Hi, everyone.
Growing up, my parents always told me that when I visited somewhere I was to leave it in better condition than when I first arrived. As a kid, I took it on a literal level like I did with everything else. As I grew up and become more of an English brain, I realized how this is an extended metaphor for life. Now, it has become one of the greatest lessons my parents could have instilled in me.
I don't have children yet, but I often dream about the day that I finally do. I know how much I love my niece and the 100+ students who sit in my room each day, and I know how much I want for them as they continue on with their amazing lives. Because of that, I see it as my duty to leave the world in better shape than when I came into it. It's everyone's duty...for them.
We all have a different skill set, and the world needs us to fulfill many different roles. I was never meant to be a world leader, and I am quite okay with that; however, we each, no matter what our role is, have a responsibility to give something positive to this world. Too often, people expect the world to be given to them, but it truly is meant to be the other way around. We should be giving to the world. What are you doing to make a better life for yourself and others?
Simply being kind and helping instill this in others is success enough for me. Encouraging and helping young people to be everything they dream of is enough. We must stop asking, "What about me?" Focus on leaving a lasting, positive impact. Focus on cleaning up the mess around you before you walk out the door. If you didn't leave anything to be remembered for, your legacy will fade quickly. If you leave a positive impact, you'll be carried on for generations.
Let's all chip in and see what we can do. Find what works for you, and do it. Let's all plan to leave the world in better shape than when we arrived. Be quicker to give than receive. Make your mark. Our youth is depending on us. I don't know about you, but I will do anything not to let them down.
Go do good things,
BT
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Super Women
Hi, everyone!
I was just thinking the other day about what I wish all girls my age and younger had in their lives. It didn't take long for me to figure it out--strong female role models. It is exponentially important in the development of young women. Girls need to see through example what it means to be strong, independent, hardworking, loving, and driven.
So much of who I am is because of those who are around me. My dad, grandfather, and brother took care of all the competitive/don't whine/stand up and dust yourself off genes, but I have been blessed beyond measure with a plethora of ladies who teach me every day what it means to be amazing. They pick me up when I am down. They encourage me when I feel like giving up. They inspire me to go for even my biggest dream. They show me that being a good person and doing the right thing is the only way to go. They prove that getting older doesn't mean you can't have fun and to always enjoy life.
Every ounce of me is deeply indebted to all of these remarkable women. I have been blessed with the greatest support system there is, and I just wish I could pass that on to every little girl in the world. I want each girl to know that she is worth more than she thinks. I want each girl to know she is capable of going after what she wants, and I want each girl to know that she is strong enough to do things on her own and that guys are supposed to add to her life, not be her whole life.
If I could ask anything of the women who read this blog, I ask that you mentor a young girl to be everything she wants to be. Be it your daughter, family member, co worker, or just a young girl you know, each girl needs a little extra support and backing. It changes lives. I am who I am in large part to all the wonderful women surrounding me. They are the real super heroes.
Go do good things,
BT
I was just thinking the other day about what I wish all girls my age and younger had in their lives. It didn't take long for me to figure it out--strong female role models. It is exponentially important in the development of young women. Girls need to see through example what it means to be strong, independent, hardworking, loving, and driven.
So much of who I am is because of those who are around me. My dad, grandfather, and brother took care of all the competitive/don't whine/stand up and dust yourself off genes, but I have been blessed beyond measure with a plethora of ladies who teach me every day what it means to be amazing. They pick me up when I am down. They encourage me when I feel like giving up. They inspire me to go for even my biggest dream. They show me that being a good person and doing the right thing is the only way to go. They prove that getting older doesn't mean you can't have fun and to always enjoy life.
Every ounce of me is deeply indebted to all of these remarkable women. I have been blessed with the greatest support system there is, and I just wish I could pass that on to every little girl in the world. I want each girl to know that she is worth more than she thinks. I want each girl to know she is capable of going after what she wants, and I want each girl to know that she is strong enough to do things on her own and that guys are supposed to add to her life, not be her whole life.
