Youth Matter
Thank God for our youth. Our dreamers. Our fearless leaders that see no limits, no boundaries. Full of wonderment and courage, nothing is impossible. Everything is possible.
I used to be like that too. Actually, I think that all of us were like that at one point, but somehow, some way, we change. We lose our courage, we become risk averse, and we silence our dreams that used to build an unbearable anticipation for the next day.
I’m not saying this is a completely bad thing. After all, “growing up” brings with it a whole new set of responsibilities. Bills to pay, families to feed, jobs to go to, etc. Oh, and stress. You know, that thing you never had until you “grew up.” Being an adult is just different than being a child and has a whole new set of things to embrace.
But, to be totally honest, it is something that I fight every day. I often say “I wish I knew now, what I knew then.” I wish I could still take care of my adult responsibilities, but maintain that wonderment and free-spirited nature I had as a child. For those who know me, they would probably say that I have not lost that inner-child at all… and even more of them probably wish I had. So, in some ways, I still am a bit childish for a 40 year old man, but I think that is because I am still a dreamer.
Heck, Every Monday Matters is a perfect example. “I know… let’s write a book and start a movement that shows people that they matter and that together we can change the world.” What? Where did that idea come from? And, even with all the success we have had, trust me, I have had many of those “what in the heck have I done moments?” But just as I begin to question why I just didn’t work on Wall Street after getting my MBA, I have a day like I had yesterday. And it all makes total sense.
I spent the day in San Diego yesterday, visiting three different high schools. Our YOU MATTER Curriculum is really starting to take off in the San Diego schools, so I wanted to spend some time meeting the students, the teachers, and just getting a feeling for the schools.
At the third high school I visited, we organized a brain-storming session. A focus group, if you will. I sat around a conference table with 7 students in an effort to learn about today’s high school experience. I wanted to know what they liked about school, what challenges they faced, what could be improved, etc. I wanted to go back to high school and learn… such irony.
The topics were eye-opening. We discussed racial tension on campus and gangs. Actually, there were two fights on campus right before I got there. We discussed the need for arts. They shared that things like music, dance and art are great ways to unify people, but they didn’t have these programs any more. They talked about how ugly their campus was and just planting a few flowers or trees and maybe a new painted job could really help to lift morale.
And then there was the big topic. The one that kept me up all night…
One of the students, Jody, brought up the topic of homelessness. At first I thought she was talking about homeless people around San Diego, because her after-all school program just did a big Thanksgiving Dinner for the homeless, but that’s not what she meant. She was talking about her fellow school mates.
With a puzzled look on my face, all could say was “What?” At which point, the supervisor explained that over 100 students at their school are homeless. I just couldn’t believe it and needed to spend a lot of time talking about this with the group.
The students suggested some great ideas on how we could help. Jody, in particular, got really excited and her eyes began to sparkle. Her passion for the topic was obvious as she explained that she would love to work together with Every Monday Matters to create a program to help homeless students.
I left inspired and excited. I felt like a kid again. Dreaming about the amazing things we are going to do together with these young leaders. And, as I was driving up the 5 Freeway back to Los Angeles, I received an email on my blackberry. It was sent to our “contact” email address. Here is the email:
Hello, my name is Jody. I am a homeless 18 year old high school student in San Diego. Matt came to our school and spoke to us about his Every Monday Matters program. I was so inspired; I was almost moved to tears. While listening to Matt speak I had an a-ha moment. I realized that I had the power to change the world and that I matter. I haven’t felt this inspired since my mentor/after-school teacher took me under her wing. I have a new focus in life and have decided that my passion is creating positive change in teen’s lives. I would love to help spread your message and your movement all over, especially in San Diego. You Matter.
What? How could this be the same girl? Jody? She is a beautiful African-American girl with a beautiful smile, big dreams, a sparkle in ear eye, and a huge heart. She is the one who raised the homelessness issue, all the while being homeless herself. I had no idea.
I called her teacher this morning and shared the email with her. She said that Jody has not stopped talking about it and that she is going to figure out how to end homelessness at her school. Jody wants to open a homeless shelter for herself and her fellow homeless schoolmates. And, she wants Every Monday Matters to join her in her dream. So we are. As of today, Jody is now our official student leader in San Diego. She is fired up and we are inspired.
What a spirit. What strength. What courage. How does a homeless girl with no family have the strength to step out of her situation and decide that she is going to change her situation for herself and every other child just like her at her school? I am not going to try to figure it out through my adult, risk averse lenses. Rather, I am going to believe every word of it and know that she is going to make it happen. Jody is an inspiration. Let’s watch her and support her and help her make her dream a reality. Youth matter. Dreams matter. Jody matters.
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4 Responses to “Youth Matter”Speak Your Mind
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What a powerful, moving and emotional story. It gave me chills. What can I do to help? We all matter and we need to all step up and help. Keep us posted.
Hi Cuz! What an awesome story. I am so proud of the work you guys are doing! So many people long for experiences of inspiration like you and Jody had. These experiences give us hope and reaffirm our purpose! What some people don’t realize is that you have to Act…to move…You can’t sit and wait for these moments. You went to San Diego and jumped into the fold. You put yourself out there. Maybe even leaving a comfort zone to do it. (But knowing you it didn’t take much to get you going!) I don’t believe in coincidence. You were destined to meet Jody and she was destined to meet you. It was divine! What a powerful thing…I would like to help the cause here in Rhode Island. I know a lot of people…Principals…Superintendants…Let me know. Lots of love to you Matt.
(You Favorite) Cousin, Dana
Good stuff Matt! Several lessons from your story… first, that EMM is helping people remember what they’ve forgotten…that WE CAN CHANGE THINGS, and second, it’s good to remember that when we give youth the steering wheel, some amazing things can happen…we need to remember to do that more often. Have a great Monday!
I too believe that coincidence is an open door that we were led to. It is no coincidence that I am reading this blog as my daughter is texting me that her best friend lost their house and can she stay with us. Please keep us posted on how Jody’s passion is translating into action. The afterschool program I run on the Oregon border in California has been looking for youth to support out of our area…I will be taking Jody’s story to our youth leaders tomorrow. No time like the present!