heroes that I chose to focus my discussion on is Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States. As the new president after the collapse of the stock market putting the US into the Great Depression, FDR's most impressive accomplishment would have to be the New Deal programs that he put in place to get the economy up and running. Some of the programs included the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which corrected many of the mishaps that caused the stock market to crash as well as passing the Social Security Act which lead to the Social Security System that currently needs to be shored up today. The most appealing quality of this person to me based on his New Deals was his ability to remain calm and collective under pressure of the whole country looking for a solution to the economic depression. With nothing seeming to work from the years 1929-1933, Roosevelt came into office and instantly brought the change and hope that Americans desired to get back up on their feet. That was all up until WWII and the attack on Pearl Harbor when the majority of the attention was spent on war. Roosevelt was able to achieve his goals through hard work and dedication to what he believed was right for all Americans. He had a vision as to what he pictured the United States economy to look like and he put that plan into action when most Americans felt a sense of lost hope. He didn't stop until he was the commander-in-chief of the United States and made a huge impact on our world as we know it. I have similar long-term goals in the sense of I know I need to work hard to get where I'm going and it won't be easy. I'm a very driven young man but I'm still unsure as to what job title I'm looking to pursue. Through this program, it'll help enhance my knowledge for different things and give me a different perspective on the world as I know it. The examples of FDR achieving his goals of change for the United States inspires me to know that if I put my mind to something, I can make a difference to someone of something. Maybe not in the magnitude that Roosevelt did as the President, but there is place out there for me to express my knowledge and what I have to offer.
SHINAH KIM
Gallery, was the most inspiring individual. Mr. Edison is a thought-
provoking person to me for two different reasons: his aspect as an
inventor and also his words that are meaningful even today.
The great inventor, Thomas Edison, is the primary reason why he
appealed to me. Being an undergraduate enrolled in the industrial
engineering department, Sir Edison was the role model I could aspire
when I was faced an obstacle in doing school projects. Being in the
industrial engineering major requires you to pull out extensive amount
of creativity when proceeding with certain projects. Personally, I
tend to have hard times whenever the projects meet the deadline.
Whenever the hard time prevails, I think of how Mr. Edison was able to
bring out the best of him in many inventions. Being the motivator in
my creativity aspect, I believe Mr. Edison is the special person to
me.
Inspiring quotes are another reason why I believe Thomas Edison is the
most appealing to me. Mr. Edison once said, ‘Failure is the mother of
successes’. The quote itself might be cliché to a lot of people, but
this quote is what made me pull myself together throughout my life.
Whenever a hard time prevailed in my life, I always remembered that
this experience will pay off in some point in my life. Amazingly,
things have been working out this way until now, and will be
influencing me for the future.
I do bear in mind that other well-known portraits are just as great &
influential as Sir Thomas Edison. I also do realize that Mr. Edison
might not be the best role model for the others. However to me, Mr.
Edison was the inspiring person in my life ever since I was the
toddler, and this creativity and the quotes still do give out massive
impacts to me until today. Due to these two reasons, I believe Thomas
Edison’s Portrait was the most impressive one from the National
Portrait Gallery.
Minwoo Lee
The most impressive portrait for me was Thomas Edison. There is no
doubt that he is a genius inventor in the human history. He had
thousands of patent and invented lots of useful equipments. He didn't
have even formal education when he was young. However, he made
humankind step forward with his inventions. This means that he was
absolutely genius inventor. However, he seems that he didn't agree
that people think he was genius. He left very famous saying "Genius is
1 percent inspiration, 99 percent perspiration." Actually, when he
tried to invent the light bulb he experienced 2000 times failures.
Although the failures, he never gave up.
His portrait reminded me my attitude toward life. I tried to do many
things that I really wanted to achive, but sometimes I gave up so
easily. I always kept making excuses whenever I gave up. I should have
tried more. TWC is a big challange for me. Everyhing is unfamiliar.
New environment, new friends and speaking only English. However, I
decided to try to do my best in D.C. after the time I saw Edison's
portrait.
Minwoo Lee
yuanyu...@uiowa.edu
The portrait of Osceola is esepcially appealing to me. He was a great
warrior and leader for his tribe. When United States tried to removed
his tribe from their land, he answered his people's call and stood up
fighting for their right. This man reminded me of what my country has
experienced in the 19th and 20th Centuries. His determination to
success and his sacrifice for his people are the most admired
qualities for me.
In my opinion, two reasons lead to his alomost achieved goal. The
first reason is his passion about protecting the land. He devoted his
life into this goal and utilized every resource to acheive this goal.
The second reason is his ability to execute plans. He knew what he
wanted to do and how to do it.
