Call of Duty

No...not the grotesque video game that is corrupting brains worldwide, but the call to duty that should be our mission to make the world a better place... HUGE DIFFERENCE. We're keeping this post Rated G.

Yesterday morning I had the opportunity to visit my friend's 5th class. Their current lesson is entitled "Call of Duty" and they are learning about how to make positive impacts on the world, their community, and their peers. As I am preparing to get an MBA with an emphasis in Corporate Social Responsibility and Nonprofits, I was of course thrilled by this topic. Her kiddos have been doing some amazing projects such as tutoring the younger students at their school, writing cards to people in their community, and sharing books with those who are less fortunate. They are also working on various projects to help raise money to save the rainforest in Africa. The students were WONDERFUL and very eager to share their experiences... during my talk I emphasized that sharing can be a great way to have a positive impact on the people around them. After sharing some of my experiences with track and volunteering, we went outside for a lesson on triple jumping... a little off topic... but I was 'sharing' remember... why not share one of the things I do best. PLUS, what better way to make 5th graders love you... did you say 'extra recess'????! YUP!

Learning how to triple jump for the first time...

IT WAS SOOOOO FUN! They were adorable, attentive, and great little jumpers in-the-making :-) After playing around with the hop, step, and jump, they decided to share something with me. During the Q&A, one of the girls raised her hand, asking if I would be a special guest at their International Dance Festival. Unfortunately I can't attend, as I will be out of town, but the kids came up with the WONDERFUL idea of showing me their dance so that I wouldn't have to miss out on the fun. WOW and wow. They were awesome! Their song is in Swahili and they gave me permission to share this video with the kids I will meet next month in Kenya! Their teacher also spends her summers teaching in Kenya and Tanzania so hopefully I'll get to meet more of her students soon.

I had an incredible morning... what a perfect way to start my day! To Miss Smith's class: Thank you all for inviting me to spend the morning with you! And thank you for sharing all of your amazing projects and the dance that I can see you've worked so hard on! Remember, each of you has a special gift that can help make the world a better place… have fun and don't be shy. YOU ROCK! Have a wonderful summer!

Here's a sneak peek of the song and dance they will be performing, in full costume, next week!...

Now to the rest of you out there: What is YOUR "call of duty"??? Take a moment and think of all the ways you can make a difference in your community. Then, shocker, go out an do it. Can't think of one right now? Try this: Smile at a stranger... it might be just the ticket to brighten their day.