Day 11: Beary Kind Citizens.. (Go Scott Lane Bears!)

"Scott Lane is a public K-5 elementary school and one of sixteen elementary schools in the Santa Clara Unified School District. The school serves a richly diverse population. Students, families and staff combined at the school speak over 17 languages. About 65% of the students are English learners. Scott Lane offers a K-5 Transitional Maintenance Bilingual Program that prepares students to be academically and socially successful in English and Spanish and fosters pride and respect for cultural and linguistic differences. Scott Lane specializes in differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all students. Children with special needs are mainstreamed into the regular classrooms." (Direct link)

We have a school requirement to fulfill 10 hours of community service each year as a freshman, sophomore and junior. Well guess who got tied down and realized she owed a whopping 10 hours by this Friday... yup; that'd be me.

Well anyways, I decided I would go do my time at Scott Lane Elementary (I went a few times last year and the year before.) For the most part, I remembered enjoying my time there but it wasn't until I got there that I remembered how much I LOVED these kids! They are so awesome- I hardly even felt like I was doing community service! If you ever have some free time- go see them! The only care they have is being first in line for snack or being the next lava monster champion. They are also quite beastly at Dodgeball- it's become quite the tradition to play a few games when Harker kids go to visit them. This isn't any little kid dodgeball either- come prepared to get worked! All in all, you have the opportunity to affect a person's life- to influence them by simply showing them attention and listening to them. The staff is extremely inviting and are always open to new faces to keep the kids occupied. If you go to Harker- shoot Kerry an e-mail: she drives a small group every Wednesday and I'm sure she'd be more than happy to save you a seat.

Oh and I saw this commercial tonight... Fit's the purpose- :) enjoy

Day 10: Honesty is the Best Policy

I'm really enjoying sharing my stories with you guys because I believe it's the result of the multiple texts I've been receiving which detail the good deeds of my friends :) Glad you guys have been up to some good.

This weekend I was in Anaheim (near LA) for a 3 day volleyball tournament. Volleyball games get pretty intense- the refs always have to be on their toes or they'll be called out within seconds. Gyms are usually packed for these tournaments with players, coaches, parents, grandma, grandpa, aunt, cousin, boyfriend..... etc. Well when it comes to reffing calls- they all have their own agenda. I have never witnessed a game where there wasn't at least one controversy over a call. (Basic Volleyball Rules- Just in case you're interested)

So one of the days, we had an absolutely ridiculous ref. He wasn't calling touches off the block which consequently was destroying us point-wise. Just as we started to forget how horrible a ref he was, he'd make a horrible call and remind us. Frustrating? I think so.

Well unfortunately, our ref didn't get any better and we really had no benefits from the experience but it reminded me of something extremely similar that happened AT Harker!

I wasn't able to attend as many boys' volleyball games as I felt I should have last year, but I believe this story took place during our own Harker boys volleyball tournament in the Blackford gym. Harker was playing Bellarmine in a pretty intense (from what I heard) game. Volleyball, during tournaments, is usually best out of 3 games- First 2 games are scored to 25 and the last game; to 15. You must win by 2 so sometimes these numbers are higher than the standard (I've seen games go to 30..) But anyways after losing the first game, Harker was pushing hard during the second game in hopes to take the match to 3. A call was made during the final points of the game in Bellarmine's favor. But just as soon as the Harker boys' faces dropped because of the loss, they also gained hope.

A blocker from Bellarmine made his way to the ref to admit a touch on the ball- ultimately handing over the point back to Harker. Now, Bellarmine won in the end anyways, but what he did is not common in competitive sports. Dan Molin loved this story so I'm sure if you want better details from someone who was right in the action, feel free to shoot him an email.

So in volleyball, they always say 'offense wins games- defense wins championships.'
Life obviously doesn't revolve around volleyball, but it is a game- you can't cheat life.

Day 9: iPhone= blogger fail

So I've been in LA since Thursday afternoon so I haven't been able to blog. And to be honest, as amazing as a thing my iPhone is, it sucks at updating my blogs. So it's your turn :) what good deed have you done/ witnessed this weekend?

