In this year's annual Voices issue, we present four personal stories that, while less sensational, are no less compelling.

O.B. Hill survived the historic Vanport flood and the daily challenges facing any African American living in one of the nation's whitest cities. He's helped build an unofficial cultural center for Portland's African-American community.

Judy Patton was at the helm of Portland State University's Dance Department six years ago, when it was cut to save PSU some cash. She's bounced back to head PSU's largest undergraduate program and managed to find time to decorate the White House.

Jim Bunn was a congressman. But four years ago, voters abruptly ended his promising political career and hefty congressional salary. Rather than complain, he's managed to find purpose in his new job as a county jailer.

Charles White, meanwhile, has spent the past four years looking at life from the other side of the metal bars. Sent to prison in 1996 after his meth habit got out of control, he led the drive to educate inmates about the dangers of AIDS. Now he's a free man.

All four of them could have given up. Instead, they persevered and are working, in their own ways, to make a difference. Here are their stories, in their own words.