Can One Person Change the World?

Sometimes, one of my students does something so powerful that I have to share it with the world.  This week has been very draining mentally for me, and I needed a wake up call.  I needed a reminder to stop complaining, stop focusing on the negative, and most importantly, a reminder of why I get up and come to work every day.  Sometimes you have to take one for the team, you have to step up to the plate, you have to do something you don't want to do, in order to help the greater good...sometimes you have to do these things to try and change the world.

The past few weeks, my students have been learning about Malala Yousafzai as a part of our unit on heroes.  We read the text of her United Nations Speech as we watched video footage of Malala actually giving the speech.  We then had a very deep class discussion about Malala's words and how they impact us as individuals.  

For those of you who don't know, Malala Yousafzai is a teenage from Pakistan who was shot by the Taliban in 2012 simply because she fought for her right to an education.  Malala is an inspirational activist, and she has never given up on her dream for all women and children in her country, and world-wide, to receive the gift of knowledge through a valuable education.  Her grit is infectious.  I felt it deeply, and I wanted my students to feel it as well.  

My classes discussed the fact that Americans take their educations for granted.  We complain about having to study for a test, or take notes, or grade papers, or sit through a meeting.  When, if you think about it, Malala literally took a bullet to her head for the chance to study for a test, take notes, or do homework.  The conversations I had with my students were simply incredible, and I am so thankful to have had that experience with them.  Whether or not the conversations linger with my kids, I can only hope they had a lasting effect.  

As a reflection on our experience learning about Malala and her story, I had my gifted/advanced students write letters to her.  I wanted them to think about what we discussed, as well as how Malala affected them on a personal level.  

I absolutely had to share this one with all of you.  

This student is a very special one to me, and she might be one of the most talented writers I've ever come across.  Keep in mind, this is an assignment she did in just 30 minutes, and she did not have time for revisions or editing.  It literally makes me giddy when I am so frustrated with all the "naughty" students, but then I see through an assignment like this, that some of them really do get it.  They really do care.  

This letter sums up why I come to work everyday.  This letter was the perfect relief this week during a very stressful time.  It's a breath of fresh air, and it's a reminder that our students and children do listen, they do learn, and they do want to make something of themselves some day.  

Now it's just our job to help them get there.  

To quote Malala, "One teacher, one child, one pen, and one book, can change the world."  Let's not let her down...

Dear Malala,

        I have absolutely no idea where to begin. Maybe thank you for the inspiration. Your story makes me feel powerful and full of hope. Because of you, I have decided that I need to help an issue too. I'm still contemplating what one small person in this world can do, but you're living proof that one person can change the world and turn it upside down. I'll bet you never thought that you would create the impact that you did. It's an incredible thing to comprehend, I suppose. I, J.U., a twelve-year-old girl, can change the way things are. What an odd thought.

        I am hugely blessed to live in a country like the USA. We have the freedom to go to school. A good percentage of us live a life of first world problems, and I'm grateful every day for that fact. When I learned that not all countries in the world are just like us, it like hitting a brick wall (or being a Muggle trying to get past Platform 9 3/4, if you're into Harry Potter). I applaud the bravery of you and your family to continue running your father's school despite the Taliban's orders.  I've read a few of your blog entries and have began reading your autobiography, and I must say that 1.) You certainly have a gift for writing and the ability to paint a picture of words to create the authentic emotions of what you went through. 2.) I have no idea how you do it. I have a heart attack when the toaster pops, I seriously doubt I would've been able to stand up to the Taliban. Many children in the US truly despise school and homework, and going to school is the most awful thing imaginable. There are some days when even I would rather take a twenty-four hour power nap instead of school. When these thoughts come to me, I quickly remind myself of the children in your country that don't have the choice of education. I've heard it said that worst things come to the best of people. You are a beautiful and exquisite person who has severely impacted the world for the better. Being shot by the Taliban was such an awful thing to happen to such a lovely person.  One of my favorite things that you have said was in your United Nations speech. You say how being shot only made you a stronger and fearless person. The fact the you keep fighting despite what you've been through is such an inspiring thing, it brings determination and persistence to an entirely new level.

