During this time, I was the teacher librarian for a district teaching K-6th graders. I was committed to being a constant for my students and staff, for providing inspiration in a way, to lighten the load of ‘heavy’ that was all around the globe as the continued challenges of the pandemic surfaced. For me, that meant sharing books and stories to help empower others to see the small shifts they can make to contribute, and shift our own mindset to being impactful. It starts with simple acts of kindness- what can you do to make someone else’s day great? That simple reminder that together we can be the ripples of kindness to shift the energy in the world. There have been so many examples throughout my career where we’ve distilled it down to basic acts of kindness - it all starts there

Every child has those memories about their teachers that stand out. If you were a student in my class you were bound to hear me sing a silly birthday jingle with silly glasses, sometimes a wig, and usually a microphone. It was fun to bring out the silly glasses during the interview and give them a new life. What are those joyful memories from school that stand out for you? Perhaps it is time to reach out and share them, and say thanks. The greatest gift in teaching is seeing your students light up with a smile, confidently doing what they perhaps didn’t believe was possible, and reaching out to someone who needs a little extra smile. Acts of kindness, bold steps to becoming yourselves, and showing your true essence—that’s what it’s all about.

Be Kind. Be Bold. Be You.

As an educator it is always amazing to see where your students go with their passions. Olivia’s interest in writing was evident in third grade, when I had her as a student. Now she’s found a way to use her passion to make a difference in the world and empowers others to do the same. She says, “I think we all have a responsibility to put more good into the world.” And I agree. Go out and be a change maker. The world needs you.

Spark to Empower interviews Olivia Seltzer, a young change maker. Through writing Olivia helps educate her generation with what’s important in the world. She is the founder and editor in chief of a daily newsletter, THE CRAMM (@thecramm), that summarizes the top stories into one quick read that is easy to understand, making it tangible for everyone. Her book, Cramm This Book is written to help her generation (Gen Z) understand the important parts of history that shape today’s world to help inspire them to be changemakers.