A CUP OF COFFEE
I'm a youth worker now; far away from the life I had ten years ago. My job is simple, I buy kids coffee. Bill taught me how to do that. ... read >
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TEACHING THE VALUES THAT MATTER MOST
Before the start of the summer, I had no idea that I would be a YMCA summer camp counselor. Now, here I am near the end of the summer, finishing up camp. I can’t say it’s been easy, but it was undoubtedly a beneficial, enjoyable experience for me. ... read >
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MY FATHER, MY HERO
During my turbulent teen years I always tested my dad because, you see, we were so alike. My mother played referee between us, but it never seemed to make a difference. ... read >
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HOW YOU GOING TO FEED THAT PIG?
I had been saving to buy a pig for months, and when somebody gave me a dollar for my sixth birthday, I had $5 to buy the pig. ... read >
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AN OLD DUTCHMAN TEACHES ME WORK ETHIC
My Dad, raised during the Great Depression, realized the benefits and discipline of hard work. He didn't want me to grow up soft. ... read >
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FOOD IN THE WORLD OF UNEMPLOYMENT
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TEACH THEM IN THE WAY TO GO
My father used some unusual techniques to teach us and rarely spared us from the school of hard lessons. These are the two I cherish most. ... read >
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A HELPING HAND
...in a not particularly safe part of town, we heard my car make a funny noise, and then it was shaking violently as we drove along. Quickly, I pulled off to the shoulder and determined a tire had blown out. ... read >
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NINTH WARD TREASURE
I was itching to go back on active duty with the US Coast Guard, especially to go back to the Gulf Coast of the United States. I had been ordered down to Gulfport, Mississippi the night after Hurricane Katrina hit. ... read >
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A REAL CHRISTMAS TREE
We’d always wanted a real Christmas tree—a tall, lavishly decorated one, like other families had. It would have had singing lights, silver tinsel, blown-glass ornaments, and icicles dressing its snow-tipped branches. ... read >
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FINE EXAMPLES
My mother through her fine example instilled within me the desire to help others. She taught me to notice those whom others ignore ... read >
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IN THIS MOMENT, WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT?
Today in the moments of frustration, ask yourself the question, "In this moment, what is most important?" ... read >
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KINDNESS
Before the day of the assembly, I had been trying to better myself by simply being kind to others. After the assembly, I got the idea of just saying thanks to the wonderful staff at my high school. ... read >
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A CHRISTMAS SURPRISE
That Christmas Eve, however, as usual, my father left the house dressed as Santa Claus. He knew that even though our Christmas would be hard, he could not disappoint the other kids in the neighbourhood. ... read >
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THE OLD LADY IN THE WORN BROWN COAT
After a short while, my father had the heater up and running, making great heat for their cold home. I followed my dad upstairs where the lady asked my dad in poorly spoken English how much she owed him for fixing the heater. My dad looked around the house and said that he had to go out to the truck and write the bill. ... read >
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DEALING WITH RACISM
As a result of my actions, I have been friends with that kid for 3 years now. He’s happy I helped him when he was at his lowest point and I’m happy he helped me, too… He inspired me!
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