Chapter Two

     I feel like both Craig and Marc have amazing stories. They simply wanted to take action and "find meaning in.a material world". Marc had an appealing approach of how he persevered through tough challenges and how he set his mind on one goal. Many of us create goals but let them slip away in the process of trying to accomplish them. Marc faced many crucial decisions, yet wasn't phased over loosing money or status. Although he turned down a life that may have granted him richness.....he was not interested in loosing his vision and the dreams he had. He had one dream. Marc was passionate about helping struggling children that deserved better. After his trip to Klong Toey, Marc experienced his own Me to We transformation. That was his first real glimpse of tremendous happiness and pride. I enjoyed reading about how Marc came to this conclusion: "Sometimes life's most important lessons need to be literally staring us in the face before we are able to recognize their true value." I think we should listen carefully, and be aware of others next door and around the world, so we can take advantage of opportunities to reach out to others.

Chapter One

     I believe Craig's story was written very realistically to give the impression that,"Everyone is capable of anything". I felt connected to his everyday school life and was drawn to his passionate and disturbing thoughts about child slavery. I was surprised he took the next step and shared his emotions to his class that morning. At first, I didn't believe that the peers in Craig's class volunteered to stand beside him, even though the "next step" was not yet established. Although I was pleasantly surprised about the number of students that offered to stand behind him, I would have done the same thing. You need to take that leap of faith sometimes! I think it's a great idea that so many people support charities and organizations to help struggling children. But, I believe it takes real activists like Craig to show true courage at such a young age and believe that changing the world is possible! How inspiring!! I think everyone could use Craig as a role model and benefit from following his story. 

     When I was 10 years old, I decided instead of asking for presents on my birthday, I would ask for money. I didn't want my friends to buy me presents. I wanted to donate the money to an orphanage in Peru. I had watched a slide show the previous week at church and saw these children struggle to find food and shelter. Although 100 dollars wasn't a pile of money, I felt I did the right thing. I didn't mind not receiving presents that year... it made me happy to know I was giving some innocent children a gift. A few months later, I got a note in the mail thanking me for the money. I also was sent a picture of the children at the orphanage (SOO CUTE!!). Some day I hope to travel to Peru and personally meet children that can't afford food or very much of anything. They seemed so thankful for so little. I believe an experience such as that, has changed me. I'm looking at the Christmas shoe box pamphlet and can't wait to pack a few boxes with my sister. It makes life meaningful.

      

Challenge Day

     My thoughts, on the episode we watched in class, varied. I felt connected to their stories and felt a part of their journey throughout Challenge Day. I accepted and felt confident regarding the chosen students. I felt that the people running the show would put their best effort forward to make everyone feel welcome and turn any uncomfortable situations into moments of understanding. I knew a variety of students from different "clicks" would be put together to share what was not "obvious" about their everyday life.
     Further on into the show, it hit me that the students who were focused on had devastating stories. I felt, from that point, pushed away. Although I would like to be apart of Challenge Day, I feel my story would not meet the "standards" of others. I feel students, that shared deep and thoughtful information about themselves, had more to share and experience. I would still like the opportunity to listen to how students are impacted and become more aware of their needs. I want people to feel they can trust me. I would look forward to helping others find their way back onto their feet.
     IDCI and River Valley are connected on some levels. We are separated into specific groups/clicks and tend to push others away that don't meet our expectations. Most students are not friendly to people that don't seem "normal" or are labelled as "weird". We are strictly associated with the people that share the same interests and maybe values. We are not like River Valley because we don't seem to spread constant rumours about other groups within the school. I feel, although we are separated into groups, we keep to ourselves. I am aware that bullying occurs throughout our school and is impossible to eliminate, however, it is the silent type of bullying that is most difficult to stop. I think Challenge Day will reveal many hidden conflicts and stories no one was aware of.
     I am glad IDCI is investing their money into Challenge Day because I want everyone to feel safe and welcome when they come to school. I think this will be a huge opportunity for leadership students to become role models and push people out of their comfort zones and become more understanding and accepting. When someone has trust for someone else, it creates a strong support system. Many of us are unaware that other people face the same conflicts as we do. We all have worries and insecurities....no matter what kind of life we lead. I hope Challenge Day will be successful and an extraordinary experience.

Today was a good day...

     I was so thankful we had a meaningful discussion today that pushed everyone past their comfort zones. Although it was a depressing conversation, is was a definate wake up call. I appreciated that everyone was on the same page by the end of the class and walked out with a new perspective. It seemed to make a difference with Tuesdays Corn Hole game in the caf. Everyone that participated was laughing and enjoying themselves. Even the students that didn't participate looked to be entertained from the sidelines. If we didn't have our class discussion today, I would have felt embarassed and ashamed. Not because I would be standing alone encouraging others to play a game... but that many leaders were not stepping up as better role models when it comes to leadership opportunities. I am proud of our class for overcoming many obstacles. We need to keep challenging ourselves and work together to achieve class goals. I know we are capable of anything... We are all great leaders!!

A different kind of story...

     I struggled to hold back tears as I read the story. I felt an emotional connection and a passion to help, yet envisioning their lifestyle becomes a blur. Imagining their day to day life is unrealistic. We are rarely faced with death threatening challenges. We are all aware that food is essential to live, however, it doesn't seem to phase us that while we eat, others die from starvation. There is hardly anything in our life that is comparable to theirs. We are so fortunate to live in freedom.
     I believe Knaan's story reveals his leadership role in this world. To go back to your original country without knowing what will happen, how people will react, or who to talk to has extreme ramifications. Unlike some celebrities, Knaan can and wants to loose sight of his fame. It is obvious that he has a strong passion for helping others and feels giving back to his country is necessary. Also, Knaan writes songs he feels strongly towards and stands up for what he believes in so he can teach others. Therefore, I consider Knaan an extraordinary hero.

#5 ...Everything is amazing and nobody's happy

     I felt very connected to the video, "Everything is amazing and nobody's happy" because I often tend to catch myself in the middle of an act wishing I would have been more appreciative. As technology advances and new products are released we forget about our basic needs and take advantage of them.  Nobody is ever satisfied. I have lots of respect for the programs that occur throughout the school year such as, "The vow of silence" and "Turn it off". I feel these are great initiatives that people should participate in to get a glimpse of what we call essential from day to day. I believe our world is full of greed... But without anyone noticing, everything will remain the same. I took the time to be thankful for my friends, family, food and education today... I want to make a difference and increase my appreciation for the things I have.