Last week’s Newsbytes contained a link to The Adaptable Mind, a beautifully produced 11 minute video connecting the characteristics of Curiosity, Creativity, Initiative, Empathy, and Multi-Disciplinary Thinking with the ability of humans to flourish and contribute to the world. Integrated in all aspects of a Waldorf education, it is easy to see these characteristics in our students.
Out of her own initiative Julia Macdonald (7th grade) has taken on the role of a Youth Ambassador for the American Diabetes Association - a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the lives of people with diabetes by preventing and finding a cure for the disease. Julia was diagnosed with diabetes in 3rd grade.
Her class teacher Ms. Arnold told me “Julia is a doer. She has always had a lively interest and curiosity in the world around her. Being proactive and fully engaged she took the initiative to understand, own, and manage every aspect of her disease. Julia has stepped into a new role – one that will impact not just herself but other children and adults too.”
In her new role Julia told me she will “give presentations, help raise money for the cure, and sing the national anthem at events throughout the year.” Julia reflected that all her drama and choral experiences at school and summer camp have given her the confidence to speak to large groups of strangers. “…. But it’s not just drama … I’m on the Social Action Committee and Yearbook Club at school too, so I know about people and what is important to them. Ms. Arnold gets us to talk to visitors when they come into the class – so I’m used to answering all sorts of questions about different things.”
It doesn’t stop there – with her family backing her, Julia plans to raise money through the ADA Tour de Cure bike ride AND use her speech at the event, Waldorf-inspired jerseys and much more to promote her school – the Waldorf School of Baltimore. Please back Julia as she supports her school and others with diabetes. Click on the link, read Julia’s story, and give her your help - let her know she has a community behind her as she steps into her new role. For more information or questions contact Julia’s dad, Tyson Macdonald.
"Thinking is easy, actings is difficult, and to put one's thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world."
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
- Written by Pat Whitehead, Executive Director