If I could ask anything of the women who read this blog, I ask that you mentor a young girl to be everything she wants to be. Be it your daughter, family member, co worker, or just a young girl you know, each girl needs a little extra support and backing. It changes lives. I am who I am in large part to all the wonderful women surrounding me. They are the real super heroes.
Go do good things,
BT
Monday, March 11, 2013
Silver Linings...
Hello, all.
I hope this week has started off well for you.
I have been blessed with a new friend in my life who has taught me a lifetime of lessons in just a few months and has inspired me more and more each day. I received a text from this incredible person that provided me with an idea for my blog today.
I hope this week has started off well for you.
I have been blessed with a new friend in my life who has taught me a lifetime of lessons in just a few months and has inspired me more and more each day. I received a text from this incredible person that provided me with an idea for my blog today.
Always look for the silver lining.
The more I experience all of life's up and downs, the more that I think this is the key to true happiness. Can you find the good in the bad? Can you find the meaning when all seems lost? Do you search for the rainbow after the storm? This search is crucial to having a happy, peaceful, and fulfilling life because life will not always be easy. There will be times when life will knock you down and keep the hits coming. There will be times when life isn't fair. There will be times when you don't get what you want, but I implore you to find the best out of what you're given.
Life is strictly what you make of it. You can choose to see what you want to see. If you choose to only focus on what you didn't get or had taken away, there is little hope of being happy. You become fixated on what you don't have, and you take away any chance of enjoying what you have been blessed with. If you didn't get your raise, be happy that you have a job when so many people are without one. If you lose a friend due to a falling out, remember all the good times you had and also the lessons learned.
Life isn't meant to be viewed in black and white. We were meant to look at everything in silver. Things may not always work out the way you want, but there is good to be found everywhere and in every situation. It is often more difficult to locate, but your life will change when you alter your perspective.
Go do good things,
BT
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Lessons from Kid President...
Hi, everyone! Hope all is well on your end.
I thought I would blog about the lessons that a 9-year-old boy has been instilling in people across the country. Kid President, my miniature hero, and his brother-in-law Brad Montague have been making videos on SoulPancake for about a year now, and their message is uplifting and inspiring.
Here is what he has taught my students and me:
1. You were made to be awesome: Not enough people believe this. Granted, we all are not supposed to be world leaders or CEO's, but being awesome doesn't require that title. Being awesome is about being the best person you are capable of being. Help others. Work hard. Be fair. Smile. That is being awesome. Each one of us has the ability to do anything if we just go after it.
2. We are on the same team: I pray that one day we all realize this. In the game of life, there are no sides. We all have our differences and unique qualities, but no one is better than the next person. In order to achieve our goals, we must work together. We must cheer for others and help them along. We must drop our biased feelings and work as one. Everyone is important. Everyone has a plethora of talents to add to this world. Embrace them. After all, we are on the same team.
3. Make this year awesome for someone else: Doing for others has ignited a fire inside of me that has created an abundance of happiness. Helping other people is the right thing to do. Giving helps the giver just as much as the receiver. I have witnessed this transformation first hand. The students in Christin and my class are changed individuals. They are happier, calmer, and inspired. Make a conscious effort to step outside of your own bubble and see what you can do for others. The world needs a little kindness.
4. It's time to do something: We have such a short time on this earth, so don't waste it sitting around. Get up, and go do something. Do something that makes you happy. Do something that will make this world a better place. Do something that will help another person. Just do something. Don't live a life that you'll look back on one day and regret.
5. If there are two paths, choose the one that leads to awesome: There are too many outside influences trying to lead us down the wrong path. Find the right path and stick to it. Surround yourself with people who want to help you stay on that path, too. Having the right people around you is paramount. Find others who will believe and support you and your dreams. Find others who will not judge you or bring you down. Find others who will be there in times of need. Stay on the right path!
6. When you realize your dream, keep going and keep going: Life will knock you down...many times. It won't go easy on you. You'll constantly question yourself and your abilities, but the important thing is to never quit moving forward toward your dream. It's going to take a whole lot of effort and tears, but the end result will be worth every moment of pain.
