Whether here or abroad, we must stand for what we believe. Below, you'll find a letter that I wrote to the Minister of Education, Minister of Finance and Board of Trustees, as they consider the closure of my 2 young son's elementary school; a school that we've proudly been a part of for over 10 years! If we are to fight the good fight abroad, we must fight it at home as well. And whether we win or lose, at lease we will have been in the arena! Angie
Dear Honorable Ministers, Superintendants, and Board of Trustees,
It is with great pride that I write to you as a parent of the Dunach Elementary community of students, teachers and parents. Our family has been attending Dunach Elementary for 10 years, and it is without reservation that I present my case for Dunach’s continuance as a school.
Throughout the years, Dunach has modeled the very tenets expressed by The Honorable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant-Governor, in his Throne Speech of February 9, 2010. Yet, despite its excellence and unique character, Dunach Elementary is being considered for closure.
“There are fewer services that can do more to lift a child to the full opportunities of life than an unequivocally great education. That is our goal for all the children of British Columbia.” Honorable Steven L. Point, Lt.Gov. General
While it is clear that there must be a preservation and investment of capital in our educational system, it is clearly expressed in the Throne speech that such efforts “must be matched in our human capital if we are to secure and protect our grandchildren’s future.”
I am deeply saddened that while our government affirms that it stands by its commitment to strengthen families and children, that current accounting policy and management decisions actually mitigate and even take away such goals, rights and privileges for our children’s future. Lt. Governor Point asserts that “we cannot let accounting policy stand in the way of our student’s interests” or “hold back our” schools “from pursuing their unique areas of excellence in partnership with others.” Yet, the consideration for closure of Dunach Elementary represents such an obstacle.
We have been provided several facts and figures for Capital Plan costs. Much of the information was compiled from Facility Audit reports compiled in 2000 and 2004. This represents past data being used and creating a projection for current decisions. Enrollment numbers have been steady at Dunach for several years, yet the District has publicly expressed a present and projected downturn. Our Consultation process gives parents 9 days to review information presented and to compile submissions. Yet, not all information has been provided. While the Consultation Process may seem publicly collaborative, supportive and democratic, it is not. At a Parent Information evening hosted by School District #34 on February 9th, 2010, , School District staff said that various aspects of such plans were “in our best interests’” They were not speaking of student interests, they were speaking of their own, as duly noted and quoted.
The definition of consultation is, “a conference at which advice is given or views are exchanged; a meeting for deliberation, discussion, or decision. The definition of democracy is, “government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system; a state of society characterized by formal equality of rights and privileges. I would like to ask whose vested interest is being expressed by this consultation process and potential closure; It is certainly not that of our children.
Dunach Elementary effectively meets the intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs of our children. The Consultation Process which has been begun by our School Districts focuses primarily on enrollment numbers and capital spending plans. The Throne speech again stresses that “ongoing financial discipline is essential.” While the closure of our community school might be considered one such discipline, it is more than apparent that there is a greater need that exists. Our government has a moral and social responsibility as well. It is clearly expressed in the Throne speech that “strengthening families is at the centre of our economic and social agenda.” There is no strength in removing a community school that is thriving academically and socially to attempt to consolidate resources. Closing schools is a short term solution to budget challenges. It is only a matter of time before other such constraints surface, requiring further closures.
The Throne speech highlights a desire to improve education in such a way that “will focus on the individual and unique needs of our children”. Also emphasized is the need for “emphasis on parental involvement and on tailoring our education system to each child’s individual needs, interests and passions.” These aspects have been part of Dunach’s core values and education for years.
Dunach Elementary is a heritage school with traditional values. It is a small community school with 124 students. While it is not a large capacity school, in terms of numbers, it has what larger schools cannot offer; individuality and a tight-knit community. In a recent education journal, the author comments. “Many teachers and researchers believe that school size is the single most important factor in the success of public schools.” Dunach has exhibited a steady enrollment for many years. 80% of its population is out of catchment. Families travel from Langley and Chilliwack to attend our school; a clear indication that it is very much a school of choice. Dunach families have clearly indicated in a recent poll that Dunach’s closure will not divert them to catchment schools, but rather to other choices such as private school or home schooling. In effect, the money that the District expects to save will represent a financial loss in the long run. Merging catchments may increase numbers, but it does not knit a community together. To have the privilege of being in a school where every child matters and is known personally truly exemplifies the true meaning of capacity. Capacity building in its most fundamental pursuit of excellence is not a financial term, but rather a term of character development and human potential.
