Live Kindly, a brand based in Annapolis, began just earlier this year and is dedicated to spreading kindness through all generations young and old. This brand was created by Dave Neely who, after the birth of his children began to realize the impact of living a simple kind life. The goal of launching this brand says Dave is “to make a positive difference” and for people “to pass their kindness onto people they touch day in and day out”. Simply put at the core Live Kindly is about the little acts of kindness, such as holding the door for someone or even just saying “please” and “thank you”.

On their website, www.livekindly.com simple products such as shirts, hats, pins, and stickers are available that encourage people to start a conversation about what kindness means to them and the impacts of living a simple kind life. Dave says that he plans to introduce more products “that have fun, simple but impactful messages about kindness.” Soon more products such as coffee mugs, tote bags, magnets, dog collars, and much more will be available for purchase.

When Dave began to create Live Kindly he knew of multiple organizations that had made a positive impact in his life and he wanted to ensure that a percentage of Live Kindly’s profits went back to these organizations. Every time a purchase is made you get to choose the organization that you want your purchase to benefit. The causes that Live Kindly supports are Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, GRREAT (Golden Retriever Rescue Education and Training), and SCUTE (South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts). When Dave and his wife had their second child they discovered that their son was born with severe Hydronephrosis. When doctors recommended surgery their son was admitted to Johns Hopkin’s hospital where he received excellent care and attention. Dave discovered GRREAT nine years ago when he adopted his second golden retriever- Hogan. GRREAT is run solely by volunteers and places approximately 100 Golden Retrievers each year. Lastly, Dave found SCUTE while visiting Litchfield Beach, South Carolina. Also solely run by volunteers, SCUTE is dedicated to sea turtle conservation. Before assisting in hatching and releasing these turtles, the volunteers take time to explain the hatching process and take any questions. All of these organizations have given something to Dave and his family and now through Live Kindly he is able to give back to them.

Since Live Kindly is about sharing kindness there are many ways that you can become involved. First, you can send “kindness in action” photos or stories to admin@livekindly.com. Each month a favorite story will be selected and the winner will receive a special gift from Live Kindly. Second, you can follow Live Kindly on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest @welivekindly to learn about new ways to spread kindness and sales going on in their store. Third, periodically volunteer opportunities will be posted on their site so make sure you check back occasionally. Fourth, spread kindness in your daily life and be the person that others look up to.

Lastly, always remember this Japanese proverb: “One kind word warms three winter months.” and Live Kindly in ALL you do…Everyday!

By Claire Jackson 4/2017

This time of extreme uncertainty in our country is difficult for many especially teens. Often we hear conversations in the halls at school and then go home and turn on the news and hear another. It is difficult to find our place in this chaos. Through all of this we must continue to voice our opinions and concerns even if it seems as though are we are not powerful enough to make a difference.

On Saturday, January 21, 2017,around one million people gathered in Washington DC and millions of others around the US and even more worldwide to voice their concerns and advocate for their rights. This march originally named the Women’s March on Washington was meant as a way for people to come together and advocate for women’s rights as the new administration was just getting to work on their first official day in office. Although this march began just to advocate for women’s rights it also turned into a rally for LGBTQ, abortion, African American rights, and much more.

I attended this march as a young women who wanted one message to be sent to the world “We are always stronger together”. After the recent election that demoralized women, the LGBTQ community, and many different races this message is important to me because while we may feel defeated and powerless alone when we understand what our neighbor is going through we can combine our beliefs and experiences and turn that into positive change.

Originally it was estimated that about 200,000 people were going to be in Washington for this march and that estimate more than doubled to 500,000 the night before the march. When I first arrived at the mall I had many emotions flow through me. To see all of these people from many different backgrounds come together in a nonviolent way was powerful. Just knowing that this feeling of defeat was not just affecting me but so many others.

One of the most powerful things about this march that I experienced was the number of teens that attended. I knew of a few friends that were planning on going; however, I did not think that there would be a great deal of teens there. I realized that this march was a way for teens to get their voice heard and to feel counted.

We as teens are often considered a minority and our opinions often not acknowledged or accepted. From experience, I know that it is difficult to express your opinions when all the adults around you think of your opinions as less than theirs. While we may not have as much experience or even be able to vote, most of the issues that are being voted on directly affect us.

In order to change this pattern teens must form a community with others teens who understand and support what the other is going through. Doing this is so important because when bonds are formed positive change occurs. No matter what you support, advocate for, or are going through it is critical that you find someone who feels the same way and connect with them to build healthier relationships.   

By Claire Jackson 1/2017

Lets face it: thinking about college is quite stressful. With all the work we already have to for school and our other extracurricular activities it seems as though thinking college is put on the back burner. Let me tell you, this is not a good thing. The earlier you start thinking about college the better.

There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t be thinking about college especially in your sophomore and junior year with your college advisor at school, free guided tours at every college, and online information for you explore. It is never too early to start touring colleges because the earlier you start the more schools you can explore and the more likely you are to pick the perfect fit for you.

When you are ready to start looking at your options after high school there are a few things to keep in mind. One, start by exploring your interests and see what type of college might be a good fit for you including law school, a liberal arts college, culinary school, and so many more. Amongst all the pressure to pick a major right away, there is absolutely no reason why you should have one picked out right away. Many colleges won’t allow you to pick a major until you have completed a certain amount of credits at that school to ensure that you are exploring all of your interests and opportunities.

Two, going on your first college tour is always the most exciting; however, don’t get caught up on one school and stop looking. You may think that the first school you toured was the absolute fit for you; however, you never truly know until you have explored other options even if at first glance they seem less favorable.

Three, most graduating high school students want to go to a college far away from home to have more freedom. While this works for some, it can be a struggle for others who are very accustomed to always living in one place. Don’t be afraid to look at in and out of state colleges no matter what you think you want to do. There are may stigmas that going to an out of state school is more expensive, and while this is true, there are also many scholarships that colleges offer for out of state students.

Four, take advantage of school/community sponsored college trips. Many of these sponsored trips do come at a fee to you for transportation and occasionally hotels; however, it is a great time to really dive into the college process and yes have a fun road trip with your friends. Trying to go through the college process alone is very difficult, it is always better to go through it friends.

While going through this process with friends is always better you must understand that you and your friends will most likely not end up at the same college. This is why it is truly important for you to find a college that you like both academically and socially. On a tour you get a glimpse into life on that school’s campus and explore the opportunities they offer outside of academics.

Fifth, when on a tour DO NOT be afraid to ask questions. Your tour guide will most likely be a student at that school and who better to ask questions to than someone who knows exactly what you are going through and already has had the experience of attending that school. You may feel intimidated by all the students on campus but understand that they were in your shoes just years before.

Looking at colleges is a big deal and is an exciting experience so be sure to take it all in and truly enjoy the experience. While at times it may be stressful just know that there are many resources available to you to help you with the process. Never be afraid to ask questions to anyone and always make sure that you are focusing our your interests and looking at what colleges you are interested in not what your friends are.

By Claire Jackson