7. It's everyone's duty to give the world a reason to dance: Go out there and be great. Be so great that you become contagious, and after you have achieved this greatness, stop and take a moment to dance. Just enjoy life and all it has to offer. You can do so much if you just believe and take that first step. When you get moving, you'll be happy and cause others to follow.
8. Treat everyone like it's their birthday: Be kind to everyone. You don't know how much your words or actions could affect someone. Even the smallest compliment or word of encouragement can change a day, even a life. Make other feel as important as they are. Because of a certain teacher in high school and her constant encouragement and belief in me, I am doing exactly what I was meant to do. Be kind to all, even those who may not deserve it.
This is what my students, BT #2, and I have learned. Please take his lessons and apply them. Each and every one of you reading this right now has a world of possibilities at your finger tips. Live in a way that makes you proud. Keep working, and bring others with you.
Remember, you were make to be awesome.
Go do good things,
BT
I thought I would blog about the lessons that a 9-year-old boy has been instilling in people across the country. Kid President, my miniature hero, and his brother-in-law Brad Montague have been making videos on SoulPancake for about a year now, and their message is uplifting and inspiring.
Here is what he has taught my students and me:
1. You were made to be awesome: Not enough people believe this. Granted, we all are not supposed to be world leaders or CEO's, but being awesome doesn't require that title. Being awesome is about being the best person you are capable of being. Help others. Work hard. Be fair. Smile. That is being awesome. Each one of us has the ability to do anything if we just go after it.
2. We are on the same team: I pray that one day we all realize this. In the game of life, there are no sides. We all have our differences and unique qualities, but no one is better than the next person. In order to achieve our goals, we must work together. We must cheer for others and help them along. We must drop our biased feelings and work as one. Everyone is important. Everyone has a plethora of talents to add to this world. Embrace them. After all, we are on the same team.
3. Make this year awesome for someone else: Doing for others has ignited a fire inside of me that has created an abundance of happiness. Helping other people is the right thing to do. Giving helps the giver just as much as the receiver. I have witnessed this transformation first hand. The students in Christin and my class are changed individuals. They are happier, calmer, and inspired. Make a conscious effort to step outside of your own bubble and see what you can do for others. The world needs a little kindness.
4. It's time to do something: We have such a short time on this earth, so don't waste it sitting around. Get up, and go do something. Do something that makes you happy. Do something that will make this world a better place. Do something that will help another person. Just do something. Don't live a life that you'll look back on one day and regret.
5. If there are two paths, choose the one that leads to awesome: There are too many outside influences trying to lead us down the wrong path. Find the right path and stick to it. Surround yourself with people who want to help you stay on that path, too. Having the right people around you is paramount. Find others who will believe and support you and your dreams. Find others who will not judge you or bring you down. Find others who will be there in times of need. Stay on the right path!
6. When you realize your dream, keep going and keep going: Life will knock you down...many times. It won't go easy on you. You'll constantly question yourself and your abilities, but the important thing is to never quit moving forward toward your dream. It's going to take a whole lot of effort and tears, but the end result will be worth every moment of pain.
7. It's everyone's duty to give the world a reason to dance: Go out there and be great. Be so great that you become contagious, and after you have achieved this greatness, stop and take a moment to dance. Just enjoy life and all it has to offer. You can do so much if you just believe and take that first step. When you get moving, you'll be happy and cause others to follow.
8. Treat everyone like it's their birthday: Be kind to everyone. You don't know how much your words or actions could affect someone. Even the smallest compliment or word of encouragement can change a day, even a life. Make other feel as important as they are. Because of a certain teacher in high school and her constant encouragement and belief in me, I am doing exactly what I was meant to do. Be kind to all, even those who may not deserve it.
This is what my students, BT #2, and I have learned. Please take his lessons and apply them. Each and every one of you reading this right now has a world of possibilities at your finger tips. Live in a way that makes you proud. Keep working, and bring others with you.
