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.