A friend of mine gave me this quiz. It got me thinking. And, I thought you might find it valuable also.

1. Name the 5 wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last 5 Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last 5 winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name 5 people who have won a Nobel or a Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last 5 Academy Award winners for best actor or actress.
6. Name the last 5 World Series winners.

The quiz went on. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name 3 friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name 5 people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of 5 people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

This is not anything new or breathtaking. Yet, sometimes we get smitten with star power and forget those who have really made a difference in our lives.

I'll never forget the teacher who, unknown to both her and me at the time, launched me into politics. She charged into our high school class one day and announced that I was running for the California state presidency of an organization we all belonged to. I was appalled; she was adamant. Because she was so sure I could do it, I ran, I won and I gained self-confidence in the process.

When times have been tough, I have always been able to count particularly on a couple of friends who I knew would stand by me no matter what happened, no matter what anyone said, no matter what pressure was on them to abandon me. How can I ever thank them enough? They have made me feel important and valued even at my most difficult moments.

And my heroes? My heroes are my parents who gave me my values and the space to be someone different from them. They are remarkable men like Nelson Mandela, who was able to overcome 27 years of political imprisonment and lead his country in an extraordinary time, without bitterness towards those who had tormented him and his race. They are women like Eleanor Roosevelt, who rose above being orphaned as a child, intense loneliness and virulently hostile detractors to guide America's conscience regarding racial equality and social justice.

My heroes are those like Daddy Bruce Randolph, who give and give, even though they have very little themselves. They are our neighbors and friends who fight for the homeless, teach our children, raise money for countless causes they believe in-and never expect nor receive any recognition for all they contribute.

The people we remember, as the quiz demonstrates, are those who have touched us in some way, have made us more thoughtful, stronger, giving people. Children blossom because of them. Communities prosper because of them. The world gets a little better because of them.

As we move into the "real" first year of the next millennium, my goal is to make sure my family and friends know how much I care about them. To work a little harder for the causes that matter most to me. To take the time to say "thank you" to those who quietly make a difference in our world.