Remember, you were make to be awesome.
Go do good things,
BT
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Our Campaign for Kindness
Hello, everyone.
This post has been at the tips of my fingers for a week, but I haven't quite had the time to sit down and find the perfect words to explain what happened. It has inspired me to my core, and I hope I can adequately detail it all.
In the last post, I told you about how BT #2 and my students have been doing the Kindness Campaign. It has been wonderful watching the students grow and find the love of being kind. With the trimester ending this coming Friday, the kids were adamant about their Kindness Campaign continuing and thriving. As a teacher, when I see my kids inspired or dreaming big, I will do anything to help them reach their goal. It's important for them all to know that anything is possible if they work hard enough to go out and achieve it. From this talk of keeping the Kindness Campaign going came the idea of a video. What started out as a video where the kids would talk about the acts of kindness they performed became a video where they would challenge teachers and students across the country to join in and adopt their own campaign. My heart was full. BT #2 and I listened to ideas fly across the room about how to film, what to say, but most importantly the impact that they KNEW they were going to have.
This past week, we knew it was time to put our plan into action. We came up with the idea of tossing the ball to each other throughout the video as a way of moving seamlessly from kid to kid. BT #2, my awesome neighbor, and I bounce the ball in the hall during passing period. We love throwing it to the students as they walk by. It never fails to make one laugh or smile, so the ball became the physical symbol of kindness that we were going to use. The kids were ecstatic. They were flying around with ideas, so eager to help and make it amazing. We somehow managed to get it all filmed in one class period. I stayed up all night editing and uploading because I knew how much the students wanted to see their video.
I have never seen more excitement as I have seen on the students' faces. They love the video and all it stands for. They have been sending it to family members, organizations, other schools, and our favorite celebrities. When teachers congratulate them in the hall, they have to run to my room to tell BT #2 and me about what was said to them. They are proud of themselves, and, if nothing else comes of it, that is worth it for me. However, something deep down in my gut tells me that this isn't it. The kids have been noticed by our mayor, who has shared our video a few times and told the kids that they have made our city proud. They have been invited to the next school board meeting because the superintendent wants to congratulate them for the message they have created. They have been noticed by the national organization Random Acts of Kindness, which told them that they made an incredible video. They have over 1,600 views in just a few days, and, more importantly, they have vows from many schools in our state and others to start this at their school.
There are no words for how proud I am. These students are special. This experience has brought them all together. They just asked BT #2 and me if we could keep them all four years and be like the movie Freedom Writers. They have no clue how much I wish that could happen. These remarkable students have changed me. They have inspired me, and I will never forget this past week. I look forward to seeing where this video goes and hearing the impact it has on others. They are going to walk away from room J.12 knowing some more about commas and sentence structure, but they will also walk away knowing that they made a difference.
Go do good things,
BT
***If you haven't watched the video, here is the link to it. Please share to any and all people that you know.
This post has been at the tips of my fingers for a week, but I haven't quite had the time to sit down and find the perfect words to explain what happened. It has inspired me to my core, and I hope I can adequately detail it all.
In the last post, I told you about how BT #2 and my students have been doing the Kindness Campaign. It has been wonderful watching the students grow and find the love of being kind. With the trimester ending this coming Friday, the kids were adamant about their Kindness Campaign continuing and thriving. As a teacher, when I see my kids inspired or dreaming big, I will do anything to help them reach their goal. It's important for them all to know that anything is possible if they work hard enough to go out and achieve it. From this talk of keeping the Kindness Campaign going came the idea of a video. What started out as a video where the kids would talk about the acts of kindness they performed became a video where they would challenge teachers and students across the country to join in and adopt their own campaign. My heart was full. BT #2 and I listened to ideas fly across the room about how to film, what to say, but most importantly the impact that they KNEW they were going to have.
