sp215+Improving+Our+World

**//No Grime, No Crime//**
===**Imagine a world where no one ever did anything even remotely nice, kind- hearted, or generous to anyone. Ever. Imagine a selfish world where everyone was too involved in themselves to care about anyone or anything around them. Extinction of the only living organisms ever discovered in the history of the universe would be looming near. Now, remember all of the great people, who stepped up and distinguished themselves by making a difference, who were and are in our world today. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Mahatma Gandhi; Alfred Nobel; Thomas Edison- these are the people who come to mind, among others. In my opinion, Anne Frank's quote, "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world," means that people do not have to wait to start helping to improve the world, and they can do a variety of things. You can improve the world around you by teaching others what you know, taking responsibility to solve a problem, and becoming involved in the community. **===

===** First of all, a helpful act to perform for others is to teach them what you know. For example, in the novel //Holes//, by Louis Sachar, Stanley Yelnats II finally, after uncountable failures, discovers a way to recycle sneakers. Even though it took a really long while, accompanied by landlord troubles, he finds the perfect solution and shares it with the public. He made a difference in the planet and was selfless enough to share it publicly. Similarly, I can instruct beginners to learn to play chess. You can also contribute to the world, even if it is on a smaller scale. Make a difference! **===

===** Secondly, you can take responsibility to solve a problem. In the novel //The Pinballs//, two foster parents adopt three children to give them a loving and caring home. Many orphans would greatly appreciate that, and even if you can't go as far as to adopt a child, simple things like picking up litter, donating money or clothes, etc. can still make a difference. **===

===** Becoming involved in the community is one of the best ways to improve the world around you. A famous example of genuine dedication to helping people in need is Alex's Lemonade Stand. As the name implies, a girl named Alex started a lemonade stand, but unlike many of its kind, she donated all of the money she earned to charity. That's a lot of money! The stand is now a business, a store, and a flavor of its own. In my own experience, I have raised money selling snacks and dinners to people who attended an annual fundraiser program for a non- profit organization committed to helping handicapped children in India have an education, while learning how to do everyday tasks with their disabilities. We raised over $800, in addition to all of the donations made! Those children can look forward to a better future because of this program. Imagine what the world would be like with everyone doing their part to improve it. Wow, what a place! **===

===** Even though many people have in some way helped to improve the world, //everyone//should strive to do so. It may not seem so at first, but everyone can do something for the greater good of the planet. How will you help? You can improve the world around you by teaching others what you know, taking responsibility to solve a problem, and becoming involved in the community. **===