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Make A Difference In This World
Do you believe that you make a difference in this world?
- Lifestyle Choices: Life Is Neither Fair Nor Unfair...It Just Is.
Life is neither fair nor unfair. Life simply is! How we perceive it is the key to happiness.
- I Have A Dream Speech - Martin Luther King Speeches
Martin Luther King's I Have A Dream Speech from the Mach on Washington with quotes and pictures in the public domain.
“Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps, down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision.” Ayn Rand
I was a classroom teacher for eighteen years spanning thirty years. I began by teaching Business subjects at Tacoma Community College and then at Blanchet High School in Seattle, Washington. From there I taught Social Studies and Science to middle school and high school students in Oregon, Alaska and Washington for the final fifteen years of my career. I was a popular teacher, well-loved by my students and oftentimes I have reflected upon the reasons why I was so popular.
I was certainly no push-over since I was a strong believer in classroom discipline and my demands for excellent work were well-known. I simply would not settle for mediocre and the students understood that and more often than not responded to the challenge.
My reflections brought me to the realization that my popularity and success were primarily due to the fact that I met my students on a personal level; I could often be found discussing my own past and the struggles I went through as a student, as well as discussing my achievements, goals and dreams. In other words, I became not only a teacher to them but a human being who understood struggle, doubts and success.
One of the central themes of my teaching was that each of us has a responsibility to humanity to make a difference in life. It matters not whether you are big or small, black or white, gay or straight, man or woman; the only thing that truly matters is the size of your heart and the willingness you have to affect change in this world.
MY AWAKENING
When I heard President Kennedy’s inauguration address where he said, “…ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” I bought it hook, line and sinker. Those words resonated in me as few have before or after. I saw it as a declaration of our higher calling as a species, that each one of us has the ability to change the world for the better. I promptly went out and tested that theory.
In 1967 I approached my Sociology teacher with an idea. I asked him if I might be allowed to begin a neighborhood reading program for the underprivileged kids near the college and write a paper detailing the experience. The idea was approved and for the next three years friends and I volunteered our time and organized a reading program that still exists today.
In 1968 I took that same show on the road and volunteered in New Iberia Parish in New Orleans as a reading specialist for the neighboring poor.
In 1970 I ran for political office in our precinct, determined to make a difference within the political system. I lost but that did not detour me.
In 1976 I returned to college for my degree in Education because by then I believed that only through education could substantive change be obtained and secured.
The bottom line of all that was that almost forty years ago I believed that one man could make a difference and I still believe it today, and it was that lesson that I pounded into the heads of my students each year. MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
WAS I HEARD BY MY STUDENTS?
Well, the quick answer to that question is that I was always heard by my students; the better question would be did they internalize it and believe it?
I can only answer that question based on the knowledge I have of many of my students today; I keep in touch with hundreds through Facebook and I receive a brief glimpse of their lives through that social media. I would say that a small handful not only believed that they could make a difference but in fact have gone out and done exactly that. Some of those became teachers, other writers, artists and musicians. Some signed on for advocacy groups while others volunteer in their spare time to help the less-fortunate.
Many have married and now have their own children. They go to work each day, do their jobs to the best of their ability and then return home as fathers, mothers, wives or husbands. They go shopping, catch an occasional movie, cheer on their favorite sports teams and pretty much lead normal lives doing normal things. Others have fallen on hard times, beaten down by addiction, bankruptcy or ill health. They are all, in effect, a microcosm of our society as a whole, a statistical sampling of humanity. Many stated while still my students that they did not believe that one person could make a difference and they were quite certain that they could never change the world around them, while some simply did not care one way or another and were quite satisfied if someone else did the changing.
IS IT POSSIBLE?
Call me naïve but I still believe today that each person can bring about a positive change and make a difference in this world. I think many of my former students believed that if they could not make an enormous change that affected thousands then it was not worth their effort, or they believed they were incapable of making a huge difference. I would say to them that making a difference does not have to be on an earth-shattering level, that each act of kindness, each act of charity and each act of love constitute making a difference.
Listen, I understand feeling incapable at times. I understand feeling insecure about my abilities at times. I understand feeling beaten down and inferior and at times being no more significant than a fly on the back of an elephant. I have lived years when I felt that no matter what I did it just didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. We all have those moments when the enormity of life seems to dwarf any thoughts we might have had of making a difference. Hell, some would say (and I have said this myself during my darker days) that they can’t even make a difference in their own lives so how can they make a difference in the lives of anyone else?
Valid questions….understandable questions….and yet I still believe in the power of one person.
WHERE TO START?
