Change the World in Less Than Five Seconds

Smiling is the quickest way to change the world. Period. How many times has your mood changed when someone gives you a genuine smile? I know that it is the quickest way to change my mood and spread positivity. YOU can change the world for the next week by smiling at everyone you meet. Whether it is at work, the gym, or your local McDonald’s do give the people you interact with a smile. The simple act will help you change the world!

Having trouble smiling? Follow these simple tips:

Think of something you really enjoy – We all have those moments that we are very proud of. Replay these memories in your mind and it will help you smile through the toughest times.

Imagine your wildest dream(s) coming true - What is your dream? Imagine it coming true. As a matter of fact, always imagine your dreams coming true, it will give more meaning to your life, and success.

Pay yourself to smile - If you can’t break a smile try this – pay yourself to smile! While it may be a difficult really accurately charge yourself, thinking about paying yourself $1 every time you genuinely smile at someone. At the end of the week you should have a nice chunk of change that will certainly put a smile on your face.

Still not convinced that smiling will change the world? Well here are some personal reasons that you should smile:

1. Smiling makes you more attractive
2. Smiling reduces stress
3. Smiling helps the immune system
4. Smiling makes you seems successful
5. Smiling helps you stay positive

So change the world and smile!

What are some ways that your smile has changed the world?

A Short History of HOPE

Crispus Attucks fell so that Rosa Parks could sit, Rosa Parks sat so that Dr. Martin Luther King could march, Dr. Martin Luther King marched so that Barack Obama could run and Barack Obama is running so that our children and grandchildren can fly

Crispus Attucks

Crispus Attucks will forever live in American history for his sacrifice to our great country. Crispus Attucks in known to be the first person to give his life for America in the infamous Boston Massacre. Crispus was an African American, with Native American blood that set a foundation for the beginning of the American Revolution. As a 27 year old runaway slave, he defied many odds to become the symbol for a young nation. His fall enabled another African American heroine to change the world….

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks is widely known for her refusal to give up her seat on a bus in the segregated South. This small act led to the beginning of the modern Civil Rights era. Her act of defiance provided the impetus for great change in a nation that was at the cross roads. Her small demonstration helped launch one of the most influential people of all-time….

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr is arguably one of the most important figures in not only American history, but throughout all-time. He epitomized the “turn the other cheek” doctrine in the face of vast opposition. He organized people, and led our country into true change. He stood for what was right, and he died much to soon before his dream was realized. Because of his dream, we have a new hero….

Barack Obama '08

Barack Obama has filled the void that African Americans having been missing for so long, hope. He has stepped on the scene to remind us, that the American dream still lives in all of us. Despite many long odds, he has connected with millions of people across the world to empower us for great. He has showed many that unlikely people, like Crispus, Rosa, and Martin before him, can accomplish extraordinary things. Whether he becomes the President or not, he is an example of hard work persistence and the American dream.

Who knows what the future holds for tomorrow? Only YOU can determine that!

Changing the World: Volume Three

Today was a very productive and fun day with my mentee. After enjoying my “warm sub sandwich” (yes, that is the official name) from the school cafeteria we began going back and forth about our NFL teams. Of course, as a Vikings fan I had defend yet another loss while he boasted about the success of the Carolina Panthers.

Today’s task included coming up with a game that included cards and dice…what fun! We developed a new game that we called “Tonkalicious“. It is very easy, you roll the dice and draw the number of cards that you roll. The person with the lowest total face value wins. In a four person group, both my mentee and I won once and we decided to try our had at War.

We concluded the day by going through a contract and discussing our expectations of each other. He really is looking forward to me helping him improve as a student, and it will be my honor.

Overall, was able to really connect with my mentee. I think we are really starting to connect and make so headway. He admitted that his grades were down for a variety of reasons, but he is ready to make a change. If you haven’t volunteer to help with our future leaders, you really should…it is a great feeling!

Changing The World: Volume Two

Project Mentor is going well for myself, and my mentee. A few weeks ago I was paired with a 13 year old eighth grader that reminded me so much of myself. He likes sports, considers himself an ladies man, and likes to have fun (maybe too much, like myself) in class. We have hit it off really well in the past few weeks, as we exchange conversation about our favorite NFL teams (he likes the Carolina Panthers and I like the Minnesota Vikings). Overall, I think it has been a good match, and I look forward to learning more about him.

The highlight of our meeting today was his football game last week. Apparently, he almost scored a touchdown, but he tripped and fell. It is so encouraging to hear about his thoughts and dreams, and the opportunity that awaits him. He made me reminisce as he discussed how he practices spin moves and stiff arms with his little sister at home.

Overall, he did set some expectations for me and I did the same for him. Stay tuned!

Changing The World: Volume 1

Today, I began the first day as a volunteer with Project Mentor at Franklin Alternative Middle School. As the school year progresses, I will blog about my experience, and that of my mentee as well. Hopefully, my mentee will begin to blog as well, which could provide some really interesting reading. I am excited about the opportunity to help provide a positive relationship for a young student. 

Project Mentor was established in Central Ohio to help boost the high school graduation rate of Columbus City Schools from to 90% (or more). Currently, only 72.9% of students graduate from Columbus City Schools. Our task is to match up with an eighth grade student as a mentor. The program believes that a positive influence can make a drastic change in whether a student completes their studies. Already, the program has been an outstanding success. In 2001, only 55% of students in the Columbus City School system graduated from high school. As one of over 10,000 volunteers I look forward to making a difference in a student’s life.

 

 

This week included an orientation of sorts, and we met the principal and other staff as we learned more about our responsibilities. It was weird being in junior high again, the smell of cafeteria food bought back so many memories. Next week, we will meet the students and eventually be paired with a mentee. I can not be happier about finally meeting this person. 

While setting the business world on fire is my ultimate business dream, making a difference in someones life has the potential to be so much more fulfilling. I encourage you to take the time to volunteer and change the world!