Saturday, September 10, 2005
“Survivor: Africa” winner to discuss the importance of character
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Ethan Zohn, the curly-headed winner of the reality television show “Survivor: Africa” will present “Character: The Ultimate Survival Tool” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 28, in Carter Hall in the University Center. Zohn is a former professional soccer player who played for both the United States and Zimbabwe. His experience on “Survivor: Africa” reminded him of the problems facing African countries in terms of poverty, corrupt governments, and most devastatingly, the AIDS crisis. He decided to use his million dollar prize and notoriety to help provide AIDS education, using African role models – soccer players – to teach children about HIV/AIDS. “I knew I only had 15 minutes of fame,” he said. “So I wanted to be sure I did something good with it.” Zohn decided to base his nonprofit AIDS education organization, Grassroot Soccer, in Zimbabwe, because of the great need. The average life expectancy in Zimbabwe was 63 in 1990 and 39 in 2000. By 2010, more than 35 percent of all children in the country are expected to be AIDS orphans. “On a continent with so many misconceptions about AIDS, good education is so important,” he said. “Soccer players are the perfect choice because they are the role models for children and adults in that part of the world.” In his program, “Character: The Ultimate Survival Tool,” Zohn discusses where character comes from, why it matters, and how it can help people make important decisions in their lives. “You never know when you will need the reserves of your character, but when you do, you better be sure you are up to the challenge,” he said. He sprinkles in personal stories from “Survivor,” as well as other times in his life. “Most people believe that to win ‘Survivor’ you have to check your integrity at the door,” he said. “But I disagree.” Ethan says that as in life, “Survivor” is really all about community. “When you make yourself a valuable and contributing member of the community, and allow people to depend on you, they are always interested in keeping you around and in helping you in return.” A dessert reception in the Loft will follow the program. The program, sponsored by the Office of Student Development Programs, is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Shannon Poling, program advisor for student activities, at 812/465-7167 or spoling@usi.edu. |
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