Don’t be a Bystander

As a history teacher, I frequently find myself explaining to disillusioned teenagers why their voice is important and how they can influence the world they live in. But how can one person make a difference? It’s like a civic bystander effect. What does it matter if I vote, protest, sign something…someone else will do it. My voice doesn’t make a difference. The issue is when we all have this attitude. I’m just as guilty- I’ve displaced social responsibilities onto others. I just did the lupus walk for the first time in four years because I figured what would a few more fundraisers to the cause do, what difference can I make?

This year my team raised $3,145, contributing to the $508,353 raised by New York City alone.

I couldn’t have done it by myself though. I want to thank the following people for their support:

My dear solar jessica, love you! She felt so guilty she couldn’t make it to the walk because she had yoga teacher training. Livin’ the dream!
Mrs. Jessica over at two.thirty.ate! She got me started over here on wordpress! Plus she was an awesome friend all the way back to the high school days when she would hang out with me despite my underclassman status.
Jeremy- history nerds align!
Jaclyn my wonderful camp friend
Allie, you’re a wonderful new friend and addition to the coven.
Nikki and Eddie, my Long Island parents – thank you!
Beth who has loved me all of these years!
Sarah, my beach partner in crime. Warmer days are here!
Steve, Maribeth and Jennifer, you work with my mom but still contributed to this cause. Thank you!
Chris, Maria, Justin, and Victoria- some of the best people in long beach you could have the pleasure of even meeting.
Laura, my work mom, you’re so patient with me! And you know I love you!
Aunt Lori, Uncle Larry, Mommy Carole, Aunt Iris, and dad people should be as lucky as me to have family like you!
Deanna- you’re an awesome roomie, co-planner, and yoga buddy. I’m glad to have you as a friend!
Janine, I knew you were my kind of person the second you made fun of Laur for the same reasons I do. Thank you for your contribution!
Kim, I can’t wait to one day tell people THE KIM donated to lupus for me.
Cristina, you are the English partner I wish I never lost- I miss you girl!
Jhodie, thank you! Us running girls need to stick together.
Laur, you’re one of best friends a person could have in their life. You somehow managed to come on the walk and make it back to a party in one day. I don’t know how you do it, but this is why we all love you.
To the May-iannettas – you have always been a second family to me. Thanks for so much support from a whole bunch of you! I know there’s always a couch to sleep on or a place to straight from the fridge without asking when I’m around you guys. Dee, my sister, obviously I love you!
Cait, I was so, so happy to have you by my side on the walk! You’ve been too far for too long. Love you! And thank you for always being a friend!
John, love you!
Mom, your donation means the world, it’s not even close to the support you have given me over the years.

Being a bystander in life is simple, we can easily assume that others will raise, donate, walk, vote, whatever. Get involved in life and make a difference. Like Gandhi said, be the change you wish to see in the world.

Thanks for helping me change the world.

And hey! It’s lupus awareness month still! You can become more aware! Click me!

Advertisement