Dunach Elementary upholds the beliefs of the Vision and Mission Statement of the School District in all capacities. Its core operating principles exemplify respect, trust, integrity, teamwork and communication. Dunach rivals many schools in its academic achievements. This is in large part due to the excellence, commitment and deep care that students receive from their teachers. Most importantly, Dunach students are not just learners of facts and concepts; they are mentored to be broad thinkers, capable of reaching out to others with a view to making a significant difference in our community and in our world.
If “new forms of schooling will be developed to provide greater choice and diversity, centered on students’ special interests and talents”, then I propose for submission that Dunach Elementary be given the option to become, Dunach Traditional School, housing Kindergarten to Grade 8. Such a consideration will provide opportunity to all for “greater choices and diversity”. Such a consideration will open the doors of enrollment to Dunach Elementary as well as that of the Traditional High School currently seeking increased registrations. As well, extending Dunach’s enrollment to Grade 8 will not compromise an already wait-listed Traditional Middle School. It will also provide further opportunities for the wait-listed Traditional Elementary School. Dunach has the physical capacity to support such a transition. As well, it has core foundations already established that are in keeping with the Traditional model. Dunach Elementary has an abundance of resources, including a plethora of competent, creative and dedicated teachers and staff. A Traditional model for our school would be consistent with our current models for excellence and opportunity.
Honorable Ministers, we need the Provincial Government to be our advocate and to provide the funding necessary to keep our community school alive. We need change and charge at higher levels for our children.
In view of a strong desire to showcase excellence in our province, I would ask that we follow the Olympic motto of “believing” that verbal commitments made to our families and children will also manifest themselves with continued support and solutions; both of which will keep Dunach Elementary viable as our school of choice. I respectfully request and submit for an extension of 1 (one) year to competently assess and provide further details of such a proposal.
I would like to believe that a new standard of decisions can be made. I would like to believe that new forms of schooling providing choice and diversity, while preserving our existing heritage and excellence, can be attained without the dissolution of our community school. I would like to believe that your support of Dunach Elementary will represent one such decision that upholds the best interests of our children, our community, and our future.
How do we start making a difference?
Every single life matters. There is no "us" and "them" and we shouldn't live as though there is.
Every person is entitled to have nutritious food, medical care, shelter and clean water.
Every person deserves to have freedom,opportunity,dignity and hope.
Everyone needs to be loved. We all have the ability to influence our world and to make a difference.
It begins with a heart-felt desire to do something. That's followed by a commitment to finding ways to gaining awareness, becoming more educated, and using our resources, both within ourselves and amongst each other.
It begins with a heart-felt desire to do something. That's followed by a commitment to finding ways to gaining awareness, becoming more educated, and using our resources, both within ourselves and amongst each other.
The hardest part might be taking that step....or a plunge, and getting out of our comfort zone. It might feel as though it's just a tiny step, not worth much.
But every effort is like small pebble thrown in the water, creating a spreading ripple that moves, grows and changes into something magnificent and beyond borders.
A COLLECTION OF STORIES OF MY TRIPS TO ETHIOPIA AND IN THE JOURNEY THAT CONTINUES IN MY HEART...
Feb 18, 2010
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Sululta 2010 - What's it all about?
It's about working together for HOPE. A team of medical professionals as well others with a passion for Ethiopia and the betterment of its people will travel in April 2010 to the rural community of Sululta, Ethiopia. This village is located about 25 km from the capital city of Addis Ababa.
The aim of this trip will be to provide not only medical assistance to the rural community, but also additional medical supplies and training for the staff at the clinic. As well, building community awareness of health issues, creating a nutritional program, implementing health promotion and prevention, and collecting data for future implementation are key aspects of the trip.
The team will seek to establish a stronger partnership between a teaching university and the clinic while looking for sustainable ways to assist the Sululta clinic in its long term functioning. I am privileged to be part of this team and look forward to being with the beautiful people of Ethiopia once again. I am excited for what God has planned in the days that we work together as a team to share our hearts, our talents and our passion for making a difference.