I wonder when Martin Luther King was a young man how much of a difference he truly believed he could make. Did he believe that one day he would speak before millions and become the voice of social change in this country? Or perhaps a better example, what about Rosa Parks? Did she believe that one day her simple action of defiance would be the spark that lit the conscience of the United States?
I know a woman named Tina who serves lunch at the Salvation Army every day, every week. I wonder if she believes she is making a difference. I know another woman who teaches in a one-room school house in Wyoming making $22,000 per year. I wonder if she feels she is making a difference. I know a single father named Steve who works full-time and devotes all of his spare time to raising his son as a loving and compassionate human being. I wonder if Steve thinks he is making a difference.
Where do we start? How about here and now! I have seen grieving mothers who lost their children to a disease become national spokespersons to raise money for disease research. I have known students who left comfortable homes to volunteer for the Peace Corps because they felt compelled to do something to help others. And I have seen, and known, doctors and nurses who have quit their jobs and traveled across the country to help disaster survivors after Hurricane Katrina.
EACH ONE OF US CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
It begins with a willingness to affect change, no matter the scale of that change. I am of the belief that every single act of kindness makes a difference. I am of the belief that every single act of love makes a difference. Call me a dreamer and I am fine with that. Call me a sentimental old fool who is living in the past and I am fine with that. What I am not fine with is people believing that they don’t make a difference because they are insignificant. What I am not fine with is people not even trying!
We get one shot at this life thing! When will it be too late to begin? To me we have run out of time when we die; until then we have every opportunity imaginable to change this world one small act at a time. Do you want to know what I think would be the greatest injustice in our lifetime?
If we didn’t even try!
2012 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
More Lifestyle Choices by billybuc:
http://billybuc.hubpages.com/hub/Lifestyle-Choices-The-Road-Less-Traveled
http://billybuc.hubpages.com/hub/Lifestyle-Choices-What-Will-Your-Legacy-Be
http://billybuc.hubpages.com/hub/Lifestyle-Choices-The-Meaning-of-Integrity
http://billybuc.hubpages.com/hub/Lifestyle-Choices-Learning-to-Communicate
Related
Comments
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Highland, there is no reason to say sorry....there are days I wonder if it is possible to change anything. In fact, I think I am more of a cynic than I am an optimist. Still, there is something in me that will not allow me to quit trying. :) Call it a curse!
As for politics, man oh man, that's a frightening suggestion. LOL We'll see!
Thank you for weighing in. Wishing you a great weekend in Dublin!
Sorry I don't really believe we can make a difference, not one worth a damn. Oh you can help your family and friends. You can even be the stranger who was kind.
We can make life tolerable for the people we meet, but we cann't change it. I got to this hub from the hub about human trafficking. The fact that on the 14 of Dec 2012 you felt the need to write about slavery only proves that nothing changes, not ever it goes on and on and on.
You want to change the world, you need to change the fact that homo sapiens rules. Or find a way to change the nature of man. Without either of these things changing the circle will just continue on its merry way. Century after century till the end of time.
May be the hub on slavery just depressed me because this sound hopeless and I am not without hope.
Both hubs were excellent.
One more point as you have such an ability to write and speak inspirationally, maybe you should try the political route again. I don,t know of any politician that got elected first time out.
Think of it like a bicycle start small and progress to the larger size, i.e local than state than national. Our president is nearly 80 and you would want to get up early to better him.
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Christy, what have I done to deserve you as a follower? Thank you my young friend with the beautiful smile.
In all honesty, I was a good teacher. I taught in much the same way as I write...honest, animated, creative and terribly funny. I fed off of the kids' energy and they fed off of mine. It was a match made in heaven.
Thank you my dear!
I am back for another read of this hub today and to share it too. This hub outlines so many of my own philosophies, such as the point that we can make a difference in the world and that ability starts with ourselves. I imagine you being such a fine teacher.
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Sha, I think you were more than ready to come back to life; maybe I pushed you just a little. Glad I could be around to give you a nudge.
Backatcha, my friend! You have no idea what an inspiration and strength you are to me! Thank you for bringing me back to life!!
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Thank you Sha! I could not ask for a better friend or more faithful follower than you.
Billy, what can I say? You know I love you and I'm going to KISS. You, my friend, make a difference with every breath you breathe on these pages!
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Good luck Teresa! :)
Thanks, I do try :) - about a wonderful Sunday, not so sure - screaming headache and a business Skype meet in 40 mins time - can't wait for it to be over - then can relax :)
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Thank you Teresa! I have no doubt you are one of the ones making a difference. Have a wonderful Sunday!
I hope that many people get to read this and realise that they really can make a difference even with little acts of kindness - nobody doing anything is a big difference to many people all doing little things - all those little things add up. Lovely and thought-provoking hub, billybuc.