This past week, we knew it was time to put our plan into action. We came up with the idea of tossing the ball to each other throughout the video as a way of moving seamlessly from kid to kid. BT #2, my awesome neighbor, and I bounce the ball in the hall during passing period. We love throwing it to the students as they walk by. It never fails to make one laugh or smile, so the ball became the physical symbol of kindness that we were going to use. The kids were ecstatic. They were flying around with ideas, so eager to help and make it amazing. We somehow managed to get it all filmed in one class period. I stayed up all night editing and uploading because I knew how much the students wanted to see their video.
I have never seen more excitement as I have seen on the students' faces. They love the video and all it stands for. They have been sending it to family members, organizations, other schools, and our favorite celebrities. When teachers congratulate them in the hall, they have to run to my room to tell BT #2 and me about what was said to them. They are proud of themselves, and, if nothing else comes of it, that is worth it for me. However, something deep down in my gut tells me that this isn't it. The kids have been noticed by our mayor, who has shared our video a few times and told the kids that they have made our city proud. They have been invited to the next school board meeting because the superintendent wants to congratulate them for the message they have created. They have been noticed by the national organization Random Acts of Kindness, which told them that they made an incredible video. They have over 1,600 views in just a few days, and, more importantly, they have vows from many schools in our state and others to start this at their school.
There are no words for how proud I am. These students are special. This experience has brought them all together. They just asked BT #2 and me if we could keep them all four years and be like the movie Freedom Writers. They have no clue how much I wish that could happen. These remarkable students have changed me. They have inspired me, and I will never forget this past week. I look forward to seeing where this video goes and hearing the impact it has on others. They are going to walk away from room J.12 knowing some more about commas and sentence structure, but they will also walk away knowing that they made a difference.
Go do good things,
BT
***If you haven't watched the video, here is the link to it. Please share to any and all people that you know.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Proud Teacher...
Hi, everyone...
This blog will be short and sweet. I have to brag on my students a bit, which is not a tough thing for me. I happened to be blessed with some of the most inspiring young adults one could ask for.
Anyway, I am starting to feel this love for giving and helping others start to pay off. I feel many of my students caught the "giving bug." It is the most heart warming thing to watch. Seeing teenagers, who so many people feel are self centered and disrespectful, want to be kind and do for others makes my heart melt.
Here is what I have seen...
Monday has become a favorite day in my fellow BT friend and my 3rd hour. They deliberate fiercely about what our act of kindness will be. There is always a large group eager and ecstatic to go and deliver whatever it is we have done. The kids have taken this on and have blossomed in it. I passed out a sheet with 72 lines on it. I told them it wasn't an assignment. It was merely a way for them to track the 72 acts of kindness I was challenging them to accomplish before the school year ended. As I was walking around the room yesterday, I saw a young girl pull out her sheet to jot down yet another act she had already done. She was at #25. The kids in that class are kinder, happier, and more respectful of other's feelings, and, if nothing else, I feel that is a win. Fellow BT and I are proud of them.
My journalism class is busy planning a video that we are going to make for our broadcasting unit in honor of Kid President, our leader in the mission to make this year awesome for someone else. They have planned activities to do to make this year awesome for the students and staff of LPHS. They are going to film and edit it into a nice video to represent the good that truly exists in our school. :) Another student in this class made a twitter account dedicated to Kid President. She uses it as a way to broadcast his message to fellow classmates who may not yet know about this movement.
So, what do I take away from all of this?
I am the luckiest girl alive. These young adults are the most amazing people on the planet. They inspire me to keep trying to make a difference. I have met this initiative with no resistance. They want to help. They want to be good people. Imagine if we all just did a little something... :)
Go do good things,
BT
This blog will be short and sweet. I have to brag on my students a bit, which is not a tough thing for me. I happened to be blessed with some of the most inspiring young adults one could ask for.
Anyway, I am starting to feel this love for giving and helping others start to pay off. I feel many of my students caught the "giving bug." It is the most heart warming thing to watch. Seeing teenagers, who so many people feel are self centered and disrespectful, want to be kind and do for others makes my heart melt.
Here is what I have seen...
