BlinkNow

 As I was searching for something good to share, I came upon an article written at the beginning of the COVID pandemic last year, 2020. One click led to another, and another, and... I ended up on the BlinkNow webpage. Below is the beginning of their story, taken directly from their website:

OUR   STORY

Our journey starts on a dry riverbed in the foothills of the Himalayas, where one young woman decided to help one young girl, hoping to make one small difference. In the blink of an eye – and with a lot of hard work from a lot of people – that hope turned into a home, a school, and a community dedicated to building a world where children are safe, educated, and loved.

To read the rest of their story and the changes they are bringing about, please click on BlinkNow. The work they are doing is incredible. We can help their work in various ways, and we don't have to leave home either.

If, however, this is not your cup of tea, look around you and find ways to touch the lives of those in your vicinity: hold a door, smile to a stranger, sincerely compliment a friend or coworker, help carry/load groceries. The possibilities are endless. Yes, some people may look at you in disbelief and, perhaps, concerned that you might have ulterior motives. Do good anyway. You never know the ripple effect a random act of kindness might have.

From CNN/MSN

Today's positive news comes from CNN posted on MSN.

This news is about a high school senior who is planning to donate the money he saved up for college to another high school senior.

You may wonder why he wants to give away his money...
The reason behind his decision is a full ride scholarship to the college of his choice. He has the first year covered and, if he qualifies, he will be receiving this scholarship the following three years. 
With the price of college these days, this is a very sweet deal.

Kudos to him for earning the scholarship and double kudos for deciding to turn his savings over to another student. 

You can read more about this student on the MSN page. 

Alena Analeigh

You might ask, "Who is Alena Analeigh?"

Alena is a wonderful 12 year old girl from Texas who just graduated from high school. Yes, you read that correctly: she graduated from high school at 12 years of age. She is planning to attend online classes at the Arizona State University with the goal of achieving a double major in chemistry and a branch of space science. 

                                                          This picture is from her FB page

Since she was a little girl, she dreamed of working for NASA as an engineer. NASA has already contacted her, although no details are available at this time, and Alena is hoping to be working for them, once she has graduated from college at age 16. 

What makes her so special is not only marked by how smart she is but also by, among other things, how she unselfishly thinks of others. She has "launched the Brown Stem Girl website to encourage other girls with similar interests to focus on fields from which they’d been historically excluded." (from Good News Network) 

I invite you to click on the Good News Network link and read more about her. 

She truly is an amazing and inspiring young woman and I can't wait to see where life will take her.

If you do a Google search for her, you will see that she has Facebook and Instagram accounts, YouTube videos, and other articles covering her story. You will not regret learning more about Alena Analeigh and being inspired by her actions and feats!

The Power of Yet

 I would like to think of  "The Power of Yet" as the good news for today.

I know I have been silent for quite a few years. Teaching full time (versus being a paraprofessional) has surely taken up all my spare time. However, this hiatus has not been in vain. For example, one of the things I have learned about is "The Power of Yet!"

What is the power of yet? It is a great way to turn a negative thought into a positive statement.
Let me demonstrate!

I love bread. I really do.... however, I am a terrible bread baker. I am capable of burning even the frozen rolls that you buy at the store and all they need is cook time in the oven. 

Picture taken from Being Ron

Now, I can say "I cannot bake bread" and feel miserable about it OR I can say "I cannot bake bread, yet!"

What is the difference?
The first statement is a negative one. Who wants to keep on trying after this kind of thinking?
The second statement is a positive one as I am just reminding myself that I can learn and I can become a good bread baker. I am just showing kindness towards myself and allowing myself time to learn. 

This power of yet can be applied not just on ourselves, but also for those around us: "he/she does not (fill in the blank), yet!

Such a short word with such a powerful impact. It can help us be more patient with ourselves and others. It teaches us to keep on trying as the time will come that we will succeed. It is a word that gives hope, looks into the future, and encourages us to endure. 

I believe that allowing the word "yet" in our lives is awesome news. What do you think?

Picture taken from SCAS Connections