Always Anna

Every once in a while, someone comes along that inspires you to be a better person.  Someone that makes you want to fight harder for the things you believe in.  Someone that not only talks the talk, but can walk the walk. 

I have been lucky enough to befriend quite a few of these people, and I really do believe that they have made me into a stronger, more well-rounded person.  Okay, okay, I’m getting cheesy.  But bear with me.

I’m sure that, like me, many of you were horrified by the devastation that Hurricane Katrina wrought.  I’m sure many of you, like me, have devoured news stories about the aftermath, donated money, and complained about the ridiculous response (or lack thereof).  And I’m sure that, like me, that’s as much as you were willing or able to do. 

But then there are people like my friends Dan and Cori.  People who are sacrificing their time and their salaries to do more.  A little over two weeks ago, my friend Dan took a month-long leave of absence from work (unfortunately unpaid, but I still love BU for allowing their employees to do things like this without sacrificing their job) to go down to Mississippi and help with the rebuilding effort.  Last Friday, Cori went down to join him (again, thanks to her organization for allowing her to take a combination of vacation and “volunteer” time without sacrificing her job).  And, glory be, Cori is going to track her experiences on her new blog!  I’d like to take credit for the blogging part, even though I had nothing to do with her decision, because I’m the only geeky blogger she’s friends with (that I know of).

Anyways, they have made me think about the importance of contributing time and energy into the things you believe in.  So look out Boston - I’m looking for somewhere to volunteer!