Dear Youth on Kaua‘i, When I write this column I always think: You matter to me. You may one day be the nurse who delivers my grandchild, the person who takes my trash away, the policeman who stops the robber
Dear Youth on Kaua‘i,
When I write this column I always think: You matter to me. You may one day be the nurse who delivers my grandchild, the person who takes my trash away, the policeman who stops the robber from hurting me, the friend who tells another friend that he’s too drunk to drive home and saves my life and his or hers.
You may be the president who finally brings about peace in this world or the mother who raises that president. You may be the surfer who saves a loved one from drowning, or the one who helps my mother cross the street with her packages. In an instant you may become a hero by being in the right place at the right time, for that’s how most heroes are made. Their hearts brimmed with courage enough to act bravely to help another in desperate need.
You may be the janitor who keeps the lab spotless for the scientist who finds the cure for cancer, or be the scientist who finds it, or the truck driver who drives it to the hospital. There is importance in all things. Only ignorant people who don’t know any better look down on others. But now you know. Everyone matters.
I believe each of you came into this world with a desire to be here and with the desire to make it better by your being here. You matter and the dream for your life matters. It’s your job to find the highest dream for your life.
Just as a carpenter needs a teacher to teach him/her the skills of how to build a house, so you need teachers, mentors and concerned others who will support your highest dream for your life. I encourage you to ask caring adults for help when you need it.
The people who are listed at the end of this column represent a vast group of concerned adults who have agreed to be there to answer questions that you have and help you get the support you need.
You matter. You will make a difference. We listen and we care.
• Annaleah Atkinson is the Teen Court manager for Hale ‘Opio Kaua‘i. She can be reached at aatkinson@haleopio.org, or Hale ‘Opio Kaua‘i Inc., 2959 Umi St., Lihu‘e, HI 96766. Last week’s “In Your Corner” article entitled “Ice isn’t nice” was also authored by Atkinson. If you have questions or comments, e-mail lbishop@haleopio.org.
