By Nancy Edwards
I often worry about today’s youth. Stories are told on regularly basis of school shootings and teen suicides resulting from the devastating effects of bullying. Even more frightening is the lack of empathy given by the ones who are bullying. Some bullied kids are told over social media they are so useless they may as well go ahead and kill themselves. Some bullies have admitted they are not sorry that their torment resulted in a suicide. What does this say about the future of tomorrow?
In the past year I’ve been with Current, I’ve met children who give me hope. Children like Cannon Elsbury and Liam McClure, who are on a boys’ lacrosse team called Mad Cats. These children, just like their 20 teammates, not only volunteer in the community, but actually enjoy their service! They care about their teammates. Their friendship is more important to them than winning the game or being a “star.” Most impressively, the team members have never, even once, fought with one another.
They are not alone. I’ve spoken with representatives of local elementary schools, middle schools and high schools that explain their students’ cheerful involvement in raising money for victims of hurricanes, tornadoes, or children without breakfast or lunch during the summer months. Their selfless interests, even including donating their own allowance, makes my heart swell with pride and joy for belonging to such a giving community.
I hear of other grade schools incorporating lessons of service and treating others well into their curriculum. These lessons learned early on in life, along with reading, writing and arithmetic, will be ingrained into their lives, likely leading to better choices as adults.
Parents, teachers, principals, coaches, and those who volunteer with children: you are impacting these children in a positive way that can only encourage and foster self-confidence, the true meaning of giving, and better communication skills for a better tomorrow. Well-done!