peacecorps:

This photo features a group of 5th graders at Waterberg Primary School in Namibia. It was taken November 10, 2009 shortly after the new computers arrived and the desks and painting had been completed. Along with teachers from my school, I solicited and created a relationship with a nearby local German NGO which ultimately donated 22 new computers to Waterberg Primary School, while the school fundraised for and built the tables and desks. The new computer lab that resulted was used by the school faculty and staff, students and surrounding village community and I held daily training courses for teachers, adults and students. When I left Waterberg, the Internet had not yet been set up, but my explanations and lessons for computer use had registered and made an impact, because 10 months after my departure from the school (and to this day), I received an email from my principal (and several from eager former students), I knew that the computer lab was being used and valued.

- Peace Corps Education Volunteer Melissa Becci

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If you could make a difference, anywhere in the world, in any setting, what would you do?

For starters, I’d grub. I’d eat til my big little heart’s content. Then I’d be ready to make a difference. I’d hang around with the locals, live days in their shoes. I’d work at their jobs, sleep at their houses, do chores, attend the local house of worship. I’d offer to help out with the little ones, I’d find out how to prepare an average meal, I’d walk miles to the well and till the garden until dusk. I’d go to Namibia or Romania or Turkey or Chile. I’d put myself in the village and live among the people, as much as I can possibly blend in, and I’d learn to live their way of life. I’d live a simple local life because that would make a difference — in my own life.

It isn’t until we understand what it is to be touched, that we can truly and sincerely touch others. It’s less about saving the world, or changing people, or making a difference…If you really wanna be an agent of change, goodness and justice, you have to first take long deep looks at your own image in the mirror. You have to challenge everything about who you are, what you believe and what you stand for. You have to painstakingly explore who you are and what kind of statement you want to make in this world and proceed to take humble baby steps from there. For me, that means dropping me off anywhere in the world and feeling my way through an existence of which I have no prior knowledge. Then I’ll be ready for change…I won’t have a choice. 

What does making a difference mean to you?

Tiffany, via 20Something Project

I used to say I was a perfectionist once upon a time…I also have a laundry list of ideas that have never seen the light of day.

Fear is a paralyzing tricky little booger. For 20Somethings, fear can often mean feeling as though we’re not qualified enough, smart enough, have enough experience, or have enough money. If I had a dollar for every idea that I never moved on — well let’s just say I’d have quite a bit of chump change.

What this quote reiterates is that being a perfectionist is also code word for ‘being too afraid to make mistakes and/or take risks’. It justifies our refusal to try and excuses our lack of action.

What do I say about fear and perfectionist-like obcession? Kick fear in the ass. Mess up til you figure out what works. And take a risk on trying something new. Dream with your eyes open so you can see how much the world stands to gain from someone who’s unafraid to move beyond the fear of inaction. You only get good at something by trying your hand at it.

Now write that shitty first draft. Dammit.

laughingsquid:

The Earliest Appearances of Cookie Monster’s Sharp-Toothed Prototype

skillshare:

One of our core values: Simplify. Less is more.