The aim of this trip will be to provide not only medical assistance to the rural community, but also additional medical supplies and training for the staff at the clinic. As well, building community awareness of health issues, creating a nutritional program, implementing health promotion and prevention, and collecting data for future implementation are key aspects of the trip.
The team will seek to establish a stronger partnership between a teaching university and the clinic while looking for sustainable ways to assist the Sululta clinic in its long term functioning. I am privileged to be part of this team and look forward to being with the beautiful people of Ethiopia once again. I am excited for what God has planned in the days that we work together as a team to share our hearts, our talents and our passion for making a difference.
Sululta 2010 - Working Together for HOPE
How to "upgrade" your Christmas....watch this and read below
August 26, 2009
So, how did I get to Ethiopia? I have often thought of my desire to make more of a difference. But how? While I am already involved in the adoption of children, I felt that adding an "out of my comfortable world" experience was what I needed to take me to the next step in my journey. One day, I decided to share that with God in the quietness of my heart. At the time, I remember feeling that the desire to reach out across the globe to Ethiopia seemed very far out of reach. Too far for Whose reach? Literally a day later, I received an invitation from our partnering adoption agency to participate in a trip that involved adoption as well as a medical clinic. I was utterly shocked and thrilled all at the same time that an opportunity was right before me. Not only had God attentively heard the desires of my heart, He had opened a door as well. I knew at that moment that there was purpose ahead. My desires mattered and they would be put into action.
On March 26 of this year, I travelled on 22 hours worth of airplane rides (one way). It gave a whole new meaning to my kids saying, "Are we there yet?" I was privileged to visit rural villages, orphanages, adoption homes, the government adoption offices, and offer my help as a pediatrician's assistant at the medical clinic in Salulta, a town of 30,000. What I experienced left me a different person. There were times when I questioned whether I had anything to offer. "Who am I to help these poor people...the need is so great. I'm just an ordinary person" Funny thing is...the doctors and nurses felt the same way...do we have what it takes? Well, its not about our professions or skill sets, although they contribute greatly to the need. It is more about our heart to make a change and our willingness to get past that fear of being inadequate. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, " You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop and look fear in the face. You must do the very thing which you think you cannot do."
So, I took my fear of inadequacy, looked it in the face, and replaced it with my desire to reach out and love people - one person at a time. We would see over 1,000 that week. While sitting on my wooden bench in that concrete room, I might only share a smile, hand out a toothbrush or some vitamins, hand out stickers, or perhaps ease the anxiety of a mother holding her sick child. I could do that...just love people.
You'll see in the days to come, as I share my stories, that deciding to love was all that was ever needed and the outcome was unbelievable - far beyond what I ever imagined.
On March 26 of this year, I travelled on 22 hours worth of airplane rides (one way). It gave a whole new meaning to my kids saying, "Are we there yet?" I was privileged to visit rural villages, orphanages, adoption homes, the government adoption offices, and offer my help as a pediatrician's assistant at the medical clinic in Salulta, a town of 30,000. What I experienced left me a different person. There were times when I questioned whether I had anything to offer. "Who am I to help these poor people...the need is so great. I'm just an ordinary person" Funny thing is...the doctors and nurses felt the same way...do we have what it takes? Well, its not about our professions or skill sets, although they contribute greatly to the need. It is more about our heart to make a change and our willingness to get past that fear of being inadequate. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, " You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop and look fear in the face. You must do the very thing which you think you cannot do."
So, I took my fear of inadequacy, looked it in the face, and replaced it with my desire to reach out and love people - one person at a time. We would see over 1,000 that week. While sitting on my wooden bench in that concrete room, I might only share a smile, hand out a toothbrush or some vitamins, hand out stickers, or perhaps ease the anxiety of a mother holding her sick child. I could do that...just love people.
You'll see in the days to come, as I share my stories, that deciding to love was all that was ever needed and the outcome was unbelievable - far beyond what I ever imagined.
"You must do the thing which you think you cannot do."
