Melissa Moody practices putting on her gear at the Veneta fire station.

By Stephanie Reyes

At the Veneta, Ore. fire station, women firefighters and EMTs are in abundance in roles traditionally reserved for men. The all-volunteer fire station has more women under one fire station roof than any other station in Western Lane County.

At the UO Knight Library, Roger Truelove helps a student find their ID number online in order to stay in the library during extended hours.

By Edward Stratton

UO students who use the Knight Library after hours have probably encountered Roger Truelove, the library’s night guard. The late night program is still an experiment and not guaranteed to continue. For Truelove, its success means job security; for students, it means a safe environment to study.

Sally Kipyego at the 2008 NCAA cross country nationals in Terre Haute, Ind. Photo courtesy Run LOVE for Runnerspace.com

By Nicole Blood

Sally Kipyego knew there was only one way out of the impoverished Kenyan village where she grew up. Like others seeking a better life, she ran. Eventually, she became one of the most decorated female NCAA runners history. Now, the next goal for the Eugene resident: the 2012 Olympic Games.

Barbara Stoeffler at work in her home office, which has been used as the central office for Eugene's chapter of MADD.

By Camille Rasmussen

The loss of her son to a drunk driver 36 years ago left Barbara Stoeffler in unimaginable anguish and unable to engage in the activities she once loved. Founding the Eugene chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving helped her recover from the tragedy while helping others in similar situations.

Deirdre McLeod scans an article from a book while at work in the University of Oregon Knight Library.

By Violet Oliver

University of Oregon religions studies major Deirdre McLeod has not let her math learning disability or Asperger syndrome, a developmental disorder that affects auditory processing and social interacting, get in the way of accomplishing her goals.

Sarah Raynes is a junior and political science major at the University of Oregon.

By Alicia Greenwell

Since she was a child, Sarah Raynes maintained a strong belief in the Mormon Church. She prayed before every meal, participated in weekly church activities and attended church every Sunday. Now, after leaving the church, Raynes is on a journey to find what is right for her by following her heart.

Dan Schmid plays the bass guitar with the Cherry Poppin' Daddies at the W.O.W. Hall in Eugene.

By Lauryn Porte

For over two decades, Dan Schmid has toured with the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies — a rock band formed in Eugene in 1988 — despite his health conditions. Now 47, Schmid reflects on life after conquering asthma attacks and the Billboard charts.

Check out the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies perform in Eugene.

Between classes, UO senior Alden Gray spends many hours at the UO's CASL house and a job at Campus Recycling.

By Chris Parker

University of Oregon senior Alden Gray is the point person on a new university project: renovating an East Campus house into a low-impact, fully self-sustained house. His involvement has given him an opportunity to promote something he believes strongly in.

Coach Jim Moore on the court. He encourages players to find motivation from within. Photo by Eric Evans/Oregon Media Services

By Alicia Hankins

Jim Moore’s coaching statistics suggest he’s outstanding when it comes to reforming collegiate volleyball programs. After 15 years of rebuilding volleyball programs all over the country, Moore has found a place to call home at the University of Oregon.

Melanee Ellis watches over her ferrets at the Lane Area Ferret Shelter & Rescue in Eugene.

By Sadie Moser

Melanee Ellis fell in love with ferrets as a child, and they have seen her through some hard times. Now, she single-handedly runs the Lane Area Ferret Shelter & Rescue out of her home in Eugene, where she cares for over two dozen of them.