Today we live in a world and country where there is constant turmoil and conflict. It is hard to even turn on the news channels because of all negative stories that are out there. I do understand that certain things are news worthy, but in order to see positive changes, I feel like we as a society should be promoting it. Sometimes I ask myself where have all the good people gone?
It is a relatively simple answer. They are still here on this earth. They are out and about doing great things. I think the bad people really overshadow the good people. It is a shame, but unfortunately that is the case. The bad people receive the press and the bad people end up on the news. I firmly believe that we need to change that by promoting good. It is contagious and eventually it will catch on and spread.
(Link to video: http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=17623639)
I was watching ESPN's college game day on Saturday morning (like I do every Saturday), getting all pumped up to watch some college football. They played a clip about Stanford's standout running back, Christian McCaffrey. The clip goes into how he spends his summer in Denver serving as a coach at a football camp. It is not any ordinary football camp though. It is a football camp called Dare To Play. It is a week long football camp where people with down syndrome practice for a week and then play an actual game on the weekend. Ever since Christian was a freshman in high school, he has volunteered at this camp that his dad started. Every year he has been paired with a camper by the name of Dusty. The two have created quite the bond over the years. Based on the video, Christian McCaffrey has made such a positive impact on Dusty's life. It almost brings a tear to your eye because Christian has made such a positive impact on that one person's life.
Overall, it got me thinking. Christian is clearly not the only one doing things like that. I think that a vast majority of athletes use their position to make positive changes in the world. They want to give back to communities and give people better opportunities to be successful. I respect those types of people in the world, because it shows how much we can care about humanity. Believe it or not, we do show spurts of compassion and kindness. Doing nice things and volunteering is not only for professional athletes, celebrities, CEO's. Any person is capable of doing these types of things. Anyone can take some time out of their busy lives to make a difference. I think everyone that gives back should be acknowledged for their efforts. These are the type of feel good stories that should be in the news everyday.
I challenge everyone reading this to go out and be that positive change in the world. There are so many more important things than just yourself. I personally have been on 3 mission trips in my life. I've volunteered at the local homeless shelter for years with my church. The experience is almost 2nd to none. It is so powerful knowing that you went out and made a positive impact on so many people's lives. I think that doing things like this will give you the same feeling. It is pretty special feeling. So go out there and make a difference.
