THE PRAISE IS POURING IN FOR rnYOU’RE A WORTHWHILE PERSON IN MORE WAYS THAN A MILLION.
rnWhy are First Lady Michelle Obama, President Emeritus Bill Clinton,rnGolf Legend Tiger Woods, and Mayor Michael R. BloombergrnPROFUSELY THANKING SIMEON W. JOHNSON?
The philosopher Seneca said it centuries ago: What you think of yourself is much more important than what others think of you.
rnBut in today’s celebrity-worshipping world, we often forget that our ordinary actions can make an extraordinary impact on others. We punch clocks, we work double shifts, we wake up at the rooster’s crow, we interact with hundreds of people each day…yet we believe that we are invisible and our efforts are unrewarded.
rnIT’S THE “FEEL GOOD” ARTICLE OF THE DAY!
rnNow Simeon Johnson exuberantly celebrates the daily lives of hardworking men and women in a way that has not been accomplished since Studs Turkel’s Working.
rnIn his inspiring and motivating article, he provides unique glimpses into the world of those who are all too often taken for granted – the anything-but-ordinary unsung workers who are as valuable to us as our society’s “stars.” From electricians and carpenters to shoemakers and cooks…from firefighters and police officers to hospital orderlies and hairdressers…Simeon Johnson introduces you to today’s rntrue “heroes.”
rnRich, poor, celebrated, or unknown – whether you contribute to the mosaic of life as a neurosurgeon or as a pest control technician -- each of us provides a valuable service. The message of this article could not be more meaningful. Learn more at swjenterprises.com
rnRAVES
rnA MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION FROM TIGER WOODS…
rnTiger, Woods ***** Conroy Windermere Road Orlando, Florida *****
rnAugust 3, 2006
rnSimeon Johnson: PO. Box 30293-0293 Brooklyn, NY 11203
rnDear Simeon:
rnJust a quick note of thanks for sending me your book “You’re a Worthwhile Person in More Ways Than a Million.” I appreciate your thoughtful gesture and kind words.rnThanks again, Simeon, for thinking of me.
rnSincerely yours,
rnTiger Woods
"It is clear from the subject matter of your book that you recognize the importance of identifying the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary. In a way, that is part of our mission at the New York City Department of Education. We set high expectations for our students and our staff in an effort to cultivate greatness at every level in our system, so that ultimately, as your epigraph by John W. Gardner maintains, both our pipes and our theories will hold water. Thank you again for the copy of your book and best of luck in the future."
rnJoel I. Klein, Chancellor The New York City Department of Education
rnSimeon Johnson ... President of JohnsonandJohnsonGift.com is the author of four books... Most recent title: You're a Worthwhile Person in More Ways than a Million! “…Good title, dramatic front cover: Good choice material for back cover. The writer has hit upon a very interesting concept and used it with good results. Quotations and sidebars have been used well. There is a nice variety of types of profiles. This little book should have widespread distribution. It is a great reminder of those upon whom we depend. Counselors should definitely have copies.”
rnKristin D. Godsey, Editor/Writer’s Digest
“Everyone deserves to be recognized for their contribution, since we each play an integral part in the larger fabric of life. Simeon Johnson captured this beautifully in his book. It’s a wonderful read!!”
rnCynda Williams, Hollywood actress in “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge” with Halle Berry and “Mo’ Better Blues” with Denzel Washington
“Well written. My husband who is a truck driver read this also and said that you did a great job writing.”
rnAntoinette McGowan
“This book is replete with truths. I do recommend that all my NYC Transit coworkers should read it!”
rnEmployee, NYC Transit Authority
(Other letters?)
EXCERPTS
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
rnMark Twain
rnMEET SOME OF SIMEON JOHNSON’S UNSUNG HEROES…
rnTHE ELECTRICIAN
“Every morning, before the sun rises, electrician Kolya Jackowski leaves his two-family home in Brooklyn. He rarely knows hat the entire day will bring…At any given moment, even in the middle of the night, one or more customers will call him on his cell phone…”
rnTHE SOCIAL WORKER
“With a two-foot pile of paperwork atop her already crowded desk, social worker Michiko Tamara rummages through a drawer to find a bottle of correction fluid. At the same time, she answers the phone, which has been ringing non-stop for the past three hours…”
rnTHE FISHMONGER
“Long before the sun rises, fishmonger Joe Esposito has already had his second cup of coffee and finished a plate of scrambled eggs at the local diner down the street from his loft, in Manhattan’s meatpacking district on the lower west side. His next step is the Fulton Fish Market, where hordes of his fellow fishmongers scour the catches of the morning…”
rnTHE DISHWASHER
“It’s noon on a Friday, and dishwasher Carlos Perez is starting his long weekend shift. He left his home in the Bronx two hours before to get on a bus, and then another, that takes him to the suburbs of New Jersey. There, at the 300-seat La Familia Ristorante, with its gilded doors and red velvet-covered chairs, is where Carlos works six days a week, washing dishes for over 12 hours straight.”
rnTHE HOSPITAL ORDERLY
“Pushing a meal cart, hospital orderly Mohmed Jawad jauntily walks down the lengthy corridor of his new employer. Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. After 14 very long months, Mohmed finally found a job – and with a reputable institution at that. How fortunate he feels!”
rnSUMMARY
rnQ&A with the Author
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other thing.”
rnAbraham Lincoln
rnWhat made you decide to write this book?
rnI thought it was high time we paid tribute to the people who work “behind the scenes,” even though we generally see them in plain sight every day. Truth be told, they are everywhere. Next time you are out and about, really look around you. You may be surprised at all the different kinds of work being performed to keep our cities and towns, and our lives, operating smoothly.
rnIn addition to the occupations you write about, are there others that deserve our thanks?
rnVirtually all of us contribute to the fabric of society. Consider, for example, the supermarket cashier who, day in and day out, scans and rings up all the items we purchase. Or the doorman, who meets and greets visitors and residents. Or the waiter, waitress, or busboy who serve us and clean up after us. Then there is the postal worker who delivers our mail in all kinds of weather. Without all their work and dedication, where would we be now?
rnWhat do you see as the overriding theme of the book?
“Rich or poor, celebrated or unknown, beyond considerations of race, color, education, and other superficial factors, we contribute to the broad mosaic of life on planet Earth. We are, each of us, a worthwhile person in more ways than a million.
rnHave you personally worked in any of these occupations?
“I worked as a welder, a shipbuilder, and a housing inspector. I received my certification in radio and TV electronics from National Technical Schools in Los Angeles.
rnAs the youngest of 13 children from Jamaica, West Indies – now a proud U.S. citizen – I believe this is the land of opportunity. I’m now a successful entrepreneur with my own company: SWJ Enterprises. I’ve learned that EVERY occupation is worthy and we all contribute to life in our own way.”rnLearn more:
http://www.swjenterprises.com