I’ve recently had the privilege of reading through stacks of applications from kids all over Atlanta. To say I am touched by the compassion of these kids is quite an understatement. Sophia, age 9, writes “helping other people makes me happy.” Caprice, age 15, wants to “help the kids whose parents cannot afford for them to play a sport.” Avery, age 8, explains she’s “always dreamed of helping the homeless.” These kids just want the opportunity to help others. They are actually applying to make a difference in this world.
I also had the privilege of meeting Olivia, one of our applicants and now Kids Boosters. Out of stacks of applications, Olivia’s grabbed my attention. She writes “I’ve always been passionate about music and always wanted to know how I could give less fortunate kids a chance to experience music like I have.” Olivia wants to raise money and awareness for “Little Kids Rock” which is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping public schools with their music programs.
Like other kids, Olivia’s mother encouraged her to play piano as a child. And like most kids, one day Olivia decided that she no longer wanted to play. However, her mother encouraged her to keep practicing and even gave her the opportunities to try different instruments. Not only did Olivia continue to play music, but she started to truly enjoy it. Today, Olivia is almost 15 years old, plays multiple instruments and has a passion like no other to truly change the culture of music in public schools.
When I met with Olivia, she explained the correlation between music and higher test scores, increased creativity, and higher grades in high school. She talked about the programs that Little Kids Rock offer and the difference they make. They give kids focus and purpose. They get kids excited about coming to school. The give kids a sense of accomplishment and pride. When she spoke, I could literally feel her passion. She made me want to take action and make a difference. Her passion was contagious.
She’s only 14 years old and her passion inspired me. She is choosing to do something good to make an impact. She’s dedicated to using her talent to give back to others. She’s a big dreamer. She knows that her Kids Boost project is just one step of many in her mission to bring music back to all schools, but she’s taking the first step. At only 14 years old, she inspired me and I can assure you, she will inspire so many others.
Olivia, like many others, applied to make a difference in the world. Think about that… she applied. She took the time to fill out an application, asking me to help her help others. That’s passion. Contagious passion. Thank you to Olivia and all of the Kids Boosters for having contagious passion!