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Pickles, it is always nice to have you visit. I need to go see your site; it seems like forever since I've been there but I'm juggling so many balls I tend to forget these things. I appreciate your kind words and have a wonderful weekend my friend.
Loved reading this Hub billybuc. You are so right, the biggest shame in the world would be to never do anything to try and make a difference just because you don't know if you will make one. Giving back is so very important and the beauty of it is, when one does something kind for another person, they get a gift right back. Thanks for putting your thoughts down for others to read.
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Ruby, you are very welcome and I very much appreciate your kind spirit and willingness to support me.
Bill, You mentioned so many people i look up to, martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, President Kennedy to name a few. I am a firm believer in making a difference in my community. There are so many who need our assistance, giving to the needy is God's wish. I love this hub.Thank you for all you do....
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Donna, thank you very much! I love to write but possibly even more I love to relate to other authors such as yourself. I appreciate you greatly!
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Shimmering, your words are so kind. I agree with you that the world would be a different place if each one of us reached our potential for kindness and acted in a positive manner. Peace and blessings to you my friend.
I love this hub - Really inspiring and motivating!
Voted up and other stuff!
Billybuc, Each person on this Earth has the power to be an agent of change. If only each person decided to make a difference this world would be a beautiful place. I am so happy to have meet such a lovely, thoughtful human being here.. I am blessed. Peace to you :)
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Natasha, you are one of those women who would look good no matter what the picture. You are very welcome!
I thought you might notice I changed my profile picture! It's kind of the same, but higher resolution and, I think, looks better as a result. Thanks for noticing and commenting on it. =)
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Maggs, thank you so much! I think at times people don't realize the power that one person has and the impact that person has on so many people.
I loved this hub and its sentiments, I think that people make a difference to those around them whether they know it or not, but I think that if you set out to make a difference in a positive way like you have and do, then the outcome will be so much greater.
I am voting this up and hitting a few buttons on my way out and inspiring and interesting Hub maggs :-D
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Deborah, without a doubt it is more important and satisfying. I have played the money game and each day ended with me wondering if that's all life has to offer....now most days I go to bed at night feeling like I have accomplished something. Of course it would be nice if I were being paid big bucks to do what I do but until that day comes, if it ever does, I feel good about what I contribute to society through my words.
I donate a lot of my writing for friends just getting started with an online project or who need a resume done and that feels good. I write about things that interest me and each day I have a passion for my work. I have had addicts and alcoholics reach out to me because of my writing and that is a priceless gift.
Best wishes to you and I'm so happy that you are happy with the work you are now doing.
I think this is my favorite one yet. One of the things that led me to leave my corporate job last summer was a nagging feeling that I wasn't making a difference. (I felt like I was spending my days helping the "man" bring everyone down.) I knew I had so much more to offer. Now I feel like I am making a difference with my writing. Maybe not so much with what I'm publishing on-line, although I hope some people at least find it useful or entertaining, but with the work I am doing for several non-profits - communications, marketing, fundraising, etc. It doesn't pay much (okay, it doesn't really pay at all), but I have so much more satisfaction when I look back at what I've accomplished during the course of the day. That's so much more important to me than money.
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Without a doubt you can, Jordan. Best of luck to you and thank you for the comment.
Great hub! I never realized how much we together and I as an individual could do. I can make a difference community and the world.
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Jools, it was something I was taught at an early age, to believe in myself and never quit trying to make a difference. I had some pretty wise parents. Thank you for your kind words my friend.
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Katrine, I love your comments. They are always so supportive and positive. I thank you for always being here and brightening my day!
Bill, Interesting article as always and pertinent. We can all make a difference wherever we are in the world, even in our own sometimes small communities. You have proved in your actions throughout your life that you have tried and still do try to make a difference every day.
Voted up.
Billy, you are so right, because surely every one of us is unique and great at something and able to contribute in the best possible way to this world. But it must start at self, with a simple realization of our inner capabilities and having a belief and willingness to achieve that what we may desire. It's also about having a good positive attitude and a right outlook on life. Your journey as been winding but you have never lacked the attributes needed to get to where you are now. So well done to you. :-)
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Thank you my dear; stay tuned and make sure you read my next hub...there is a surprise in it for you!
Bill, you were inspiring your students and you are inspiring me. Your hubs are just getting better and better. This one is just awesome!
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Who, you have my respect and admiration. Working in Special Ed is a challenging and at times heart-wrenching job and I applaud your daily efforts. Thank you for making such a huge difference in this world.