My long term goal is not that siginificant as Osceola's. I want to
find a job upon my graduation. After 5-6 years, I may want to have an
MBA degree or Master of Finance to advance my career. I may also
return to my country and get a job in mutual fund.
In order to acheive my goal, I should plan according and excute my
plan as Osceola did. I also need to find my passion and devote my time
into it. Only when you are passionated will you succedd. This is the
lession I learned from Mr. Osceola.
stephanie lee
Melissa Waldron
the National Portrait Gallery. His best achievement, by far, is the
creation of Microsoft. With hard work and determination, he was able
to transform the company into what it is today. Because of his
success, he’s also been able to give back to the global community
through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which focuses on
enhancing healthcare and reducing extreme poverty as well as helping
people live “healthy and productive” lives. I admire Bill Gates
because he’s proof that you can create your own success based on your
own ambition and motivation and also because he helps those who are
very less fortunate than himself. Like Bill Gates, I want to be
triumphant in a career in which I’m passionate about. I want to lend
my services not to just clients, but also to my community as well.
Bill Gates is an inspiring individual and through the same
determination, I know I can achieve my own prosperity.
Chelsey Miller
1) After exploring the exhibition and among the successful Americans showcased at the National Portrait Gallery I found my role model, Serena Williams. I look up to her as an athlete, a designer and her success as a professional tennis player. She has also performed various charities around the world.
I play tennis at Nichols College (Division III) and ever since I started playing I have always watched Serena dominate the tennis court globally. Serena is one of the greatest players of all time. She has won thirteen Grand Slam single titles, including four Wimbledon championships, the fourth highest total in women’s tennis history. She has won two Olympic gold medals in doubles. She is also known for designing her own tennis outfits and has created her own clothing label, Aneres.
The most appealing quality of Serena is her power, strategy, and court coverage. Her talent and determination achieves her goals to win tournaments. I think she was able to reach her goals through her parent’s support and coaching. They have been coaching her since she was five years old. Even with many obstacles in her career with injuries and inconsistent results it has continued to be a driving force in her life and she has always had confidence to return to the top of the rankings. Similar to Serena my long-term goals are to keep an open mind yet to have will power and confidence and a strategy to achieve a career in business management. Like her I will never give up when I come across an obstacle in my career. I will keep working at it.
Michael Birmingham
Among the many portraits of successful people in the National Portrait
Gallery, I found the portrait of Ronald Reagan to be the most
appealing. He was a successful American president that is well know
for a range of different policies including a massive arms buildup to
counter Russia’s then recent arms buildup. His greatest achievement
was the legacy he left after his two terms in the executive office.
I believe Mr. Reagan’s most appealing quality was his ability to adapt
and adjust to new challenges and careers. Throughout his life he was
radio announcer, actor, Governor of California, and of course served
as President of the United States. He seemed to continually challenge
himself and undertake new projects or jobs. I believe he was able to
reach his goals because of his ability to manage others and surround
himself with brilliant advisors to fully inform him on the issues.
I do not believe I will have a similar career path as Ronald Reagan.
His early career leading into politics can easily be recognized as
unique. Still, I hope to emulate his ability to adapt to new
situations and constantly challenge myself throughout my own life.
Leisy
Yesterday’s visit to the National Portrait Gallery was yet another
opportunity to fall in love a bit more with this magic city. Out of
all the pictures, Colin Powell’s stood out to me; not only for his
impressive character and pose, but also because of his presence as a
constant role model in my own path to excellence.
Powell was a career army officer who served in Vietnam and
subsequently rose to become the first African American chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff. Powell was one of the forces who led the reform
and reorganization of the American army in the aftermath of its
searing experience in the Vietnam War. He has always been mindful not
to place America in a place of uncertainty when calling for
unnecessary or uncalled for wars. Powell served as Ronald Reagan's
national security advisor from 1987 to 1989. Retiring from the army in
1993, after his tenure with the Joint Chiefs, Powell served as George
W. Bush's secretary of state from 2001 to 2005.
What draws me so intensely to Powell as a power figure is the
statement he has made that you can accomplish anything you are
passionate about. His tenacity, respect for others and his country,
and firm decisions have won him the respect of all Americans; even
considering and asking him repeatedly to consider the possibility of
running for presidency one day. I too dream of one day occupying a
position that allows me to actively help others and make a major
difference in this country.
Against any racial prejudices, Colin rose and showed his peers his
infinite management capabilities and extensive knowledge. I have had
to overcome many obstacles and sometimes even resistance to my
Hispanic heritage; nonetheless Powell’s teachings clearly demonstrate
that your values and knowledge are what counts in the long run. Every
once in a while when I review my own goals, I reflect on people like
Powell, C. Rice or President Obama, that are living proof that no one
can interfere in your career if you have the drive and the potential
to live up to it. This feeling of fearless empowerment is what brought
me to Washington, and I know it will take me far in my future.