Day 7: "Because it's Wednesday"

Day 6: Selfless Donations

So you've seen those 'Adopt-a-Highway' signs right? On the side of the road as you go to school, or to the mall, or home?

Well, Adopt-A-Highway Litter Removal Service of America, Inc. provides their service to around 13 different states. Any company, big or small, can pay monthly fees which go towards cleaning designated sections of certain highways. In return for their good service, Adopt-a-Highway advertises the companies who donate on common roadsigns-broadcasting to anyone who drives by, their good deed.

I really admire programs like Adopt-a-Highway- people who realize the importance of cleaner cities. But of course, the story goes on.

One of my favorite memories from freshman year included one of these signs. My boyfriend at the time, Mark, would point out this one particular sign. I guess I didn't fully understand what he was trying to say until I started seeing more of these signs. After we drove by, he'd always start to talk about how that sign gave him hope for humanity in general. I always tried to figure out what was different about that particular sign, weren't they all good deeds? Couldn't they all potentially give you hope?

This sign was different though, it wasn't donated by McDonalds, Starbucks, NASA, anything we know. It was closer to home. It was a citizen donation- it was anonymous. Purely just a random act of kindness. Quite literally, the advertisement part of the sign was filled with the text "Random Act of Kindness." There wasn't anything that needed to be advertised other than the fact that we need to keep our cities clean, for the sole purpose of respecting our community. The simplicity of that sign really hit home. We all have our part- instead of a good deed, let's turn trashless cities, clean air and general generosity into an expectation that we can hold on ourselves and towards others.

I don't remember the location of the sign but I'm going to try and get that information from Mark and i'll definitely post it once I get it. Please keep an eye out for it, I promise that you'll smile every time you pass by.
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update: "It's 85 S from Mountain View...the on-ramp to get on 280... adopt a highway by- random act of kindness" -Mark

Day 5: TapiocaExpress-ing Kindness

Last night, a good friend told me that my ideas jump around too much- she noticed this when reading my previous post.. "Danielle, if they don't get you- they won't get you... you can't write like you think and publish it on the internet.... it's just not a good idea." I understand what she's saying- so bear with me on those random thoughts- they'll all come together somehow but if not, shoot me an email :) I'll try to translate it into normal English for you. But on that note, here's today's random ramblings...

Today was one of those "Monday" type of Mondays... even though it was really Tuesday... but not really because we have college counseling tomorrow which is usually on Tuesdays, but tomorrow is still Tuesday just with a Monday schedule.... sometimes Harker makes no sense to me... But anyways, everyone deals with a bad day differently....punching bags, bowls of Ben&Jerry's, kicking a printer (Office Space, anyone?), screaming into a pillow, working out so and so on.... me? I have PMT -aka Pearl Milk Tea- to ease my bad days.

This whole blog craze started as an assignment for my journalism class. Our wonderful instructor (Mr. Dangerous Daren) has introduced us to all aspects of journalism; print, broadcast, and now online. The first night after we were assigned the blog project, I went home and made my blog... the next day Mr. Daren went through the blogs- projecting each site to our whole class...

The blogs were all adorable ideas and happy topics :)...

Puppies :)
Cupcakes & Baking :)
Whinny's Wishlist :)
Starbucks :)
Music :)
....ABORTION... ?

yeah... my first topic was going to be about abortion. "FML."

But I'm glad to say that I'm happy with my resulting topic.... good deeds. At first, when my mom and I were discussing it, I was worried that there would be days were I wouldn't be able to find anything good enough to write about.... and I'd have to make something inspiring and hopeful up myself..... but my trip to Milk Tea this afternoon proved me wrong.

As I walked to Tapioca Express, I was trying to think of what I could write about that would be good enough for tonight's post.... little things from the day were coming to mind but nothing was really clicking as legit enough to write about. I started remembering the cliche examples my mom was giving me about good deeds- carrying grocery bags across the street for old ladies, holding the door for people, handing back dropped cash... yadda yadda. All the typical good deeds you would expect. But please, those things are so boring and predictable.....

