Quarterly Update

It is not uncommon for adults to rant and rave about the current generation of youth. "They're so selfish," one complains. "It's such a me-focussed generation," experts suggest.

True, the current generation might enjoy portable music on mp3 players and posting pictures on myspace. Yet, this is also a generation that wants to serve, that cares about the issues in society and that wants to make a difference.

This last quarter of IMPACT was one where students really took ownership to make sure IMPACT lived up to its bold name. You can read the "Current Projects" or "Calendar" to realize that there is something happening every day, before school, during school and after school. Often, there are even weekend events.

We can quote data to suggest that things are happening: nearly 1,000 cans of food, over 500 service hours, 100 articles written, etc. We can show websites and murals to try and prove it. We can view our documentaries or listen to our podcasts.

However, ultimately, it is not in websites or cans or anything like that where we make the biggest impact. The truth is that none of that matters if lives are not changed through the learning that occurs. I am encouraged when I read the service learning reflections.

The truth is that the biggest impact we can make is often with those who are closest to us. It's in the smaller things, such as when students choose not to fight or stand up for what they believe. It's in an attitude that says, "I will do what is right, regardless of whether I get anything in return."

The students have worked hard and we, as the teachers, are really proud. Thank you for what you are teaching us in the process.