For Daniel Osuna, true leadership comes from within.

Osuna, a Chicano Yaqui Indian, spoke Thursday night in the Essex Room of Wilson Hall, offering what he said was an account of Chicano history that isn't included in a high school history book.

"Are (high school teachers) teaching us what to think, or how to think?" he said.

Education freshman Gloria Melina Monita said history doesn't always reflect the way things are.

"What do we celebrate about Columbus Day?" Monita asked. "That he came and enslaved all the Native Americans? We give thanks to that?"

But Osuna said he has a positive outlook despite a history of negativity toward his heritage.

"If you were the energy force, what would you do to change the world?" he said. "The positive revolution is right here in your heart.

"The leader is inside you. If you believe that, you'll go after that."

Osuna also spoke about current world events, saying President Bush is using fear to convince the American people a war with Iraq is necessary.

"Well, I'm not afraid anymore," he shouted. "When we learn to love ourselves, Bush will have nothing on us."

There are about 30 million people of Chicano heritage in the United States, and the numbers are growing, Osuna said.

Osuna said he was kicked out of high school, but feels traditional education isn't as important as an education about life.

"You learn more important things interacting with people than anything else in the world," he said. "Your education is on Earth."

Jessica Nowak