Monday has become a favorite day in my fellow BT friend and my 3rd hour. They deliberate fiercely about what our act of kindness will be. There is always a large group eager and ecstatic to go and deliver whatever it is we have done. The kids have taken this on and have blossomed in it. I passed out a sheet with 72 lines on it. I told them it wasn't an assignment. It was merely a way for them to track the 72 acts of kindness I was challenging them to accomplish before the school year ended. As I was walking around the room yesterday, I saw a young girl pull out her sheet to jot down yet another act she had already done. She was at #25. The kids in that class are kinder, happier, and more respectful of other's feelings, and, if nothing else, I feel that is a win. Fellow BT and I are proud of them.
My journalism class is busy planning a video that we are going to make for our broadcasting unit in honor of Kid President, our leader in the mission to make this year awesome for someone else. They have planned activities to do to make this year awesome for the students and staff of LPHS. They are going to film and edit it into a nice video to represent the good that truly exists in our school. :) Another student in this class made a twitter account dedicated to Kid President. She uses it as a way to broadcast his message to fellow classmates who may not yet know about this movement.
So, what do I take away from all of this?
I am the luckiest girl alive. These young adults are the most amazing people on the planet. They inspire me to keep trying to make a difference. I have met this initiative with no resistance. They want to help. They want to be good people. Imagine if we all just did a little something... :)
Go do good things,
BT
Monday, February 4, 2013
Kindness Challenge
Hi, all.
It's a snow day here, and instead of complain that I didn't get to go into work today, I thought I would do something productive.
I am going to challenge you to something. You must not refuse. :) I'll get to the challenge in a second.
Compliments are one of my most favorite gifts in the world. They are free and meaningful. What could be better than that? If you can find something that beats free and meaningful (besides IU basketball tickets), please let me know. Too often we point out things we do not like about others, which is unfortunate. How often do we stop and tell others what it is we enjoy about them? Telling a co-worker that they you appreciate their hard work or letting a friend know that they have made a difference in your life will not result in an early death. In fact, you might just feel a little extra pep in your step.
Another perk of compliments is that after a while, you become trained to focus on the positive rather than always looking for faults in others. When this happens, life becomes so much better. Seeing the good in others makes for a much happier and fulfilling life. Make it a habit. I promise you won't regret it.
Challenge time, folks. Don't back out on me either.
Monday: Tell someone you admire why it is that you admire them.
Tuesday: Tell someone at work that you are impressed with their work ethic. (Make sure you are actually impressed. No one like insincere compliments.)
Wednesday: Tell a complete stranger something you like about them.
Thursday: Remind someone who you live with or love why you care so much about them.
Friday: Tell a kid that you're proud of them, and be sure to tell them why.
Time to scatter some joy, my friends. Let's get started.
Go SAY good things,
BT
It's a snow day here, and instead of complain that I didn't get to go into work today, I thought I would do something productive.
I am going to challenge you to something. You must not refuse. :) I'll get to the challenge in a second.
Compliments are one of my most favorite gifts in the world. They are free and meaningful. What could be better than that? If you can find something that beats free and meaningful (besides IU basketball tickets), please let me know. Too often we point out things we do not like about others, which is unfortunate. How often do we stop and tell others what it is we enjoy about them? Telling a co-worker that they you appreciate their hard work or letting a friend know that they have made a difference in your life will not result in an early death. In fact, you might just feel a little extra pep in your step.
Another perk of compliments is that after a while, you become trained to focus on the positive rather than always looking for faults in others. When this happens, life becomes so much better. Seeing the good in others makes for a much happier and fulfilling life. Make it a habit. I promise you won't regret it.
Challenge time, folks. Don't back out on me either.
Monday: Tell someone you admire why it is that you admire them.
Tuesday: Tell someone at work that you are impressed with their work ethic. (Make sure you are actually impressed. No one like insincere compliments.)
Wednesday: Tell a complete stranger something you like about them.
Thursday: Remind someone who you live with or love why you care so much about them.
Friday: Tell a kid that you're proud of them, and be sure to tell them why.
Time to scatter some joy, my friends. Let's get started.
Go SAY good things,
BT
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