        Personally, one of my favorite things to study is the Civil Rights Movement, when African-Americans were segregated and treated less than human in the southern states of America during the 1950's and 60's. For me, a stand out segment about the Civil Rights is the non-violent approach of Martin Luther King, Jr., and many other leaders. You mention MLK and Ghandi in your UN speech. Another brilliant point brought up in your United Nations speech was that you said that even if you had the chance to shoot the Talib man who shot you, you would not, that you still love him even after what he did to you. That you feel compassion towards him because he is not educated. To be honest, I don't know if I possess that level of self-control and love. I thank you for standing up for the women and children of Pakistan. It's sometimes hard, as an American, to watch suffering that the Middle East  experiences. I can only imagine what an actual resident must feel. Bullying and bystanding is a huge issues all over the world. In America, it is primarily kid-on-kid in schools and extra-curricular activities. In a way, the Taliban are the bullies of Pakistan and under their rule is the victim as well as bystander. You stood up for your country even though you knew the cost would most likely be awful, which it was. It's so inspirational and beautiful. I want to be you when I grow up, and I'm sure I'm not alone in that.

        In the above paragraph, I compare the Taliban to bullying. I think we can help the women and children of Pakistan like we deal with bullying. It all starts with that first domino to fall, that first single voice to speak up. In this case, you. Next, we need a bigger group, a gathered nation to help. The bully begins to feel intimidated, but not enough to back down just yet. The nation expands to a world, a world where everyone is fighting together for the same because they want change for the better, then it stops. The bully stops torturing. The victim/s stop living in fear and crying. The world stops fighting because they know they've won. We have our nation mostly gathered, all we need now is the world. I know the situation is much more intricate and complex than my format, but it is a start nonetheless.

        You are definitely one of my heroes.

        So many of your qualities are that of what most consider a hero. You're courageous, intelligent, compassionate, and determined. I once heard that the difference between brave and courageous is that brave is when you unintentionally run into danger and face it then and there, courageous is when you know full well what you're doing, but you do it anyway because you know that's what's right. If that happens to be true, you certainly fall under the courageous category. You knew how cruel and ruthless the Taliban are, yet you ran head first into it because there was a change you needed to see happen. As I mentioned before, you said in your UN speech that you feel compassion towards the Talib man who shot you. That's such a wonderful trait to have. I'm notorious for holding grudges, and only forgiving when I feel they've proved themselves. You forgave because you know it's pointless to hold grudges. That's another valuable lesson I've learned from you. Also previously brought up, your determination and can-do, never-gonna-give-up attitude is amazing. You literally almost died, and yet you still continued the campaign that leaded you to that state. Remarkable, just truly remarkable.

        Once again, I cannot thank you enough for the fire you've ignited not only to the world, but within me as well. I feel as though I  can do anything because I constantly remind myself of your courage. I even use you to push me through the day. J, if Malala can stand up to the Taliban, you can get out of bed. Jor, if Malala can change the world, you can stay awake in class. You are beautiful and wonderful, please don't ever change that. God bless you and your family. Best wishes!

                                                                                                                                                            With Deep Love and Admiration,

J.U.

How to ACTUALLY Achieve those New Year's Resolutions!

I know, I know.  Social media is FULL of people making resolutions and goals for the New Year.  I feel like I can't log onto Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram without seeing a ton of posts all about eating healthier, working out more, becoming financially savvy, or spending more time with family.

According to an article on Forbes, some estimates say that over 40% of Americans make New Year's Resolutions.  That's awesome! Or is it?  The University of Scranton research suggests that just 8% of people actually achieve their resolutions.  Where is the breakdown?  Why is this happening?

