By Amy Kelly, Chairwoman, Independent School District 15 School Board
Summer has come to an end and it’s the start of another school year. On August 31, I had the honor of welcoming back the staff of ISD 15, where I shared a story called, The Starfish. I would like to share it with you as well.
One day, a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking up something and gently throwing it back in the ocean. Approaching the boy he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” The man said, “Son, don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it back into the ocean. Smiling, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”
Throughout our lives, all of us have been one of the characters in the story. At times we are the starfish, waiting for someone to come and pick us up. Sometimes we are the boy, who is there to help someone in need, or the man, who has questioned whether he can make a difference. It’s recognizing the opportunity and then seizing the moment! All of us can enhance the lives of others. Do what it takes…encourage, motivate, challenge, engage, listen and inspire others to reach their goals and to live their dreams. Together we can continue to make our community a great place to live, learn and grow!