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Susan, you are one of those gifted individuals that has the ability to touch so many lives and I have no doubt that you do so daily in a positive and inspiring manner. I applaud you for making a difference and thank you for your continued support.
This was a meaningful article to me as a teacher for more than 25 years and working in the area of Special Education.You are so right that we can all help and inspire others by our positive acts and setting a good example for others to follow. One person can make a difference and change the world for a better place.
Bill, you are so right. We have an advantage working with our youth, and it is amazing to watch them spread out and see the difference they make every day. It is a wonderful feeling to have them come back to share what they have done with their lives.
Of course, all of us, no matter what our profession, can make a difference in the lives of many.
Very encouraging, and something I needed to read today. Thank you! :-)
I am sure there are many people that you have changed through your life's journey and you may not even be aware of it until later. How can anyone not be affected by your positive outlook on life? You are a person who contributes so much and we are hearing you! Thanks for the encouragement!
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Jlava, thank you and I certainly hope you are correct. That's at least my goal.
I agree with your sentiments Billy. We can each contribute individually and make a difference. You are making a huge difference in peoples lives and the world by teaching through your Hubs!
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Christy, you are just one of those positive people that makes everyone around her feel good. I appreciate you greatly and love your outlook on life. Thank you my dear!
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Kelly, I know we aren't supposed to have favorites as a teacher, but if I were teaching right now you would be one of my favorite students. I love your outlook on life, your positive attitude and of course I appreciate your kind words. Have a wonderful day my friend and let's get out there and make a difference.
I vote this hub as "awesome". I really do believe that we can each make a difference; and when there are more of us, we become an even stronger force. Let's put our energy towards positive concepts rather than negative ones!
Bill - I read this and it occurs to me that I'm so awe struck by teachers! I seem to gravitate toward those who care about helping other people. This is excellent. I bet you were a very popular teacher - I love history. I'm sure you know that as I often rely on history to improve my own work. Loved it!
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Anonymous, I agree completely! Kids can rise to the challenge but in the absence of challenge they will stoop to the depths. I believe this with my entire being. Thank you for taking the time to leave a wonderful comment.
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Time, I hear you and I've had similar experiences. We had the local high school once ask us not to have our kids read the classics because that's what they did in high school....hello!!!! Raise the standards in high school then; don't complain because we are challenging our kids too much!
Thank you for an excellent comment.
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Well Cyndi, get with it; send me an email and let me know. I have a vested interest in your future you know!!! :)
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Jennifer, I also love the quote. It is much too easy to pass the buck and expect others to bring about change.
Thank you for your great comment.
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Eddy, my biggest disappointment in teaching was not being able to reach all of the kids. The ones who for whatever reason had been led to believe that they were incapable of change or making a difference broke my heart. I was raised to believe you assumed you could do something from the opening bell and then you spent the rest of your time proving that you could.
Thank you dear one! I'll visit you shortly and see what you have been up to. I haven't seen your name pop up in my email so maybe you wrote and I'm not aware of it. Either way I'll stop by for some tea and some beautiful words from you soon.
Peace and love always
bill
What a wonderful hub. I think that children really believe what people tell them whether it is good or bad. If they are told they have little potential, they will grow with little potential. When a child is challenged and inspired, they really learn to believe in themselves and aspire to greater things. You were wise and wonderful to pick up on this and to use it to inspire the children you taught. I admit I could do so much more myself. Excellent hub!
One day my students were presenting oral debates in class. The VP walked in, watched for awhile, then left. Later he said "You can't do this. It won't work". I answered, "But we ARE doing it and it IS working!". I had given my students a chance to share, organize, research and create and they had done so. They didn't know they "couldn't"...and the VP didn't know that they "could".
Well, shiverin' timbers, call me a dreamer, too. :D Oh man, things are happenin' Billy :D I'll have to tell you all about it, friend. Partner in crime. :D
My favorite quote by Ghandi: "Be the change you wish to see in the world".
I believe that is an absolutely true statement and I agree with what you said in your hub. Voted up, awesome, and shared.
When I heard President Kennedy’s inauguration address where he said, “…ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” I bought it hook, line and sinker. '
Oh what a great message and also spot on.
I can see you pupils engrossed in your lessons because I know for a fact that youngsters will have admiration and respect from someone who expects good behaviour in no uncertain terms;what they don't treat respectfully is someone who tries to be their friend or tries to be on the same level as them.
Another true gem as always my dear friend .
Enjoy your day.
Eddy.
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Paula...LOL...I worked two summers at a strawberry farm and I won't touch the damn things now. I agree that teachers are taken for granted by a great many. It's funny, we turn our children over to teachers for six hours a day, expect them to keep our kids safe AND educate them and we just assume that is being done and don't give it any thought. Our kids are our greatest love and we turn them over to semi-strangers and then assume they will protect our kids...and they do....and it is just assumed and expected???
