When it comes to education we lose kids by the thousands yet seem content with saving them in the tens. It’s a start but not nearly enough.

The reason to not get the media involved is because there is so much crime in a large city like Chicago that the media doesn’t care until a major crime has happened and has no jurisdiction anyway.

I recently spoke to Mayor Daley about getting the police involved, and he explained to me why the police don’t get involved. I won’t get into it here, but what he told me really changed my entire perspective on how dangerous it is to become a police officer in the city, and why they have trouble retaining good police officers, which brings the entire force down and is why you hear of so much corruption within the system. The whole thing reminds me of Gotham City in Batman Begins.

And you’re right. No one needs four types of cereal. And change isn’t as simple as leaving a comment on a blog.

Why don’t you guys make a difference in the neighborhood? Known gang leader? If you are so sure, why not get media or police involved? You let it happen, that is why it happens.

Also, no one needs 4 different types of cereal.

I think people often forget that there are so many little things that we can do that can help make this world become a better place. Your friend is doing something very honorable by providing a great and safe education for her students. I currently have 10 “students” of my own who work with me at Future Delivery. I’m trying to teach them everything I know about entrepreneurship, business, and social media so that they can one they use these tools to do something great for society.

When I started blogging, your blog was one of the very first that I started reading. Your writing has really helped me become a better blogger and inspired me to create a company that will help Millennials become more productive while having fun at the same time.

- Jun Loayza

Its been a while, I like the new site design. I’m curious, you know me being from Chicago (Inner city guy) and all, to the area your friend lives in? I should add, not sure if you remember, but I’m currently in Tulsa, OK. I’m pursing a MA in Judaic Christian Studies. Anyhow, I agree, community involvement is huge but we must avoid the trap of Western society that tells us to build high fences, to keep to ourselves and so forth. I used to work in a rough community located on Spading and Jackson, yeah, I think those were the streets. South side of Chicago. Take care out there, hope everything goes well. I hope the situation improves for both of you and the communities you represent.

Vanessa, thanks for the link! Sam is great.

Thanks so much for posting this. It has been something I have been thinking about and struggling with recently.

After graduating college, a few of my girl friends went into the Peace Corps and Americorps. I hold such reverence for these organizations and the people giving their time and effort to help people around the world. Although I realized these organizations weren’t for me at this time in my life, I learned that sometimes it is the simple things that you can do each day that matters.

I used to think that there was so much that needed to be done and I didn’t know where to start, so I didn’t. I finally realized that making the world a better place starts with yourself and the people around you. Sharing your talents, your capabilities, a smile or a coffee with your friends, co-workers, and neighbors can make a difference. I know it has for me when I needed help.

Even though your occupation may not be “helping people” directly, it doesn’t mean that you as a person aren’t. Like you said, it is only through holding each other up through community that we can truly change the world around us.

-Carla