Sometimes I turn on the news, hear a story and wonder, "What is happening to this world?" or "How did humanity end up like this?" or "What happened to that person that made them do that?" I think we all have those days. Unfortunately, there seems to be more bad news on the news than good.
In college I was a communications major. I thought I wanted to become a journalist. I used to say that I wanted to anchor the Today Show. After finally finishing all of my pre-rec courses I was able to take my first journalism class. I knew, even before sitting in my seat for the first time, that this class was the start of my future. I had no idea how that class would help shape my life later on.
My first assignment was to pick a topic (any topic) that I felt had an affect on campus. I don't remember what topic I picked. I don't remember who I chose to interview, but I do remember what my professor said when I turned in the first draft. He advised me that "although this is a good story, it is the bad news that sells papers. So try to find the underbelly of the story." The underbelly? I didn't want to find the underbelly. I was 20 years old. The world was still good to me. Not every story had an underbelly. I wasn't ready to take off the rose colored glasses. It was then that I decided that I didn't want to make my living looking for the negativity in the world. I wanted to work for the good and see the good in the world. This experience helped shape me. I don't think I knew it then, but I believe now that this experience helped me drive towards working in the non-profit industry.
Sometimes, not often, but sometimes a news story makes the rounds that brings a warm feeling to my heart. Sometimes, not often, these stories make the rounds nationally. It is these stories, people and life experiences that bring tears to my eyes; that show me not every news story has an underbelly. News stories like this prove that there is good in the world.
There is good in this world. It is up to us, as human beings, as people who want to help make a difference, to find those stories and share them. To show the media and today's children that good warms the heart, that good draws attention, that good brings ratings too, that good is cool!!
So please if you see someone do something good, share it! That is all I ask; just share the good.
