Why Giving Back Is So Rewarding!

I wanted to share this clip (link is below & posted separately) of the last visit of "Tra & Alana's Reading for Life" program from last July '09. The kids did not know Tra would be there so they were so surprised and happy to see him again as he had been traded to another team! The students were given certificates from participating in our reading program and a book. There is an interview with my partner, Tra Battle, at the end of the clip that means very much to me.

I have had a wonderful journey since creating my own mentor-ship program by working with those less fortunate in so many ways like encouraging kids to become better readers, offering a scholarship program, mentoring them to aspire to set positive goals in life and to make healthy lifestyle choices and doing as much as I can to continue to support other charities as well.

Another wonderful gift, when volunteering in the community is meeting amazing individuals like, Tra Battle, as he is one of the most incredible people that I have had the opportunity to meet. My mom and I miss Tra very much as he has brought much joy into into our lives as his character and qualities as a human being are most remarkable! The interview touches on a story about Tra befriending a 15yr old girl with cancer, and her family, while on one of his many regular visits to the hospital, when there were no cameras around because Tra did this from his heart and not to get recognition. This friend of Tra's, past away a few months following our Easter visit, after she lost her battle with cancer so the subject was very emotional for all of us, yet, we wanted to share the story, and compassion of Tra Battle, an incredible human being with a very big heart ... a friend forever!!!

It warms my heart to know when I put a smile on someone's face as that's how I feel when I think of Tra who puts a smile on everyone's face! Just imagine, as young change-makers, while we are fighting so many issues that plague our communities, what a difference we can make, if even for a moment, to put a smile on their face, some hope, in their hearts so that they can have the dream to have a better life!

A huge thanks for Norma Russel Medina of NP3 Video Productions in San Diego for making this amazing video possible!!!