Powell’s power figure, along with many other American heroes also
represented at the NPG, is a daily inspiration to wake up and do
better than the previous day; and evidence that our positive attitude
and persistence are the two biggest liaisons we count on to achieve
our goals.
Edson Murguía Velasco
Basiel Bogaerts
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the National Portrait Gallery. Not
only is the Gallery a beautiful building that illustrates much of this
country’s history, I got to know a fair amount of other TWC students
walking and talking through the hallways. The portrait I had been
looking for, and eventually found, what that of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
I particularly admire Roosevelt for his economic policies as well as
his instrumental role in WWII.
FDR is widely seen as one of America’s strongest democratic leaders
and a champion of Keynesian economics, leading the country out of the
great depression in the 1930’s. After successfully implementing New
Deal policies, FDR strove to end American isolationism on the world
stage. In the early stages of WWII, he supported the Allied forces and
eventually declared war on the Axis after Pearl Harbor. Although he
did not live to see the end of the war, FDR’s presidency was crucial
for the Allied victory.
Franklin D. Roosevelt achieved all this despite a severe paralytic
illness, demonstrating great determination, passion and charisma
throughout his presidency. He shows what can be achieved with careful
planning, an international mindset and leadership skills. I personally
hope to further develop these characteristic during my stay in
Washington DC and impact the world in my own way.
Basiel Bogaerts
Dayana El Boustany
it gave me the opportunity to gain more knowledge concerning many
successful men or women in America who were able to change the world
in a certain manner. Therefore, the portrait that stood up the most to
me was the one of Abraham Lincoln. In fact, he was able to accomplish
tremendous achievements during his time such as winning the civil war
and supporting the emancipation of slaves. He was a great leader who
was able to appeal to people by his great and inspiring speeches. He
supported the good causes and was also able to promote economic and
financial modernization. Indeed it is a man who was thrived to
accomplish his goals, he comes from a very poor family but this didn’t
stop him from becoming one of the most important figures in the United
States.
Fred Strahl
The exhibit I enjoyed the most at the Portrait Gallery was called "The Black List". It was a group of portraits that portrayed successful African-Americans. The portrait that stood out to me the most was of a famous guitarist named Slash. Slash’s greatest achievement is being the driving force behind one of the most successful and celebrated bands in rock n’ roll history: Guns n’ Roses. Slash’s most appealing quality is his perseverance. Many musicians fail to achieve greatness after the band that made them famous falls apart (see David Lee Roth). Slash formed two new bands (Slash’s Snakepit and Velvet Revolver) as well as wrote and released a solo album. Even though fans are always hoping for a reunion of the original Gun n’ Roses lineup, Slash manages to keep churning out hits and keeping himself relevant in the rock world to keep the shadow of his former band at bay. Slash was able to achieve this by simply not giving up. He pushed through the sadness of watching his band, an incredibly famous band, break up and continued doing what he loves doing,; making music. I admire Slash's hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He is living proof that no matter how many set backs one person may have, there is still an opportunity to fulfill any dream.
Sachiko Phuong
technology. Morse's greatest achievement was the invention of the
single-wire telegraph. His invention revolutionized the way we
thought about communication and lead to many changes in our world.
Despite the potential that his invention held, Morse initially failed
at obtaining the financial support required to transform the telegraph
into a much larger and more functional machine for society. However,
Morse didn't let obstacles push him down and went back again to the
government a second time to ask for funding. This time, he conducted
a live demonstration of the telegraph and won them over. The first
telegraph line was then constructed between Baltimore and Washington
D.C. Morse's story illustrates the one trait that every leader must
possess -- tenacity. Every person that wills to be successful must
have relentless determination to achieve their dreams. Although I
don't have similar long-term goals to Morse's invention, I hope to one
day be just as successful (if not more) and hope to have made a
positive impact on many people's lives.
Diego Alejandro Garza
because as an international student, it made me realize what americans
feel about their country. All the goals that have americans have
achieved are because of their great leaders.
When at the Gallery, I found myself identified with ex-president
Ronald Reagan because he was a man with a lot of different tastes of
life. He was a sports radio announcer, an actor and even he got to be
a president of the united States of America. This democrat president
cared about people more than anything else.
What I admire the most is that when he even got shot, he was able to
keep going and do what he thought it was the best for his country. He
got the courage to continue with his unfinished work.
I can use this finding in my future when if I have any hard time, I
should continue fighting to achieve what my goals are.