#30 Joe Opatowski

Something we can learn from the life of Joe is that even if we have nothing, we can still help people. People don't need money or things to be happy, they just need a reason to be happy. Even if it just means having a good, long laugh, or someone saying something that makes you feel like a good person. When you see someone with less than you, don't think that they are sad are depressed, they might be happier than you because they truly enjoy the small things in life. They find joy in seeing trees blooming or flowers growing while you might just see it as something that always happens. Joe had nothing, but he gave everything that he could to make others happier.

#27 Oprah's Story

Her story is amazing. She had an experience in her childhood that stuck with her through her whole life, and when she was able to, she gave other children a memory that will last for the rest of their lives. I think Oprah is a fantastic person that deserves to be respected by the whole world. She has done so much to help the less fortunate while other celebrities just bask in their own glory. You never hear about bad things that Oprah has done, only the good things, because she doesn't need to constantly be in the tabloids to feel good about herself. I do think that her big heart brought her the success she has now. Sure, she probably did a lot to help herself before she was financially able to help people to this extent, but the good things that she did gained her the respect she has from so many people. The respect that she gained is what gave her that success.

#26 Monarch Park Collegiate

IDCI can learn that even if something seems like it won't work because people are too different, those differences are actually what can make something work. The kids at the Monarch were so different, but when they found something that they were all passionate about, they ran with it and everyone came up with different ideas. They all helped to do something great. Another thing that IDCI can learn is that even if we think we need more than we can give, we probably really don't need it. There are people with no school and we complain about not having enough Smartboards. Like really. There's something not right about that.

# 24 Lions and Tigers and Zebras.. Oh My!

The lessons of the zebras can be applied to life at IDCI because people need to realize that although they can still be themselves, they can't survive on their own. You always see those people that sit in tiny little groups because no body is 'good enough' for them, but what they don't realize, is that other people don't really care. They know that have a small secluded group that doesn't accept others will eventually breakup, and the people within it will have no where to go because they took part in that seclusion. Meanwhile, the people in these big groups that accept everyone, are just waiting for those people to accept others. I think people in IDCI need to realize that their small little group, probably won't make it through high school without accepting others. The zebras all pack together so they can protect each other but also protect themselves. By allowing others to get close to them, they are benefiting in two ways. First of all, they are protecting themselves, but they also have the pride of knowing that they are helping to protect someone else.

#29 Festive Fun

During the last weeks before school ended for holidays, Courteney and I organized the "Human Christmas Tree'. We cut head holes out of green felt then attached Velcro to ornaments. We had groups of people race to see who could decorate their 'Christmas tree' faster. The ones that participated seemed to enjoy themselves quite a bit.
I also participated in IDCIdols. I was in the 'Evolution of Dance' video with other leadership students and I also sang with Brittany. Everyone that watched Idols looked like they were very happy with how awesome Idols was this year.

#25 Belonging

I feel like I belong in my CYAC group. This connection is important to me because I have met so many great people through this group and we all have a common goal, to help kids in the hospital. CYAC is sort of like my second family, especially lately. We have been working/volunteering together more lately, what with our handwashing music video and the Ball. These people are definetely helping to make me a better person.

#23 Oscar Pistorius

I think it's fine that he competed at the Olympics, but I don't think that he should have been allowed to complete in the Paralympics too. I think that he should have had to choose between one or the other. NOT BOTH. Being in the both the Olympics and the Paralympics should not be allowed because it completely contradicts. If you're eligiable to compete in the Olympics, you should no longer be eligiable to complete in the Paralympics. I just don't think it works.