We Want to Be, We Want to Be...Like Dan!

In the 80's, 90's, and even today there are millions of boys, girls, men, and women who wanted to 'Be Like Mike!' And without even saying the whole name and/or the last name I'm sure nearly everybody knows who I am talking about...Michael Jordan!!! And who wouldn't want to be like not only the best basketball player who ever graced the courts, but also one of the world's true heros.

In the world of tutoring/mentoring there is another hero that we should all aspire to and that is the President/CEO of Cabrini Connections, Tutor/Mentor Connection, Mr. Dan Bassill! Just as Michael Jordan spent endless hours perfecting his craft, making those around him better, and setting the bar in the sport of basketball (and all other forms of athletics), Dan is doing a very similar job in this field.

Mr. Bassill has been in the tutor/mentor field and perfecting his craft for over 30 years. And during that time Dan has not only networked and collaborated with other passionate and dedicated gurus in the business, continued to study and learn all aspects of the field, Dan has always worked towards sharing all the he knows with others in the field. In a field where resources are sometimes very hard to come by and causes some people/programs to isolate themselves in order to obtain and keep resources, Mr. Bassill works even harder to network and collaborate with any and all people, programs, businesses, politicians, and any other person on entity that has a similar vision of doing everything necessary to enhance the lives of youth! In his blogs a person can always find information ranging from the latest tragic event that has taken place in Chicago AND what can and should be done to information on how Obama can and will inspire change in others. (http://tutormentor.blogspot.com/).

And besides just reading stories, Mr. Bassill shows his true coaching, versatility, and communication ability by providing numerous visuals of his vision AND how those visions can be carried out. Here is an example of one of Dan's concept maps.(http://www.cabriniconnections.net/pdfs/CCstudent_alumni_support09a.pdf)

Like, Mike, it started with a vision and an attitude, and it continues with daily practice, research, networking, and not only telling the Cabrini Connections' story, but maybe equally important is that Dan assists other people, organizations, and businesses with putting themselves in a position to tell a 'story' as well. And that story is and should be a story of how businesses, organizations, schools, communities, and people in general stepped up and became leaders in the fight to provide the youth with all of the resources necessary to be successful in life and in turn become leaders as well who GIVE BACK!!!

Just as Mike became a hero to millions because of his talents that he shared with the world, Dan has and is continuing to do the same in the field of tutoring/mentoring. While its still okay to "Be Like Mike" people should want to "Be Like Dan" as well...

"Thank You Mr. Dan Bassill for all that you have done and continue to do, that has truly touched so many lives!