Setting goals is a part of life.  As a teacher, I try to make it a habit to have my students create goals all throughout the school year.  It's human nature to want to better yourself, and a lot of times, the possibility of becoming a better version of yourself is what keeps a lot of us getting out of bed every day.  The problem is not that people are setting goals, and then just giving up on them, or forgetting about them.  The problem is...

GOALS NEED TO ACTUALLY BE ATTAINABLE! 

Don't get me wrong, long-term goals are extremely beneficial, and it helps to look down the road ahead to give yourself some direction in life.  However, it's the smaller, short-term goals that are the vehicles to get you to that end destination.  

Why even create New Year's Resolutions, or any goal for that matter, if you have no intention of achieving them?  One of the biggest reasons why people don't achieve their resolutions is because they are too broad, too in the distance, and too generic.  

When I created my list of resolutions, I definitely had a few long-term goals listed.  But I also made sure to give myself a timeline with short-term goals.  I want to accomplish certain things by a certain time, and having this timeline is going to make it easier to make my goals a reality. 

Create goals that are...
1. Short, and that lead you to a long-term goal.  At my gym, Tampa Bay Athletics, we have created 3 Month goals.  This way, we have an end date in the horizon, and we are much more likely to actually hold ourselves accountable. 
2. REALISTIC! Don't say that you are going to run a marathon in 6 months if you've never run a distance race before! Start with a 5K goal, then work your way to a 10K goal, etc.
3. Personal and Specific- Be careful about choosing vague goals just because "everybody else is doing it." We all want to lose weight, eat healthier, save money.  Make your goals personal and specific.  Instead of "losing weight," make your goal, "losing 15 pounds in 3 months."  
4.  Measurable- You need to have a way to hold yourself accountable.  Create a food diary for a weight loss goal, keep track of expenses or create a budget for a finance goal, or find an accountablillabuddy that can help keep you on track.  My husband and I are both going to push each other to obtain our 3 Month Fitness and Health goals.  If he reaches for a cupcake, I will remind him of where he wants to be.
5.  VISABLE! Put your goals somewhere you can see them like your computer screen, or a mirror in your bathroom.  That way, you are reminded every single day of what you want to achieve.  It's a constant reminder to be tenacious, and not to give up, even when it gets hard.

The bottom line is simple.  We are a country full of people who want to better themselves, but we have a big problem with actually following through with the plans we create.  If you want to achieve ANYTHING whether it be long-term or short-term, you won't achieve it if you are not in the correct, positive mind frame.  You have to be positive, you have to push yourself, and you have to be gritty.  There are times that I think, "I will NEVER lose 3% body fat in 3 months!"  (Usually this is when I am faced with chicken wings or a piece of chocolate cake).  Guys.  If you have those thoughts, then you probably won't achieve your goals.  My hubby reminds me of this all the time.  

So, what are your goals this year?  How do you want to become a better version of yourself?  What plan are you going to put into action? I would LOVE to hear your goals!  I am a firm believer that if you truly put your mind to it, have a positive attitude, and work hard, you really can achieve ANY GOAL.  Period. 

In closing, I want to share one of the most motivational and uplifting videos ever created.  At least in my opinion.  I am lucky enough to witness people achieve goals and resolutions they never thought imaginable, every day that I walk through the door at Tampa Bay Athletics.  My cousin, Jimmy Myers, started training people in parks, and on the city streets of San Fran when he had down time from his corporate American job.  He knew that he wanted to help people change their lives, and become strong and healthy.  His goal was owning and working at a gym where he could do just that, every single day.  It was a long road full of short term goals, and that road is still winding as he looks at the future.  He sets new goals for his business every day.  This video is a testament that goals are achievable, you can make changes in your life, and that this year, you might actually accomplish some of those New Year's Resolutions...

Well....get to it! After watching the video of course... ;) 

What is Tampa Bay Athletics?- Video