Last week at I had the privilege of speaking at 2tor’s company meeting (sounds like the word “tudor” or “tutor” depending on if you favor British royalty or education).

I appreciate and enjoy each opportunity to share my story, but speaking to this company in particular had great meaning for me. Not only is one of 2tor’s founders a friend, but the platform 2tor developed enabled me to achieve a life-long goal: my masters degree.

2tor was recently named a Forbes Top-10 Company that is Changing the World. 2tor’s CEO was just named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. 2tor is changing the world by the way we view - and access - higher education. But what are they really doing? 2tor is making a difference.

What made me think of this on Independence Day? Because what 2tor is doing - and in particular what they have already done - is so American.

I had the privilege to attend the awards dinner last week when 2tor’s CEO was honored as an Entrepreneur. But it wasn’t just watching the video of his story that inspired me; I was moved by learning about all the nominees, listening to their vision and their beliefs that their vision could make a difference. The room was filled with visionaries, some American some not, who are able to put their vision into action because of the country in which we live. To take an idea and turn it into a company - and one that makes a difference - is truly American. I was so excited and proud when my friend’s name was read as the winner. But in reality, with entrepreneurs like these, we are all beneficiaries and winners.

So while “changing the world” and being “entrepreneur of the year” might seem out of reach to most of us, making a difference is something we can all do…and should do…out of respect for those who have made a difference before us and those who are still doing so. Like 2tor. Check out some of the lives they have changed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=692RwlU7kvI

Happy 4th!