California schools, a source of inspiration
When I started this blog, I set out four goals:
“Firstly, that the blog should contribute something, and not be another waste of bandwidth in cyberspace. Secondly, that the blog should have a positive tone. Some of my friends who shared time with me in high-tech companies in Silicon Valley will read this, and they will probably agree with me that there is already more than enough negativity and whining to go around. The simple things you see *are* all complicated…a point that is sometimes lost on casual observers or middle management. Thirdly, I would like the blog to have a level of maturity. Maturity is not related to age, except that age has given some of us longer to get there. Some of us reach maturity at a young age and some of us *never* do. Fourthly, I hope not to ramble on…”
The second goal, that the blog should have a positive tone, is sometimes a challenge. Anyone who has spent much time in corporate America (or has even seen the documentary, “The Corporation“) could easily be overwhelmed by the greed, short-sightedness, and dare we say it, sheer stupidity that surrounds folks on a day-to-day basis.
Today, in the matter of about an hour, I was fortunate enough to read about 40 autobiographical “poems” written by as many young people, describing their defining characteristics, heritage, fears, contributions, and what they would like to see. Some of them had quotations – one particular short autobiography had three quotes that struck me:
“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed that is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
“Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one open for us.” – Helen Keller
In the same room as the autobiographical sketches, was a small poster from www.rachelschallenge.com, which the web site describes as a non-religious, non-political, non-profit organization committed to the message of Rachel Scott, the first person to be killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, to start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion. Key points of the poster were:
“Eliminate Prejudice by Looking for the Best in Others”
“Dare to Dream – Set Goals – Keep a Journal”
“Choose your influences – input determines output”
“Kind words – Small acts of kindness = HUGE impact”
“Start a Chain Reaction with family and friends”
Nevermind that the funding of California schools will be a nightmare for years to come, mostly as an outgrowth of Proposition 13 in what seems to be the distant past…nevermind that the California Assembly often makes decisions (and bills to be signed into *law*! 
) that seem to come from the madder parts of Wonderland…nevermind the blindness of some high-tech companies to demographic trends and future survivability in favor of this quarter’s bottom line – what I saw in about an hour was enough to buoy my spirits and inject real hope into my veins.
I know that each generation passes the mantle of responsibility to the next with the words, “We blew it. We hope that you can do better.” What I saw today provides inspiration that perhaps all living generations, working together, can effect the needed changes in time.
-Bill at Cheshire Cat Photo