Well as stereotype as it was, I naturally held the door open for 2 SJSU students who were behind me, also on their way into Tapioca Express. It was awkward because I was obviously there first but since I had held the door open, I walked in behind them so they were trying to let me go first but it was no words just awkward hand movements that were trying to decide what order we were going to go..- catch my drift?

I let them go ahead, I wasn't in a rush- besides, I can never decide between peach, almond or regular flavor.... so I motioned them to go ahead. So when I got to the counter, I ordered (almond... in case you were in suspense) and handed over my money. Christina (the lady who works afternoon shifts at TapiocaExpress- yes I go there way too often), handed me back 2 out of the 4 dollars I had given her to pay for my drink...ummm okkkk? I handed them back.... because she's obviously out of it today... it always costs $3.49. She gave them back to me a second time and pointed at the guy leaving TapiocaExpress, "he left his change to go towards your order... I only need $2 from you today."

I stood there for a moment and then yet again handed her the $2.... Christina was frustrated but before she could say anything I told her to add my change to his for the person behind me. The money wasn't what I needed to brighten up my day, the simple action had already done the job- there's absolutely nothing cliche about a good deed.

Day(s) 2, 3 & 4: Service Before Self

I've been at a conference since Wednesday so sorry for the delay in posts. The conference was directed around business and it was founded by the Rotarians of San Jose Rotary Club. Out of all the things they taught me, they really pounded a phrase into my mind by saying it and really being a good example of what it means- "Service Before Self"

I was cleaning my room (which if you know me at all isn't saying much) when I came across the pamphlet that was handed out during Mr. Nichol's memorial service. For those of you who didn't get the chance to go, it was a really nice memorial for us. Overall I guess it was just a wonderful closure considering his death was such a hard thing for all of Harker to accept. It was nice seeing everyone and remembering him together.

I guess looking back on the times he was on campus the one thing that always made me smile was watching him walk around. He was never in a rush, and he always took the time to stop and talk to people- he remembered everyone's name. I have no idea how he did it but he truly knew every kid and teacher in our school. It made you feel good every time he said hi to you but I think what made me smile even more was watching him pick up trash. Not that trash is so entertaining to watch being handled but just that he was always trying to make Harker a better place. And he definitely didn't come to Harker in hopes of picking up trash- he has plenty of other work to do but he just did it, because he knew it was right. It's so hard to find that these days.I guess when it comes down to it, he was simply just a humble, morally sound person.

This reminds me of my neighbor and good friend's mom, Marianne Salas. She has a lot of the same traits and habits Mr. Nichols has ... I always catch her picking up trash around Naglee Park (our neighborhood) and she never makes a big fuss about it... Well I guess for Christmas or her birthday, her husband bought her a necklace with a pendent on it. The pendent was a young girl bending down to pick up a diamond.

Which ultimately reminds me of Michael Jackson- you have to change yourself to change the world. The diamonds of our community are truly the ones who have shown in themselves how the world should be.

Day 1: Steak Please

Anyone who has ever complained about the lines at the DMV or at Disneyland has NOT experienced the 'Edge' at Harker during lunch. I usually skip to the salad bar or grab some soup to make my visit short in the hell hole but today I was feeling risky and decided to wait in the mosh pit for the main course because I really like steak burgers. That was a mistake. The usual 25 people crammed into a 4ft x 4ft space, 3 meals served in around a minute and the peanut gallery of 30 more people standing back asking friends to grab them a few plates.... Big mistake. I always thought I would have the art of shoving completely under my belt by the time I was an upper classman. I'm absolutely horrible. I finally slipped my way to the front. Being in the front doesn't make a difference. I was so frustrated, I gave up and started to walk away until I heard my name. The lunch lady not only was personally handing me my plate, but she knew my name. It was by far the nicest thing all day. Got me thinking all day. My goal for when I'm at school: find out her name.