August 24, 2009
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about the people that I met in Ethiopia. Every single one touched me in a very unique way. Some hold stories in my heart of incredible heartache and destitution, while others have brought me great joy and a profound understanding of how connected we all are in this world. Regardless of where we live - we are the same people. We have hopes and dreams...we laugh and cry...we gain some days and suffer losses others. Color is only skin deep. Language doesn't have to separate us. We can learn it or get a translator. So, what does separate us? Our views, attitudes or preconceptions perhaps? That is a question worth asking ourselves. We become what we think.
In addition to offering medical help at the Salulta clinic, we also had 2 opticians who conducted eye exams and gave people eye glasses. It was surprising to see how many were in need of eye care. Countless numbers lined up with eye infections and cataracts. One woman had walked 450 km, from the border of Kenya for eye drops. I don't think that I'll ever complain about driving across town to my doctor for a wait of an hour in his waiting room.
As I worked with the pediatrician in my little area, a commotion started up to the side. A woman stood there, waving her arms around, speaking out to familiar faces in the crowd. What she had in her hands was a pair of glasses. I looked over at her and immediately caught her glance. With great triumph and glee, she yelled out at me, " I am beautiful" "Yes", I agreed, giving her a thumbs up and replying, "Kongo". This means beautiful in Amharic. She burst out in a full-bellied laughter. It was quite contagious. She could not contain her joy and I could barely contain my tears. That beautiful moment I will never forget. It made me think that every single girl and woman deeply desires to feel beautiful, no matter where they live or what their circumstances. Why shouldn't they have the opportunity to feel that way? The beauty that I encountered in Ethiopia transcended outward appearances or the flowery eye glasses held in this lady's hand. This was the beauty of the heart and soul and it captivated not only my heart, but closely connected me with the many people there. What a gift.
In addition to offering medical help at the Salulta clinic, we also had 2 opticians who conducted eye exams and gave people eye glasses. It was surprising to see how many were in need of eye care. Countless numbers lined up with eye infections and cataracts. One woman had walked 450 km, from the border of Kenya for eye drops. I don't think that I'll ever complain about driving across town to my doctor for a wait of an hour in his waiting room.
As I worked with the pediatrician in my little area, a commotion started up to the side. A woman stood there, waving her arms around, speaking out to familiar faces in the crowd. What she had in her hands was a pair of glasses. I looked over at her and immediately caught her glance. With great triumph and glee, she yelled out at me, " I am beautiful" "Yes", I agreed, giving her a thumbs up and replying, "Kongo". This means beautiful in Amharic. She burst out in a full-bellied laughter. It was quite contagious. She could not contain her joy and I could barely contain my tears. That beautiful moment I will never forget. It made me think that every single girl and woman deeply desires to feel beautiful, no matter where they live or what their circumstances. Why shouldn't they have the opportunity to feel that way? The beauty that I encountered in Ethiopia transcended outward appearances or the flowery eye glasses held in this lady's hand. This was the beauty of the heart and soul and it captivated not only my heart, but closely connected me with the many people there. What a gift.
August 19, 2009
So what do I do when I'm not at home with my family?
I have the joy and privilege of working as an intercountry worker at Hope Pregnancy and Adoption Services in Abbotsford. I love that name, "Hope", fitting for where my heart desires to dwell. I have the honor of walking alongside people as they journey through international adoption. I handle the Ethiopia and Haiti program as well as all new international inquiries. I am blessed to work with a magnificent group of caring and loving individuals. What a great team we are! Together, we help those in need of love and support during difficult times, while also sharing in the dream of building families with adoptive parents. We also desire and to provide hope and opportunity of a better life to the many children, both here and around the world without families. Every single child deserves to be loved and well-cared for. I'd have to say that I consider my job one of the most awesome opportunities ever given to me. In fact, I don't consider it a job at all - I consider it a joy and a blessing in my life. It also gives me a chance to put my talents, abilities and desires into effective action. My heart is to support, encourage, and inspire others and I am given that window of opportunity to care for others every day. Adoption is a journey of the heart, filled with many up and down moments and I'm so glad that I can be there if someone needs a hand or a shoulder to lean on. Then of course, there are the really sweet moments. One such moment is when I get share in the joy of presenting a child proposal to a family. I get so excited that I don't sleep either that night..just immersed in the beauty and blessing of it all. I love getting excited with a family over travel plans to pick up their long-awaited child. In those moments I think, " God, you are so, so good!"
