June 11, 2016
A Single Gesture Can Make A Difference
(Provided by CalPac, Saturday, June 11, 2016)
My name is Mrs. Dodson. I’ve been an English teacher for 15 years, but I’ve been an “animal person” all my life. My husband and I have gone to great lengths to help animals we find in need. It’s never easy, but it’s always rewarding. I've heard people say that they admire what we've done for the animals we've helped or taken in, but to me there is no question.
Back when I was in a brick and mortar school, I invited a speaker from the San Bernardino Humane Society non-profit help group to speak to students interested in helping animals in my classroom after school. She told the story of a starfish. Here is my loose interpretation:
"A boy is at the beach with his father when he discovers a starfish washed up on the shore. He brings the soft concrete creature to his father who says, 'Put it in this bucket. Let's take it home to show your mom.' The boy holds the creature in his hand and glances at the bucket. He glances back at his dad and holds the starfish in a cradle within his palms, then heads back to the surf without a word.
The father watches until the boy is nearly too far out for comfort before rising to his feet, but then the boy tosses the starfish out as far as his little muscles could muster until he sees the starfish splash far out beyond the surf. After the little boy wades back in to his father, his dad says, 'Why did you do that? You nearly scared me to death! It's just a starfish!' The boy replies, 'For me, it was a little deeper than I'm used to. For him, it was his whole world.'"
Never underestimate the difference a single gesture can make. Wherever you go, there is opportunity to improve the life of another or even to save a life. Your impact is larger than you think.
If you feel inspired, start looking around you for opportunities to get involved. Though you’re studying from home, you’re part of a larger community with plenty of need for helpful individuals. You can get out there, in person, and start making a difference today.
You are also part of a community here at school. Consider coming to our Wednesday social hours and finding others who share your interests.
Individually, we can change a life; working together, imagine the possibilities.
Contact Us Today @ (855) 225-7227.
Email - enroll@cal-pacs.org
