There aren't a lot of things I believe in.

I don't believe in ghosts, I don't believe in soul mates, and I surely don't believe in Santa Claus. Even though I hate to admit it, sometimes I don't even believe in myself.

Something I do believe in?

Children.

Children are the backbone of our future. Within their small hands holds a limitless amount of potential. Children have so much life ahead of them and over the years they're yet to experience they have the opportunity to touch and change countless lives and to become anything they want. I think that's something worth believing in.

For many years now, I've dedicated a lot of my time to children. With every minute I spend with a child, I realize just how much I believe in them. I've heard the kindest, most selfless comments come out of the mouth of a nine-year-old. I've seen five-year-olds offer to play with the kid who doesn't always have someone to play with. I've seen eight-year-olds stand up for first graders. I've seen thirteen-year-olds offer the rest of their lunch or snack to someone else who didn't have any. And it's impossible not to believe in children when you see them act so compassionately and so kindly. Their hearts are too pure and their ability to succeed is evident.

When I say I believe in children, I mean that. I believe in every child, whether I've met them or not. I don't just believe in smart, pretty blonde kids who come from a family with lots of money. I believe in the kids who don't come from a home where education is encouraged. I believe in children who have been abused or neglected. I believe in children who don't have family members who believe in them, or who don't even believe in themselves. I believe in each and every child. They each hold the potential to defy the odds, to become the first person in their family to graduate high school, to get a good job, to continue the family name and go off to college and become whatever they want.

To the children of the world – surround yourself with an adult who does believe in you. If that is your parents, hold close to them because many aren't as lucky. Thank them every day and remind them that you love them. Make them proud. If your parents aren't so supportive, know that you're not alone, and that someone out there does believe in you. Maybe it's a teacher, maybe it's a neighbor, maybe it's a friend's parent, maybe it's a mentor. There is someone out there who believes in you and your ability to change the world and become whatever you want. You have so much ahead of you. There isn't a reason out there for you not to believe in yourself, but if you don't, know I believe in you times a million.