Anyway, I will begin a rant in a few minutes so it's time to stop. I have seen my share of bad teachers too but that will have to wait for another rant some other time.
Hope you are well; I'm looking forward some day to THE hub from you but until then have a great weekend as will I.
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Thank you Mark! I have seen the change one person can affect on this world and I am a huge fan of positive change as I know you are. Have a wonderful day my friend!
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CMerritt, bless you...the father of five....yes, oh yes, you make a difference. Never doubt that for a minute. Well done sir and thank you so much!
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Jhudah, yes we are....if we could just convince about five billion other people of this simple truth. I know that I can't so I work in my immediate circle and then try to branch out in wider and wider circles of influence.
Thank you young lady!
bill....I often wonder if teachers really receive the recognition and appreciation they truly deserve..? I've always thought that for the most part, (in too many areas of our country) teachers are "taken for granted" and under-paid.
I say this because, having so many teacher-friends, I see the concern and dedication they put forth....and I also see the pressures and scrutiny constantly thrown their way.
Raising 4 sons, I expected a whole lot from them (my sons), in terms of their education. I made sure they knew that....at home, I was the teacher....in school, their teachers were IN CHARGE...they could acknowledge that their teachers held the keys to their entire future....OR.. If they chose to disregard this gift, I'd be happy to drop them off at the nearest farm, to live and toil with the migrant farm workers....forever.
Then I was helpful enough to get them all summer jobs at my cousin's berry farm......Did I ever tell you that NONE of my sons will eat strawberries?
Every thing affects every other thing...(Me)
This is a shining example of the power of belief. We as humans have so much more power to "change the world" than we realize, and in fact the simple fact that we exist creates change. We just don't see it most times.
Thank you Bill for another incredible piece of work!
Yes, without a doubt we make a difference, every day. I look back and my parents, who loved me unconditionally, who always supported me and encouraged me. Being a father of five children, I know I play a big impact on their lives...I believe my purpose was to be the best father I could be, so that one of them may have a positive impact on something or someone.
You always seem to get me all geared up with your hubs! I am such a huge fan of yours...I look forward to reading your thoughts.
keep it up!
Chris
wow this article is very inspiring. yes it is very true that even a small act of kindness and love can make a big difference. we are all our brother's and sister's keeper. all people are here to encourage and to help each other.
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Natasha my dear, I love the new picture of you. Great smile! Thank you and I love the sticker you shared. Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe on that bike.
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Debbie, I wish I had a teacher like me too! :) Thank you dear lady! Having your respect means a great deal to me because...wait for it...you are a quality human being. :)
I love it and totally agree. You really can make a difference, you just have to want it and work hard. This reminds me of a number sticker I saw yesterday that said "those who say cannot be done shouldn't interrupt those who are doing it." So true!
Mr Billy I LOVE THIS HUB.. I am so proud to call you friend you are so awesome.. You have accomplished so much in life and I know you have so much more to do..
I voted up and awesome and beautiful and interesting
I wish I had a teacher like you..
Debbie
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Wayne, your observations are right on! My dad taught me years ago exactly what you said...people need that human connection and they want to know that you have had experience and that you give a damn about them...once you have established that then you have won 90% of the battle.
I also agree with your take on MLK and the teaching profession. Too often I saw teachers who were afraid to be human around their students and they struggled with discipline and learning. They never could allow themselves to become human in the classroom.
Thank you, sir, for an excellent comment.
You are so right on point with this...we all have the opportunity to affect the world, our world in some way and we have the choice as to whether that will be good or bad. Those who pursue a criminal life make that choice up front and it affects the world around them. Sadly, most of us see such an effect that is bad much easier than we notice one which is good such as someone starting up a reading program. I believe that Martin Luther King was true to what he did and said but I also believe those who have continued to live and use his name have not taken a path that Dr. King would necessarily approve of for the progress of his people. They have cried his name in the interest of lining their own pockets far too often. As for you, I learned a lot about people having grown up in a small town. People, even bad ones, respond differently and more positively to someone they know and respect. That relationship only comes about when you take time to "kick the dirt and shoot the breeze a bit" and let people really learn what is inside you...what makes you tick; your strength, weaknesses, and struggles. Successful sales people learn that early on and engage their customers in getting them to know and trust them. Now, more than ever, we need that element in the education process for when it is there, even in a bad education system, students can and will learn. When that happens, one teacher does make a difference in the lives of many young people. Excellent write, Billy...thanks for sharing it. WB
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