I have the joy and privilege of working as an intercountry worker at Hope Pregnancy and Adoption Services in Abbotsford. I love that name, "Hope", fitting for where my heart desires to dwell. I have the honor of walking alongside people as they journey through international adoption. I handle the Ethiopia and Haiti program as well as all new international inquiries. I am blessed to work with a magnificent group of caring and loving individuals. What a great team we are! Together, we help those in need of love and support during difficult times, while also sharing in the dream of building families with adoptive parents. We also desire and to provide hope and opportunity of a better life to the many children, both here and around the world without families. Every single child deserves to be loved and well-cared for. I'd have to say that I consider my job one of the most awesome opportunities ever given to me. In fact, I don't consider it a job at all - I consider it a joy and a blessing in my life. It also gives me a chance to put my talents, abilities and desires into effective action. My heart is to support, encourage, and inspire others and I am given that window of opportunity to care for others every day. Adoption is a journey of the heart, filled with many up and down moments and I'm so glad that I can be there if someone needs a hand or a shoulder to lean on. Then of course, there are the really sweet moments. One such moment is when I get share in the joy of presenting a child proposal to a family. I get so excited that I don't sleep either that night..just immersed in the beauty and blessing of it all. I love getting excited with a family over travel plans to pick up their long-awaited child. In those moments I think, " God, you are so, so good!"
A treasured moment at an Ethiopian Orphanage
August 18, 2009 - A Step...
Every journey begins with one step. This blog is an expressive step to sharing my heart with you. I really believe that our hearts are meant to be shared.....deeply. That's what relationships are about - and living in relationship is what we're all meant to do. We weren't meant to be "me" oriented, but rather "we" oriented. Opening up our hearts and sharing our hopes, dreams and trials can be really difficult. But, the benefit far outweighs the risk. At times, we have to step out of our comfort zone and move into unchartered territory. Stepping out, we can accomplish great things. We can inspire, teach, motivate, encourage, hold up and build up. It starts in the heart. That's where God does His best work. We may feel nudged to do something or reach out to someone - that's a step. Kind of like starting this blog. Both our words and our actions have the power to reach out to people and to influence their lives for the better. In fact, we have the power to change the world. I know that's become very cliche...and that's sad, because it's entirely true.
So why don't more people step out to influence the world? Why have so many people become complacent? Well, its scary to put yourself out there. What will others think? What will we think of ourselves? Do we have what it takes to make a difference? Absolutely! Is even a small effort one worth making? Absolutely! What if we fail or get ridiculed? Expect it, but don't let it take you down. No one can get up without falling first. I believe that its better to fail while daring greatly than to not try at all. Are failures really failures? Sometimes, steps that look like failures to us are just ways of showing us where we need to make adjustments...where to begin again, with renewed vision. Remember the old saying, " if you fail, try and try again." So, where do we start? There are just SO many needs and potential areas of improvement in this world. Ask God to show you. Be attentive to what He shows and then move on it. Do a little something in that direction. Give yourself credit for your talents, abilities and interests. Acknowledging your gifts and talents is not self-centred, it puts value on who you are and what you were meant to do. Follow your passions...everyone has them. If you don't feel that you have one...then start looking deep inside. You'll find it. Don't underestimate what God can do through you. Write your thoughts down. You'll see things begin to unfold.
I've got a myriad of journals and little pieces of paper in my purse that all have thoughts that have gone through my mind and heart at one time or another. When did the thoughts come? Well, sometimes in the shower...a great place to be "washed over" with brilliant ideas. Sitting in the van going somewhere...reading bulletin boards, watching people, talking to my boys, listening to a friend, a song, reading a book...lots of places.
So, I've got a little notebook in my purse now that I can pull out and write down those thoughts. They allow me to re-visit my thinking. Then, the next question might be, "Where exactly do these thoughts come from?" Well, I know that they're God given, infused with His plan for my life and colored by my experiences and desires of my heart. I'm not one of those people that think that things just happen. Things happen for a reason. I don't even like to call them "things". They are more like assigned moments, allowable circumstances, or unforeseeable blessings. They can be entire seasons of our life or just a defined moment. Most times, we don't see the relevance of these moments or events in our life. We may never see that. But often times, we do, and as we look back, we clearly see the hidden purposes of these "things" that happen in our life. I believe that God is the master architect of our lives. He's drawn up our plans very carefully, with a precision plan and long term benefits. Every person has a plan for their life; a purpose. Everything about us fits into that purpose if we'll let it.
