"I will not be labeled as average."

Yesterday the entire MMS had the honor of participating in the "Rachel's Challenge" assembly. Rachel Joy Scott was the first person shot at the Columbine High School shooting. Her journals, acts of kindness and life philosophy were shared and have impacted millions of people worldwide.

Here are Rachel’s 5 beliefs:

1. Look for the best in others - eliminate prejudice

Other: Sense of destiny, "I'm going to have an impact on the world."

2. Dream big - write goals, keep a journal

Other: I won't be labeled as average

3. Choose positive influences

Other: reach out to 3 groups: special needs, new students, students being picked on

4. Speak with kindness: words can hurt or heal

Other: people will never know how far a little kindness will go

5. Start your own chain reaction

In class, we stopped to reflect on the assembly through our writing. Students were given ample time in class to process, reflect and ponder Rachel's Challenge. Students wrote about their dreams and goals for their futures; some created their own life code of ethics. Others simply retold the essential information from the assembly. A handful of students shared their writings to the class; we were all moved.

So, the big question for us all is: Will you take Rachel's Challenge today?

For more information, visit Rachel’s challenge link: http://www.rachelschallenge.org/