Man Overboard, a New York Times Magazine cover story by Paul Tough, about John Aldridge, A Montauk, NY based commercial fisherman who fell overboard forty miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean at 3:30 am on July 24th last year, is an extraordinary story of perseverance and survival. The water temperature was 72 degrees with five foot swells. His chances of being rescued were minimal due to the fact that his two crew members didn’t realize that he fell overboard until nearly three hours afterwards when they awoke. Through a combination of courage, ingenuity, and sheer willpower, Mr. Aldridge managed to stay afloat for nearly twelve hours before a coastguard helicopter spotted him. The rescue operation involved volunteer fisherman as well as professionals with a rare happy ending given the circumstances! read more

It’s inspiring to hear Nelson Mandela’s story over and over. The desire to contribute, to change the world for the better, to learn, grow, change, evolve and persevere is only a small part of his legacy. I love to help people, especially young adults,  develop these characteristics in themselves because when more of us live this way, the better the world becomes for the rest of us! Thank you Mr. Mandela for contributing to and inspiring so many!! read more