The real exercise is to be fully attentive to where God is leading our steps. Yes, it's a journey, not a destination. But, all it requires is a first step....sometimes a baby step, but it's a start!
So why don't more people step out to influence the world? Why have so many people become complacent? Well, its scary to put yourself out there. What will others think? What will we think of ourselves? Do we have what it takes to make a difference? Absolutely! Is even a small effort one worth making? Absolutely! What if we fail or get ridiculed? Expect it, but don't let it take you down. No one can get up without falling first. I believe that its better to fail while daring greatly than to not try at all. Are failures really failures? Sometimes, steps that look like failures to us are just ways of showing us where we need to make adjustments...where to begin again, with renewed vision. Remember the old saying, " if you fail, try and try again." So, where do we start? There are just SO many needs and potential areas of improvement in this world. Ask God to show you. Be attentive to what He shows and then move on it. Do a little something in that direction. Give yourself credit for your talents, abilities and interests. Acknowledging your gifts and talents is not self-centred, it puts value on who you are and what you were meant to do. Follow your passions...everyone has them. If you don't feel that you have one...then start looking deep inside. You'll find it. Don't underestimate what God can do through you. Write your thoughts down. You'll see things begin to unfold.
I've got a myriad of journals and little pieces of paper in my purse that all have thoughts that have gone through my mind and heart at one time or another. When did the thoughts come? Well, sometimes in the shower...a great place to be "washed over" with brilliant ideas. Sitting in the van going somewhere...reading bulletin boards, watching people, talking to my boys, listening to a friend, a song, reading a book...lots of places.
So, I've got a little notebook in my purse now that I can pull out and write down those thoughts. They allow me to re-visit my thinking. Then, the next question might be, "Where exactly do these thoughts come from?" Well, I know that they're God given, infused with His plan for my life and colored by my experiences and desires of my heart. I'm not one of those people that think that things just happen. Things happen for a reason. I don't even like to call them "things". They are more like assigned moments, allowable circumstances, or unforeseeable blessings. They can be entire seasons of our life or just a defined moment. Most times, we don't see the relevance of these moments or events in our life. We may never see that. But often times, we do, and as we look back, we clearly see the hidden purposes of these "things" that happen in our life. I believe that God is the master architect of our lives. He's drawn up our plans very carefully, with a precision plan and long term benefits. Every person has a plan for their life; a purpose. Everything about us fits into that purpose if we'll let it.
The real exercise is to be fully attentive to where God is leading our steps. Yes, it's a journey, not a destination. But, all it requires is a first step....sometimes a baby step, but it's a start!
Join in the journey...
I hope that you will enjoy reading the stories that I have shared. I also hope that you will take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the experiences which changed my life. Not only do I value the gift of life and relationships more deeply, but also the reality that I am able to have an active part in making the life of others better. Knowledge and good intentions do not take the place of purposeful actions. Without choosing to act - the world remains unchanged. I believe that we can all " Be the change we want to see in the world".
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that he was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.
"Good Morning" he called out. May I ask what you are doing? the young man paused, looked up, and replied, "Throwing starfish into the ocean...the sun is up and the tide is going. If I don't throw them in, they'll die." Upon hearing this the wise man commented, "But young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference." At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it in the ocean. As it met the water, he said, " It matters to that one." (Adapted from The Starfish Thrower, by Lauren Eiseley)
Every person matters...every one can make a difference. I hope that you will be inspired to be that person.
"Good Morning" he called out. May I ask what you are doing? the young man paused, looked up, and replied, "Throwing starfish into the ocean...the sun is up and the tide is going. If I don't throw them in, they'll die." Upon hearing this the wise man commented, "But young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference." At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it in the ocean. As it met the water, he said, " It matters to that one." (Adapted from The Starfish Thrower, by Lauren Eiseley)
Every person matters...every one can make a difference. I hope that you will be inspired to be that person.