Dana Priest, Washington Post   [ Watch Clip ] Washington Post correspondent Dana Priest says that the key to being a successful journalist is that one must "love the job." She explains that a career in journalism does not come with a high salary, nor does it allow for regular working hours. To Dana Priest, a journalist's professional and personal lives are melded together. There is, however, no other profession for her. Her career fulfills her curiosity, her independent nature, and her need to contribute to other people's lives. As a journalist, Dana Priest says she is constantly engaged in the world stage.  She has the freedom to choose the stories she will cover.  This enables her to provide readers with news that influences their communities and the world around them.

[ Watch Clip ]   Tavis Smiley, NPR, "The Tavis Smiley Show" As the first African American to host a signature talk show program in the history of National Public Radio, Tavis Smiley sees himself as a change agent. He uses his show on NPR to "introduce" Americans to one another.  He invites his listeners to re-evaluate their own viewpoints by opening their minds to opinions voiced on his show. With "The Tavis Smiley Show" as well as his television and literary contributions, Tavis Smiley pushes his audiences to keep going, "to get through the day," and to make their mark.

George Will, Syndicated Columnist   [ Watch Clip ] As a syndicated columnist, George Will uses his column as a forum to argue his opinions about the issues of the day. He states that a true leader is one who persuades people to do something—something they otherwise would not do— in order to make a positive change for the future. George Will defines democracy as a "government by consent," and says such a government can only survive if its citizens are persuaded to follow. Yet, interestingly, George Will, does not consider himself, as a columnist, a leader.