se115+NJ+ASK+practice

=**Just A Little Bit of Change Today**=

==Imagine being born in early 1900's, the time as Anne Frank. Would you feel secure trying to tuck away, disappear, and hid from the Nazi's sight? On the edge, everyday, worrying that they might find you. Which could mean you will never see that outside world again. At least, Anne Frank made the most of this time, as possible and was always hopeful. One of the most famous Holocaust victims was Anne. She was a hidden child at the age of thirteen, while most everyone else was in a concentration camp. In her comfort was her mom Edith Frank, her father Otto Frank, and her sister Margot. During this time she became famous and all of that writing is her claim to fame. A quote she once said was, "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." In other words, she is saying that anyone can make a difference in this imperfect world, not just adults, or celebrates. People can improve the world around them by: using information you know and putting it to good use, taking responsibility to solve a problem, and becoming involved the the community.==

==One way how people can improve the world around them, is by using the information you already know to teach others. In the novel //Holes// by Louis Sachar, for example, the protagonist, Stanley, at first was selfish and did not really care for any of his fellow camp members. While he was minding his own business, he figured out something that shocked him. Zero can not read or write! Instead of being snobby and stuck up, he took the time to stop and slowly explain every letter one at a time. Not only did he improve Zero's life, he improved the atmosphere in the camp. Stanley gave Zero a friend... himself! Think! If someone really helped you wouldn't you think they changed your life? One thing I could possibly teach others to do is how to be nice. Believe it or not, I have actually had people come up to me and ask how they could be kind. As usual, I said I would help. Most people never stop to help others, but just think if you teach one person how much that can change the world. ==

==Stopping and taking responsibility to what is surrounding you is another way you can improve your community. Have you seen //The Blind Side//? Just to remind you, it is a movie based on Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy who takes under their wing a homeless teenager named Michael. This kid had no foundation under his building, but Leigh did not give up. Leigh took charge and turned his whole world back upright! Imagine if you needed that help and you got it! Wouldn't you think that they were giving the world a whole new hair style? One way that I could do that is if I see someone getting bullied in school. I could stand up to that bully and get him to back down! Not with harsh words, but kindness. Even though students usually don't see responsibilities they could do, if they pay more attention it could change someones life.==

==Lastly, you could become involved in the community. My parents have someone come and do yard work. He is like a handy man! Well, he has a daughter who came to America not so long ago and did not know how to read and her family did not have much of surplus of money. Unlike most teenagers, I did not just ignore it, instead I took my time and taught her the alphabet. Now she can read! Also, I am fortunate enough to have tons of clothes and books. So, as soon as I get too mature for a book or too tall for my clothes, I give them to this girl. Now, her father tells me, "All of Ruthy's friends say she has the nicest clothes in school." When I first met the family I felt a responsibility to help them and it was the right time for me to get involved. Not only did I help the little girl, but I lifted a bolder off her parents shoulders. You may help out in the community once in a blue moon, but you could always help in little ways when you have spear time. ==

==Imagine a world were nobody cares or helped others. Cars would be stolen, windows would be broken, the air would be polluted, weeds would infest the yard, people would be staring at the ground not just slouching, houses would be drenched with spray paint. Also, people would be injured, and the soup kitchens would have no food, helpers or shelters. Now, dream! Dream of a world where everybody cares. It would be a world with little troubles and little dangers. Which one would you want? You probably want the world where everyone is passionate. But that won't just show up with magic. We have to get our hands dirty and make the world into a better place. All we need to do is to give the world a little bit of remodeling, like a fresh coat of paint! ==